For as long as he can remember, Johnny Marquez has felt at home on the water. Before he could even walk, his parents had him offshore fishing—tucked into a laundry basket between the boat seats. Those early days on the Gulf shaped a lifelong love of fishing, diving and hunting, setting him on a path to protect these places that mean so much to sportsmen.

There’s a saying: “Do what you love. Love what you do.” For nearly 30 years, Johnny has done just that, turning his passion into action. From working with the U.S. Maritime Administration to advocating for conservation policies in private law practice, to serving as Executive Director of CCA Mississippi and Director of Coastal Policy and Programs for the Mississippi Wildlife Federation, he has fought to safeguard fisheries, habitats and access for sportsmen.

Now, as Senior Manager for Sportsmen Advocacy with Vanishing Paradise and the National Wildlife Federation, Johnny is working to unite sportsmen in the fight to protect and restore critical coastal habitat. He knows that hunters and anglers are the original conservationists, and their voices are key to ensuring a future where healthy fisheries, waterfowl populations and wildlife thrive.
The Gulf Coast has faced its share of challenges, from devastating hurricanes to the Deepwater Horizon spill. But with the right investments and the support of the outdoor community, transformational restoration projects can become a reality. Johnny is eager to work alongside fellow sportsmen to make that happen—and to spend as much time on the water as possible in the process.