Board of Directors

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Nicole Jacobs is the Founder and Executive Director of ReelCovery, a faith-based program dedicated to addiction recovery through fishing and community outreach. A passionate angler, devoted mom, and seasoned professional, Nicole’s life and career have been shaped by her faith in God. After the loss of her father in 2012 and a life-changing mission trip to Nicaragua in 2013, she found renewed purpose, fueling her career in the fishing industry.

Nicole made waves by fishing for Walmart, showcasing her own rods in their stores, and speaking at Walmart’s Saturday Morning Meeting, solidifying her role as a respected figure in the fishing world over the past decade. In October 2020, Nicole embraced sobriety, which became the foundation for ReelCovery’s mission.

Nicole believes fishing is more than a sport—it’s a powerful tool for connection, healing, and spiritual growth. As a mother, she brings compassion, dedication, and hope to those in recovery, using her professional expertise, love for fishing, and unwavering trust in God to inspire transformation in others.

2 Timothy 1:7

Dave, being a lifelong resident of Minnesota has a deep passion for the outdoors. He is an avid muskie and walleye fishermen and spends his autumns in the duck blind. Dave is a loving father of 2 children (Dylan and Daisy) and is a dedicated husband to his wife of 13 years, Danielle.

Dave’s sober date is 7/25/23 and he is committed to positively contributing to the broader recovery community, and health and well-being of others, through the outlet of fishing and the great outdoors.

Dave Cotter joins the ReelCovery board as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors. Dave has an extensive background in supporting growth-oriented organizations through his nearly 15 years in executive recruitment across a broad range of industries and functions. Dave is also the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in the Walker/Hackensack MN area where he

lives, near Leech Lake. Dave and his family are very involved in their community.

Mitch Petrie joined the ReelCovery Board as a founding member, having been in the outdoor media industry for over 15 years. As a board member, Mitch brings a vast network of industry contacts and extensive marketing and content-creation experience to the team. 

Having quit drinking on 6/1/2021, Mitch appreciates his new-sober lifestyle and is passionate about sharing fishing and sobriety with friends, family and the community.

Mitch lives in Plymouth, MN with his wife Kristin and their black, lab Luna. Their three sons, Theo (MN), Aaron (IA), and Will (MT), also love to fish and travel as a family.

Jess Vealetzek joined the ReelCovery Board to tackle marketing, having been in the marketing and graphic design field for over 15 years. As a board member, Jess brings extensive marketing, event management, and design experience to the team. She also brings a network of contacts in the fishing and hunting industries to our cause.

Jess' sober date is February 18, 2023. She is grateful to God, her family, and boyfriend for their unwavering support and love during her journey. She loves sharing her story and testimony and encouraging others to start or continue their journey in sobriety while finding a new passion in fishing and the outdoors.

Jess lives in Brooklyn Park, MN with her boyfriend, Larry and his daughter Ashlynn, who will be attending the University of MN this fall and pursuing a degree in Architecture. They love doing anything outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, and camping.

Jeremiah 29:11