Jay Yelas to head CAST for Kids.

C.A.S.T. The Cast for Kids Foundation (C.A.S.T) announced that veteran pro angler Jay Yelas has been named the organization's new executive director. After an orientation period Yelas will replace retiring executive director and founder Jim Owens, who has served in the position for 24 years.

Yelas is a familiar name on the professional bass fishing tour. His notable accomplishments include winning the 2002 Bassmaster Classic, the 2003 B.A.S.S Angler of the Year and the 2002 and 2007 FLW Angler of the Year. Additionally Yelas won a 2003 ESPN Espy award in the Best Outdoor Athlete category.

“I am thrilled to be the new Executive Director of C.A.S.T.” said Yelas, whose list of angling accomplishments in a Bassmaster Classic win in 2002, a B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year award in 2003 and FLW Tour AOY titles in 2002 and '07. “I've been a member of the board of directors for nearly a decade and am very familiar with what this unique organization does to help brighten the lives of special children all over the U.S. I look forward to continuing this great work and getting to know the hundreds of volunteers that make C.A.S.T. such a great organization”.

Said Owens: “What a great fit for C.A.S.T. I feel very comfortable turning the reins over to Jay. He knows our mission, is a very caring person and dedicated to what C.A.S.T. does. Jay will help to move the foundation forward to even higher levels”.

In addition to dozens of fishing events for children yearly under the Cast for Kids and Fishing Kids programs, C.A.S.T also runs several events for active-duty and retired service men and women under the Take a Warrior Fishing program introduced in 2012. Founded in 1991, C.A.S.T. is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit.