ASA Moving Ahead Strong in FY 05
by
Mary Jane Williamson
March 7, 2005—ALEXANDRIA, VA—In continuing to
deliver high standards and quality services to its members and the sportfishing
industry at-large, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is off
to a strong start in FY 2005 with several new staff members and a realignment
of current staff.
Among the new staff are Carol Forthman - Ocean Resource Policy director
(x244), Mary Jane Williamson - Communications director (x227), Brad
Fisher - Communications Assistant director (x222), Jesse Graytock –
Future Fisherman Foundation PE Grants coordinator (x224) and Patrick
O’Rouke – Government Affairs (GA) Policy fellow (x230).
The new hires bolster an already impressive staff and include new positions
dedicated to serving members needs expeditiously and seamlessly. Carol
Forthman, charged with directing ASA’s ocean policy initiatives,
has degrees in law, biology and ecology and has spent over 19 years
practicing environmental law. The Communications department has gained
close to 25 years of experience with communications and marketing head,
Mary Jane Williamson and Assistant Communications Director Brad Fisher.
Williamson brings close to 20 years experience with nonprofits and associations
while Fisher has spent the last five years in public affairs and public
relations in Washington, D.C.
Jeff Bloem (x247) is now the full-time FishAmerica Grants coordinator
having worked previously for both the FishAmerica and Future Fisherman
Foundations. Bloem will be working with the NOAA Restoration Center
partnership and other conservation grants. Jesse Graytock joined the
Future Fisherman Foundation as PE Grants coordinator. Deanna Wood, (x228)
former GA Policy fellow, joined the Finance & Administration team
as Administrative Services manager. Patrick O’Rouke is the new
GA Policy fellow.
“This is a very talented group of folks who I know will add greatly
to our core team here at ASA,” said Mike Nussman, ASA’s
president & CEO. “ASA is committed to serving our members
to the best of our ability and this new group will be a tremendous asset
for us in our future endeavors.”
The American Sportfishing Association is the sportfishing industry’s
trade association, uniting more than 600 members of the sportfishing
and boating industries with state fish and wildlife agencies, federal
land and water management agencies, conservation organizations, angler
advocacy groups and outdoor journalists. The American Sportfishing Association
safeguards and promotes the enduring social, economic and conservation
values of sportfishing.
