Don Kleiner Executive Director of the Maine Professional Guides Association

Don Kleiner has taken the role of Executive Director for the Maine Professional Guides Association. Association President Jeff Bellmore said “The Board of Directors is pleased to have Don on board and looking forward to working with him to move the Association forward.” Founded in 1979 the Association is the oldest and largest organization of guides in the state of Maine. The Association is composed of Registered Maine Guides who strive to enhance the standards of the guiding industry. They are professional guides dedicated to promoting a quality, ethical and legal outdoor experience for all.

The Association is continually monitoring new and proposed legislation that affect the guiding industry, the fisheries, wildlife and the natural resources of the state, and other areas that have potential impact on the profession. The Association and its members strive to maintain credentials and qualifications that exceed the requirements of the law.

A guide since 1984, Don Kleiner has long history of working for conservation and the outdoor recreation industry. Don has worked for the Maine department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife as Director of Information and Education, the Ruffed Grouse Society as their New England Regional Director and recently as lobbyist for the Maine Bowhunters Association and the Maine Chapter of the National Wild turkey Federation. Don volunteered as a Board member of the Maine Conservation School, and currently is the Board Chair of the Maine Tourism Association. Don is a former officer of the Maine Professional Guides Association; serving as both secretary and president before becoming the Association’s legislative liaison in the 1990’s.

Kleiner operates a guide service in Union, Maine Outdoors that offers a variety of fishing, recreational and hunting services. Kleiner continue to work as a guide in addition to serving as the Executive Director.