Richard Martinez, Chapter Chair (Jupiter)
Richard Martinez has been a volunteer with BHA since 2018 and currently serves as the chapter Chair. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast and Gladesman, Richard is passionate about the Everglades and is an advocate for restoration. Richard has been a guest on The Hunting Public and Meateater Podcasts and is featured on Meateater season 12.
“Exploring the Everglades and it's unique subtropical habitat has been one of my life's greatest passions. Inspired by the recreational opportunities on public land here in South Florida, I have developed a deep appreciation for it's distinct ecology. Unfortunately this rare ecology and access to it are under constant threat. BHA represents to me an opportunity to defend these wild places with the support of a group I can confidently call my tribe.”
David Rodriguez, Vice Chair (Tallahassee)
David's love for the outdoors began when his parents took him to Yellowstone as a child. He grew from being a Cub Scout to becoming an Eagle Scout. He is an avid fisherman and got into hunting in his 20’s while working at Bass Pro Shops. David loves to fish, spearfish, hunt, backpack, and camp and has also mentored many friends to fish and hunt as well, sharing his passion. He is currently the regional sales manager for Wynwood Brewing Company in Miami, and is married with three kids (two daughters, 13 and 8 years old and my 14-month-old son) and has a cat named Lt. Dan.
Eliot Silbar, Treasurer (Orlando)
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Eliot grew up along a creek on the St. Johns River and spent his youth fishing on his family boat. Eliot worked in the machine shop at the University of Central Florida and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Physics. After moving to Texas for his career in the R&D department of a semiconductor manufacturer, he tried archery for the first time and discovered a love for the precision that only an arrow in a bullseye can offer. He now resides in Orlando, FL, where he spends his free time exploring nearby public lands. The challenge of hunting along with an appreciation of the intrinsic beauty of Florida's wilderness drives him to perfect his skill and protect the lands so vital to the sport.
Kevin Seeley, Secretary (Fort Lauderdale)
Kevin is an Air Force veteran who grew up on Florida’s east coast, where surfing, diving, and deep-sea fishing shaped his lifelong connection to the outdoors. For most of his life, he knew Florida primarily through its beaches and coastal waters and was largely unaware of the incredible public lands and wildlife habitat found throughout the state.
In 2023, he began hunting, opening the door to a side of Florida he never knew existed. Exploring its forests, wetlands, lakes, and wild places gave him a deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting them.
Today, he dedicates his valuable free time to defending Florida’s public lands, waters, and wildlife. He believes these places belong to all Floridians and should remain available for future generations. He is especially passionate about protecting the wild Florida that many residents don't even know exists—and ensuring it remains wild for those who come after him.
Todd Weaver, Communications Chair (Jacksonville)
Todd Weaver was born and raised in Fayetteville, GA and was introduced to hunting and fishing at an early age by his father. Fishing for bass and panfish in a farm pond and hunting quail in soybean fields set him on a lifelong outdoor adventure that has included fresh and saltwater fishing across the Southeast, duck hunting along the Mississippi River, and hunting for whitetail deer on public lands in Georgia and Florida.
Todd moved with his family to Jacksonville, FL in 2025 and is an assistant professor of marketing at the University of North Florida. He continues to enjoy hunting, fishing and backpacking on public lands, and he is passionate about conserving our wild places for future generations of hunters and anglers.
Matt Brett, Fundraising Coordinator (Kissimmee)
Matt is a Navy Veteran, former FDNY Paramedic, and works as an Operations Manager, who brings a mission-focused approach to the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Florida Chapter Board. An avid hunter and angler, Matthew views natural resource stewardship as a direct extension of his lifelong service.
He dedicates his free time to BHA because wild public spaces are irreplaceable. For Matthew, hunting teaches responsibility, self-reliance, and respect for nature. Knowing these lands face threats from habitat loss, he is committed to mobilizing Florida's sportsmen to protect habitat, preserve public access, and ensure future generations inherit the Sunshine State's rich hunting heritage.
George Zaragoza, Social Media Chair (Orlando)
George is a PhD candidate in Integrative and Conservation Biology at the University of Central Florida interested in connecting wildlife research with boots-on-the-ground stewardship. His research applies genomics and spatial ecology to challenges in wildlife management, including predator–prey dynamics and urban adaptation in large mammals. He has shared this work through presentations at national conferences and outreach with conservation organizations. He began hunting in his 30s after learning the value of the North American Model of Conservation, getting involved with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers in 2020 to learn before taking the leap himself.
George values hunting as a way to build a reciprocal relationship with the land, taking from it with respect and giving back through stewardship. He enjoys trail running in Florida, camping, hunting, and fishing. George is committed to expanding access to hunting opportunities for people from all backgrounds through hunting education, habitat restoration, and public advocacy for current and future generations.
Todd Reichert, Board Member (Orlando)
Raised in Kissimmee, Florida, Todd attended the University of Central Florida while simultaneously serving in the Florida Army National Guard. During his time in the military, Todd discovered a passion for the outdoors. He has since left the military and now spends his time exploring public lands, fishing, and pursuing small game. When he’s not in the woods or on the water, he works to conserve Florida’s unique landscape and introduce others to its quiet beauty.