Board Members

Erika Burkett President
My name is Erika Burkett, and I was elected President of the Bay County Artificial Reef Association (BCARA) in May 2025. I began my career as a NOAA Observer aboard tuna and swordfish vessels, then transitioned to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as a Fisheries Biologist. Later, I spent six years with the Florida Department of Agriculture as an Environmental Specialist. Over the years, I have seen firsthand the dedication—the blood, sweat, and tears—it takes to be successful in the fisheries industry. I am deeply committed to doing everything in my power to help sustain our fishery, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the resources we have worked so hard to protect and preserve.

Capt. Mark Kelley Vice President
I am Capt. Mark Kelley, the owner and operator of Kelley Girl Charters and the Vice President of BCARA. For over 100 years, my family has worked in the fishing industry. In 1985 I began running fishing charters. I now own and operate two vessels here in PCB, the Kelley Girl and the Lady Kelley. In 1987 I began building artificial to help our fishery. The need for public reefs is out there. We must be responsible stewards of our fishery and help sustain our valuable resource. Reefs are the way to do this.

Pam Anderson Secretary/Treasure
I am the Operations Manager for Capt. Anderson’s Marina in Panama City Beach. I have been working with my family in the Fishing and Cruising business for over 50 years.  I am the Secretary and treasure of the Bay County Artificial Reef Association and one of the founding members. I have represented the fishing industry on the Bay County Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee since 2007 and the Gulf Consortium as an appointee by the Governor.  I have represented the Bay County area’s fishing community on issues with the Federal, State and local governments. I was presented the 2011 Bay County Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year award for my efforts on fishery issues, as well as the 2013 First Quarter Small Business Award from the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce. My family and I continue to support the industry by providing NW Florida’s premier facility, Capt. Anderson’s Marina, for tourists and locals alike to access Bay County’s fishery through Head boats, Charter boats, Guide Boats, and dive boats.

Capt. Jason Barrow Executive Board Member
Hi, I’m Captain Jason Barrow, but you can call me ‘Choppy’. I was born in Panama City, Florida in 1980 and have lived in PCB my whole life. I grew up surfing, fishing, skateboarding, snorkeling and diving. I graduated from Bay High School in 1998 and started my maritime career in 1995 as a deckhand for the Panama City Dive Center. I earned my Captains license in 2000 and have worked with Island Time Sailing, the Sea Screamer and Airboat Adventures over the years. I have spent 13 years running research vessels for the Boathouse at our local Navy Base before purchasing the Panama City Dive Center in 2018. These days, I am actively involved in local ecology, educational and educational programs, particularly focusing on restoring our artificial reefs after the impacts of Hurricane Michael.

Capt. Bob Zales, II Executive Board Member
I am Capt. Bob Zales, II. My family moved to Panama City in 1965 and started our for-hire charter and commercial fishing business. At one time we had 5 vessels. My mother was the success behind our business where Dad and I operated and maintained our vessels After they passed in ’23 I retired and sold our last boat after 58 years in the business. I am now the Executive Director of the Southeastern Fisheries Association.
I became involved with the BCARA when Capt. Bill Archer worked with the county to establish the artificial reef zones for private reefs. I am one of the original members of BCARA.

Capt. Erich Barber Executive Board Member
I am Capt. Erich Barber, operator of the Capt. Anderson IV out of Capt. Anderson Marina. I have been a head boat captain for 15 years! I joined BCARA to assist with reef building and help restore our local fishery for both fishermen and divers alike. We must work together to re-establish Florida’s natural resources, which our economy so heavily depends on.