Meet The Board

Jake Kuchenmeister

I currently live in Cambridge, MN—married, with 2 kids.

For 10+ years, I've co-run Minnesota Made Outdoors, and before that, I coached youth hockey for 10+ years. I miss being able to connect with the kids and trying to be a positive influence in their lives. It was never about the X's and O's, but more about teaching them to be better young men and women. Being able to pair my love for fishing and coaching through Future Anglers of Minnesota has me very excited about where we can take this and the positive impact we can have on Minnesota's youth.  

Paul Ghizoni

Growing up in Minnesota, I was fortunate enough to have a best friend whose family grew up on a small lake in suburbia where my love for fishing was born. To this day I still recall several excellent days of fishing as a kid! These days I enjoy chasing panfish, walleye, and the occasional bass. My wife and kids commonly join me on the ice, so constant action is best for me and my crew! I love exploring new bodies of water and expanding my footprint every year. I feel very fortunate to have met so many good people and gained many great friendships through the fishing world. I love fishing amongst others because I enjoy competition and learning from others. Let's set some hooks! 

Tony Dahlberg

Fishing and the outdoors have been a lifelong passion, and sports instilled my competitive nature. Joining MN Made Outdoors fishing league in 2015 helped fuel my competitive side, but the opportunities to give back through the group, began to evolve my true focus. My firstborn arrived in late 2019, and in 2020 I caught wind of the idea to start a nonprofit. Children have a way of changing a person, and mine have certainly had a heavy influence on why I wanted to focus on MN Youth Anglers and their future in the sport. This eventually lead to the creation of FAM in 2021 and our mission has been, and will remain, providing MN Youth Anglers a lifetime of education, support, and mentorship through the network of amazing people that surrounds Future Anglers Of Minnesota.

Meranda Gonska

I currently live in Breezy Point MN and am married with 3 kiddos, Erin (21), Justin (17) and Khloe (11). My husband Joe and I have Pelican Lake Fish house rentals and guide service in Breezy Point MN. Joe and I both grew up with fishing being a huge part of our childhood. Neither of us had much growing up but we both had families that loved to fish not only for recreation but also to put food on the table. We both had several different fishing mentors that played big roles in our lives and we learned a lot about life through fishing. We are very passionate about getting kids out fishing and offering that same mentorship to them! We are so excited to bring FAM to the Brainerd lakes area!

Dan Rollings

Dan has been a tournament angler in Minnesota Made since 2017. He's also a realtor and a FAM Corporate sponsor.

Diane Scott

Diane Scott has fished all her life around the Upper Midwest fisheries & loves targeting the elusive walleye. Diane has participated in both open water and ice tournaments, attended fishing clinics and has worked with multiple Pro anglers on the water to learn and fine-tune her competition fishing strategies. 2023 marks her first year as a co-angler on the NWT. Diane actively supports FAM and loves to help get kids out fishing! 

Vanessa Kaiser

My name is Vanessa. I'm from Buffalo, MN. I have two kids. My passion for fishing began on my Grandpa's dock when I was a 9 years old. My family are all avid fishermen. I love all types of fishing, but bass is my favorite fish to target. I tournament fish for bass with another female angler. I was fortunate enough to have fishing passed down to me.  I want to pass the fishing skills I've learned down to kids. I remember what it was like when I started fishing as a kid. One of the most significant benefits of taking kids fishing is the opportunity for them to connect with nature. Fishing teaches kids to appreciate the natural world around them. It helps them develop an appreciation for conservation and environmental stewardship. Future Anglers of Minnesota is a great place for your child to learn how to fish and meet great mentors. Let's have some fun & catch some fish!

Meet the Directors

Kyle Lynn

For me, fishing is more than a sport that fills up a Saturday morning. I started fishing when I was 19 at a local lake in Cambridge, MN. That rapidly evolved into having a cabin on Mille Lacs, working within the fishing industry, and now guiding part time for fun. I have 2 kids of my own, Anna (12) and Benjamin (10) and live in Saint Francis, MN. I really enjoy traveling to new lakes and trying new things and the further the drive the better it is since traveling is half the adventure!

I love teaching people and helping them to hone their skills as anglers. I have been fortunate to have some of the best mentors in my life and paying it forward, to me, is the best way to pay homage to them.  

Working with Future Anglers of MN to help give kids an opportunity to experience and build a passion for the outdoors has been incredible to say the least.

Let’s make some memories!

Ashlee Just

Ashlee was born and raised in Ramsey, MN, where she currently resides with her 3 children. She was introduced to fishing at a young age by family members and is still one of her favorite ways to spend time with her loved ones. Although Ashlee has been on the water for most of her life, fishing didn't become an elevated passion until about 6 years ago. The positive impact this sport has had on every aspect of her life, fuels her drive, motivation, and excitement to share the passion, knowledge, and camaraderie with our youth and other anglers.

Meet the Directors