The Billfish Foundation

Staff Members

The Billfish Foundation is comprised of staff members with backgrounds in law, science, ocean management, and recreational angling. Meet them here. 

The Billfish Foundation

Current Staff

Ellen M Peel, J.D. LL.M.

President
Ellen manages and leads TBF’s operations; coordinates development of conservation and management strategies with the Board of Directors, staff, and consultants; provides media interaction; serves as the primary interface with the Board and conservation partners and represents TBF before all levels of fisheries management organizations.

Peter Chaibongsai

Director of Conservation Programs
Peter oversees all of TBF‘s Conservation Programs - Science, Policy, and Education. Oversees TBF’s cornerstone program - TBF‘s Tag & Release Program; researches marine policy issues; and assists in cultivating strategy with key conservation partners; oversees TBF’s volunteer/intern program and provides educational and outreach assistance at special events.

Adrienne Katz

Director of Operations
Adrienne joined TBF in 2014 as part of her studies at the University of Miami. Today, she is broadly responsible for operations, from angler recognition and magazine production, to ensuring the bills are paid. Like all who work here, she aids in the preparation of special events that TBF organizes or maintains a presence.

TJ Morrell

Science/Education Specialist
TJ joined TBF in 2022 after working at NOAA in their observer and commercial logbook programs. Today, he is responsible for the tag and release program and developing educational and outreach materials. Like all who work here, he aids in the preparation of special events that TBF organizes or maintains a presence.

Addie Spain

Constituent Development Specialist
Previously a Student Ocean Program intern, Addie Spain is thrilled to be continuing her time with TBF. She moves from an intern to TBF’s Constituent Development Specialist will allow her to further her passions, namely fostering a strong relationship between sportfishing and conservation. She believes that open communication between TBF and its volunteer anglers is the first step in bridging the gap between science and local anglers.

Jackie Martinie

Membership Associate
Working with TBF since 1999 as a vendor for our mailing and shipping needs, Jackie has officially joined the TBF team full time as a Membership Associate and we could not be more excited to have her onboard. Her experience and knowledge within the shipping and mailing industry over the past 35 years has been instrumental to TBF’s success. Any time our anglers, captains, and supporters received tags, swag, and gear, it was Jackie handling it behind the scenes.

Racine Prinzo

Constituent Engagement Specialist
A dedicated ocean advocate, Racine channels her passion into supporting the conservation of billfish species and supporting the anglers who share her love for them. She holds a Master’s degree in Marine Biology and Ecology from the University of Miami, where she conducted research on the perspectives of speed restriction zones along the U.S. East Coast. Through creative dedication, Racine is committed to elevating TBF’s profile and amplifying TBF’s mission.

Learn More about the people behind TBF.

TBF’s board consists of some of the most passionate individuals within the recreational angling community.
Behind the scenes, TBF works with scientists and consultants who make our mission possible.
TBF's Winthrop P. Rockefeller's Student Ocean Intern Program awards students who support billfish conservation and believe in responsible fisheries management.
Ask about joining our team at The Billfish Foundation to become part of a dedicated group of individuals working towards the preservation and sustainable management of global billfish populations.

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