Board Members

Executive Committee

Del Stephens

Chairman

Del's angling obsessions began on the high lakes of Oregon's Cascade mountains. It was here the brilliant colors of the early morning sunrise enlightened his love for the outdoors and today it's the offshore waters of the Pacific that lure him away from his daily activites of owning and operating Dura Industries in NW Portland. His passion for helping the hungry makes it easy to split his time between his company and the Oregon Tuna Classic getting away with his wife Weddy for the occasional trip to the coast and out on the water.

Bud Hosner

Vice Chairman

While my daily life consists of negotiating contracts in the commercial real estate industry my true love is in sports fishing. Shortly after moving to the NW in 1995, I fell in love with the Oregon coast and the wonderful fishing opportunities it has to offer. In 2004, my wife and I came up with the idea of catching fish and donating them to the hungry within our community. While our first attempt did not produce the results we had hoped for, we changed our focus and with the help and support from dedicated friends The Oregon Tuna Classic was born. From what was a dream has now become a reality and I am proud to continue donating my time to be a part of its continued success

Mike Jespersen

Vice Chairman

As a life-long Oregonian, and one that was raised on the deck of commercial and charter boats, the ocean and offshore fishing is a passion that has given much to my family; income, food, and most of all, shared experiences with friends and fellow anglers. I am very proud to be a part of the team that helped move forward the Hosners original concept and turn it into the Oregon Tuna Classic. Between traveling for business as a Regional Manager for a US manufacturing company, owning and operating a successful charter fishing company, and having a young son, time is a valuable commodity, but the OTC is always on my mind. I am extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish as a group of friends and anglers, and it is my privilege to be able to give back to the community by donating my time and services in order to help others in need.

Advisory Board

Doug Christie

Treasurer

Born and raised in Oregon, I own and manage an industrial roofing company, and cultivate a rooftop tomato garden at our Portland location. My passion is for the outdoors-hunting, hiking, mushroom picking, and saltwater fishing. From my family I learned a deep concern to help feed the hungry, and I am proud to donate my time and resources to the efforts of the Oregon Tuna Classic to benefit the Oregon Food Bank.

Mark Lindquist

Sponsor Coordinator

I called the Pacific Northwest my home in 1999. Before that I lived in too many states to keep track. Currently, I am a commercial airline pilot with an office that has a view of the world. When not flying, I am either fishing or driving my better half crazy. This is my second year volunteering my time for The Oregon Tuna Classic. My current involvement includes generating sponsors for each year's events. I am honored to be apart of an organization that is actively "Reelin' in Hunger."

Dean Ferguson

Ilwaco - Port Captain

Growing up I realized early on that fishing was my passion in life. I also became aware that in order to fish when I wanted, I needed an income to support my habit. I attended OSU where I received a degree in Engineering - my current occupation and one that has me in all parts of the country nearly every week. My first OTC event in Garibaldi was more of a "grudge match" between my crew and the talented folks on Tuna Time. I'm proud to be part of an event which has grown from 13 boats that first year to what it is today. It's a real honor to be able to donate time to an event that helps so many people.

Greg Elliott

Being an AVID outdoorsman and growing up on the Oregon coast all my life, has presented me with many opportunities related to the outdoors. Since 2002 I have been fortunate enough to use my accounting degree and business background in the finance department of G. Loomis. Being an avid fisherman and being employed by a premier rod company, has afforded me the opportunity, honor and privilege of spending my free time fishing and volunteering with the OTC, an event and charity which hits all to close to home growing up on the coast.

David Strickland

Wrestling CNC machines as an owner of Pentagon EMS is what puts the gray hair on my head Monday through Friday. Weekends and evenings are spent with my wife Andrea and one year old son Cason. I was one of the few that donated fish when Bud first came up with the idea, well before the Oregon Tuna Classic was born. It's been great to be involved with an event and volunteers who care to put so much back into the communities where we work, fish and raise our families.

Jim Pex

Charleston Port Captain

Jim Pex," Junior" as the locals know him has been fishing the saltwater since his father snuck him out of bed at the age of 5. Now at 33 he resides in Coos Bay and owns J&A Engineering as a professional Civil Engineer. He also owns a new 6-pack sportfishing compay called Offshore Adventures and runs the boat in his spare time. Jim's family are always outdoors when not at work and is lucky to have a wife that complains about not being able to go tuna fishing weekly. The time Jim spends on the OTC is just an extra bonus in giving back to the local community. "What's better than to go fishing and help out at the same time?" We hope to see everyone on the water this summer!

Roger Cook

Electronic Media

Currently and for the past 30 years I have been working as a equipment engineer in the semiconductor industry. I spend a good deal of my off time fishing. In 2005 and 2006 I was a participant in the OTC tournaments. I was so impressed with the effort being put forth by the volunteers of the OTC that I wanted to help in anyway I could. In 2007 I became part of this great team and their wonderful cause.

Walter Chuck

Newport Port Captain

Fishing has always been a big part of my life, whether it is from the docks and piers of the SF Bay Area, banks of the Mulchatna River or off of Oregon's Central Coast. My family and I have been residents of Newport for 7 years and enjoy the outdoor opportunities and sense of community. My family is involved with activities that support the local community including the Food Bank. When I was asked to help with the Newport leg of the OTC I saw it as another opportunity to help those who need assistance in my Community. I am proud to be involved with these people who have chosen to take what they love doing and turned it into something gives so much back.