Jeff Kopaska Selected as Next AFS Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2024

Contact: Beth Beard, bbeard@fisheries.org
(301) 453-5818

JEFF KOPASKA NAMED NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY

August 26, 2024 – Bethesda, Md: After a nationwide search, AFS President Cecil Jennings has announced that Jeff Kopaska has been selected as the next Executive Director of the American Fisheries Society (AFS). He will succeed Doug Austen, who will be retiring in September 2024 after 11 years in the role.

Kopaska was most recently Fisheries Biometrician for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. In this position, he performed a wide range of responsibilities including designing, developing, and managing data systems, web sites, and technology products; communicating and engaging with stakeholders; supervising employees and assisting in fisheries management activities, project development, and grant writing; and performing fiscal and planning activities including contract oversight and budgeting.

Prior to joining the Iowa DNR, Kopaska held various research and science roles at Iowa State University. He holds a BA from Dordt University and an MS from Iowa State, and is a Certified Public Manager.

Kopaska is already a well-known and active AFS member. He was President of the North Central Division and the Iowa Chapter, President of the Data and Technology Section, President Elect of the Fisheries Management Section, and he has served on numerous committees, often as chair. He has also served on the Governing Board of the Society three times and is currently on the Management Committee.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to find a candidate who is both so well-versed in AFS and also brings such a great skill set to this position,” said AFS President Jennings. “We are confident in his ability to lead the multi-faceted operations of our Society, help us face any current and future challenges, and take advantage of opportunities to grow this historic organization.”

The Executive Director of AFS leads a group of 14 full-time staff engaged in tasks such as scientific publishing, conference management, professional development, membership services, volunteer management, grants and development, fiscal management, and communications. Founded in 1870, AFS is the world’s oldest and largest fisheries science society. The mission of AFS is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals.

“I’m humbled by this opportunity to direct the operations of this prestigious society that I’ve already given so much of my time,” said Kopaska. “I’m looking forward to working with the Officers, Governing Board, and staff to build upon our 150-year heritage of conserving our aquatic resources and serving the fisheries profession.”

“I’d like to thank the Executive Director Search Committee for their thorough yet efficient management of this search process,” said Jennings. “Most of all, I would like to thank Doug Austen for his 11 years of leadership—I speak for the entire Governing Board in offering him hearty congratulations and best wishes on his much-deserved retirement.”

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Caption: Jeff Kopaska, incoming Executive Director of the American Fisheries Society.

Editor’s note: Contact Beth Beard at bbeard@fisheries.org for a high-resolution photo.

Founded in 1870, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) is the world’s oldest and largest fisheries science society. The mission of AFS is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals. With five journals and numerous books and conferences, AFS is the leading source of fisheries science and management information in North America and around the world.