Past Executive Directors

In 1965, a longtime Society goal was accomplished when AFS hired its first full time executive secretary (director). Prior to that, many AFS leaders volunteered their time to handle the Society’s business. For a history of the Society’s executive directors and headquarters staff, see The American Fisheries Society: The Last 25 Years, by Mary R. Frye and John S. Gottschalk, in Fisheries, Vol. 20, No. 8 and AFS Adapts and Remains Relevant in the Digital World, by Christine Moffitt, Robert M. Hughes, Doug Austen, Tom Bigford, Beth Beard, Dan Cassidy, Aaron Lerner, in Fisheries, Vol. 45, No. 4.

• Jeff Kopaska, 2024-present
• Douglas (Doug) J. Austen, 2013-2024
• Ghassan (Gus) N. Rassam, 1999-2013
• Robert L. Kendall, 1998-1999 (acting)
• Paul Brouha, 1991-1998
• Carl R. Sullivan, 1975-1991
• Richard Wade, 1972-1975
• Robert F. Hutton, 1965-1972