Note: Current AFS members will receive voting instructions via email around March 20.
Thank you for the opportunity to be considered for this exciting leadership role with AFS!
BACKGROUND
My passion for fisheries and aquaculture is demonstrated by more than three decades dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems. From 1991–2016, I worked for the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) in numerous capacities, including serving as program coordinator for the state’s fish hatchery system before my departure.
During my time with the IDFG, my experience broadly targeted all disciplines of natural resource management, with specific knowledge and expertise gained in the fisheries arena, including active participation in fish culture, fisheries research, and fisheries management matters. While I worked with many great natural resource stewards on a host of different projects and species, I had the unique opportunity to be directly involvement in saving Idaho’s famed Snake River (Redfish Lake) Sockeye Salmon Oncorhynchus nerka—bringing the population from a few hundred fish in a conservation hatchery designed to prevent their immediate extinction, to a recovery program producing over 1,000,000 smolts annually for the rebuilding of this stock.
I am currently a fisheries biologist with McMillen, Inc., an engineering and construction firm specializing in water resources, where I routinely assist nationwide clients with their diverse fisheries planning, design, and construction needs (aquaculture, fish passage, water conveyance, habitat restoration, etc.).
My resume includes a diverse range of education and experience that deviates from the “typical fisheries career path” that most pursue. I have a BS from Boise State University, where my primary educational focus was anthropology/archaeology. I was employed in the hospitality industry (hotel management) for over 10 years, and I am also a Certified Public Manager with the American Association of Certified Public Managers. When mentoring students seeking education and a potential career path in fisheries, I’m a firm advocate of “Do as I say, not as I do” (have done).
I’m a native of Idaho and grew up in this great state recreating, hunting, and most importantly fishing. Fishing is a “hobby” that turned into a career in 1991 when I was fortunate to work at an IDFG fish hatchery in the Hagerman Valley, the “trout-producing capital of the world.” In addition to a lifelong love of nature and aquatic organisms, my true purpose in life is being a husband to my lovely wife and father to three wonderful children, who are my greatest accomplishments.
25 YEARS OF AFS INVOLVEMENT
Like many members, I was introduced to AFS via local Chapter participation and involvement (AFS Idaho Chapter), which was “strongly encouraged” by my former employer (thank you, IDFG). I have been an active member of AFS since 1999, and my leadership roles within AFS span both the Chapter/Division and Society arenas, including the AFS Idaho Chapter (Fish Culture Committee Chair/Co-Chair), Society Subcommittee participation (AFS Publications Subcommittee, North American Journal of Aquaculture; AFS Distinguished Service Award Subcommittee), as well as all Executive Committee positions with the Fish Culture Section (Secretary–Treasurer 2015–2021; President-Elect 2021–2022; President 2022–2023; Immediate Past-President 2023–present). While serving as Fish Culture Section President, I had the honor of serving on both the Governing Board as well as the Management Committee. These roles have provided me with a comprehensive, hands-on understanding and experience of the duties of AFS leadership at every level.
I consider myself fortunate, both professionally and personally, to have been exposed to AFS early in my career. The professional growth, service, and fellowship provided by AFS have been—and continue to be—an important part of my life. While active participation in the “World’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources,” has been a major career accomplishment, equally important are the people I have met through the organization. I am both honored and excited to have this unique opportunity to help guide the Society and pass on the passion and knowledge that was shared with me.
VISION
I’ll begin with the obvious in this regard; my “vision” for leading the Society will clearly be more of an “enlightenment” during the first 2–3 years of my involvement; we live in a rapidly changing world, and I suspect the “little fires” that we are aware of “in the now” will quickly spread to wildfires as I advance. In simplest terms, my immediate vision will likely build on the challenges and opportunities of those that are currently leading the Society (Second Vice President, First Vice President, President-Elect, President, Immediate Past-President).
Immediate “vision” will clearly require continued focus on critical Society needs that are not new, but remain front and center as we continue to move forward:
- Growth and diversification of the Society. Moving beyond our continued need to address the general decline in membership, short-term actions should continue to focus on ideas to increase membership, understanding the multiple facets that can impact this issue (increased diversity of fisheries disciplines; increased inclusivity and participation of underrepresented member groups that span geographic, social, cultural, as well as generational boundaries). Developing means and methods to address membership growth and diversity are currently underway, but future efforts should continue to focus on soliciting the input and interaction of our members to help guide this key objective.
- Policy development and advancement. The Society plays an important role in local, regional, and global fisheries and aquatic science matters through our demonstrated history of professionalism, sound science, information dissemination, and advocacy. The combined “voices” of our members are heard when amplified through our 150-plus-year-old American Fisheries Society. While understanding the oftentimes fine line between “professional society member” and “fisheries agency employee,” our continued efforts should focus on providing Society and Section “expertise” (when appropriate) to help support policy matters that are critical to the membership as a whole.
- Increased AFS Officer “in person” interactions with Chapters/Divisions/Sections. This vision focuses on the need to maintain Society-level “boots on the ground” with regards to the many meetings and conferences outside of the Annual Meeting. While identified and also a priority of previous Society leaders, these efforts will continue to enhance communication to our members by providing regular, routine updates about Society activities at all levels. As important as information dissemination is from a “top to bottom” leadership hierarchy, the same can be said in the opportunity for AFS Officers to “hear from the field” the many issues, ideas and opinions that are shared in our multitude of Chapter, Division and Section meetings.
- A final vision? I’d be dishonest if I didn’t include the need to “reintroduce” our aquaculture crowd back into the fisheries family as a key personal vision. Like all aspects of fisheries management, aquaculture is expanding at a rapid rate, and it will be important to include the diversity and knowledge of the entire aquaculture community as we help guide and manage fisheries resources in the future. There are multiple aquaculture organizations that meet annually (Northwest Fish Culture Conference, Mid-Continent Warm Water Fish Culture Workshop, Coolwater Fish Culture Workshop, National Aquaculture Association, U.S. Trout Farmers Association, etc.) and share science, technology, and fisheries management expertise. While a small contingent of participants are AFS members, I will strive to promote information sharing between all organizations as well as highlighting AFS membership benefits to nonmembers in an attempt to strengthen aquaculture participation and enhance the future of our industry.
I am truly honored to be considered for this nomination and would appreciate your consideration as a candidate for the AFS Office of Second Vice President.
