Paddling News

Martin Bartles took the helm of the American Canoe Association at one of its most turbulent times.

Bartles, 47, was named director Dec. 1, as the organization was in the midst of planning for its move from its longtime Springfield headquarters in Northern Virginia to Fredericksburg.

By RUSTY DENNEN

Martin Bartles took the helm of the American Canoe Association at one of its most turbulent times.

Bartles, 47, was named director Dec. 1, as the organization was in the midst of planning for its move from its longtime Springfield headquarters in Northern Virginia to Fredericksburg.

"I'm thrilled to be on board," said Bartles, who was in Fredericksburg last week looking at office space. He replaced Pamela Dillon, who left in September for a job with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

ACA, founded in 1880, is one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country.

"Given that, it's not as well-known as it should be, and what I hope to bring is an opportunity to grow membership and awareness" in promoting paddling and protecting rivers such as the Rappahannock, Bartles said.

Born in Chicago, he moved with his family to Dillon, Colo., when he was 7.

Bartles is a graduate of Regis University in Denver. After college, he moved back to Chicago, where he worked as entertainment editor for the Pioneer Press.

Next, he was hired by America Online as managing editor of its Chicago City Guide, and then moved to Reston as director of AOL's editorial operations.

"I had a lot of marketing and communication skills, and I felt that nonprofits was where I wanted to be," he said.

Until taking ACA post, he was director of marketing and communications for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Bartles has paddled in a dozen states and five countries. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and two daughters.

Article Source: fredericksburg.com