Meet our Board
Behind Cast Hope is a dedicated group of people who believe that time spent outdoors can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life. Our board members bring a variety of experiences, perspectives, and passions to the organization, but we are united by one thing: a belief in the power of fly fishing, the outdoors, and meaningful mentorship.
Meet the people who generously give their time, energy, and expertise to help Cast Hope connect more kids with the outdoors and create experiences they will carry with them for a lifetime.
Adam Brubaker
Adam Brubaker is a business owner, investor, and lifelong outdoorsman based in Chico, California. For the past 15 years he has helped businesses and families through his employee benefits agency, prioritizing integrity, value, and long-term relationships. He also invests in real estate and supports community-focused projects across Northern California.
Married to Melanie, Adam and his wife are raising three boys who share a love for the outdoors, adventure, and family life. Whether fishing, camping, hunting, or spending time on the water, Adam believes some of life’s most meaningful lessons are learned outside.
He is passionate about Cast Hope’s mission to give underserved youth opportunities to experience the outdoors, build confidence, and create lasting memories that can positively shape their futures.
Dawn Bardessono
Dawn was born and raised in rural western Nebraska, where childhood fishing trips to Wyoming first sparked a love of fly fishing that still shapes her life today.
What began with a branch, a piece of string, and a bare hook has evolved into a much more elaborate fly-fishing setup—though, amusingly, the results can feel much the same.
The time her family invested in teaching her about the joys, challenges, and healing power of the outdoors continues to shape her today, including her current involvement with Cast Hope.
With a strong educational foundation in surgical nursing and management, Dawn brings clinical precision, leadership, and a people-first approach to everything she does.
Then, as Mike Tyson says, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
Life took an unexpected turn when her husband passed away from a heart attack at age 47. In the midst of that loss, Dawn stepped in to lead his wine-industry recruiting practice. More than 20 years later, she runs a highly specialized recruiting firm based in Napa, California.
At the heart of who she is, Dawn has a genuine passion for children of all ages. She believes in nurturing curiosity, resilience, and confidence, and she actively supports and mentors young people through both personal and community efforts.
Jarrett Black
Jarrett Black serves as an English Teacher at Rio Linda High School in the greater Sacramento area. Outside of his professional life, he and his wife, Alica, and their two daughters enjoy exploring the natural beauty of California and the national park system through camping, fishing, and hiking. A dedicated member of his church community, Jarrett also spends his time working on his property, staying active through exercise, and exploring his passion for the culinary arts as an occasional event caterer.
Having grown up in a single-parent household, Jarrett personally understands the vital role that outside mentors play in introducing young people to the outdoors. This perspective has driven his involvement with Cast Hope since its very beginning. His own journey into fly fishing began through the influence of friends and other families, sparking a lifelong passion for exploring the world through that lens.
Jarrett's relationship with Cast Hope began on a guide trip when Ryan shared the initial vision for the organization. Jarrett helped launch the nonprofit as a founding board member and served three terms before taking a hiatus to support his daughters during their active middle and high school years. He returned to the board in 2022 as Board President, bringing extensive experience working with underserved youth and a deep, long-term perspective on Cast Hope’s growth from a simple idea into a truly impactful organization.
Mike Curan
Michael Curran is the CEO of Red Top Electric and Point One Electrical Systems, family-owned companies with proud histories of serving communities through quality workmanship, strong relationships, and a deep commitment to their employees. Throughout his career, which spans over 40 years, Michael has believed that successful businesses have a responsibility to give back, invest in people, and help create opportunities for future generations.
An avid outdoorsman with a deep appreciation for fishing, conservation, and the lessons learned through time spent outdoors, Michael is especially passionate about creating opportunities for underserved youth to experience the outdoors in meaningful ways. He believes outdoor experiences help build confidence, character, teamwork, and lifelong respect for nature and community.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and genuine care for others, Michael is committed to supporting organizations that provide mentorship, guidance, and positive experiences for young people who may not otherwise have access to them.
As a board member, Michael brings practical leadership experience, thoughtful guidance, and a sincere dedication to helping organizations expand their impact and create lasting opportunities for the next generation.
Steve Saner
Steve Saner lives in Bigfork, Montana, with his wife, Keely and their three children. He has been fly fishing the waters of Montana since he was old enough to remember. His fondest memories were not just of the fish he caught, but the time on the water with his Dad and Uncle, who were both important role models in his life.
That is why Cast Hope made immediate sense to him. The impact of a caring loving role model changes the course of a childhood. Steve was able to have that in a father and in his uncle, but so many kids do not have the same opportunity. He sees Cast Hope as a chance to offer relationships with kids who may not have that in their life.
Steve brings an operator's perspective to the board. He is a real estate professional with more than twenty years of experience, and the owner of The Washboard laundromat in Bigfork. His experience in business provides him with a unique perspective that he can offer the Cast Hope board: budgets, growth on limited resources, and relationships across the community that Cast Hope serves.
Joe Green
A lifelong agriculturalist, Joe Green was born and raised in Northern California and has spent a lifetime living, working, and playing in the outdoors. From growing up on a cattle ranch with acres and acres of land as his backyard playground to family camping trips to mountain lakes, Joe has spent much of his life outdoors. Those early experiences, along with a deep understanding of all that the land has to offer, have fostered a lasting appreciation for the outdoors and the valuable lessons that can be gained through time spent in nature.
Joe also brings 15 years of experience serving agricultural producers and agribusinesses as an agricultural lender. He has built his career around trusted relationships, sound financial guidance, and a practical understanding of the agricultural industry.
Joe was initially drawn to Cast Hope by the organization’s mission of connecting underserved youth with meaningful outdoor experiences and spent the early years of the organization volunteering at various Cast Hope events. Now a Board Member, Joe brings finance and logistics expertise to the board, along with a strong history of supporting youth and service organizations—whether through his involvement with agricultural organizations such as the FFA or his role as a volunteer with his local church youth group.