News Release 06/30/06

ASSOCIATION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE AGENCIES NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Washington, D.C. (June 30, 2006) —Today, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies named Matt Hogan , the new Executive Vice President. Hogan, the current Acting Assistant Secretary of Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, will begin working for the Association in August. He will work alongside current Executive Vice President, John Baughman, until September 27.

"It is a great honor to accept this position. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is one of our country's most successful wildlife conservation organizations.  I look forward to working with North America's wildlife agencies, conservation partners, and an incredible staff in continuing the Association's outstanding tradition.”, says Hogan.  
Hogan has more than 18 years working in wildlife management and conservation in the Washington , D.C. policy arena. In the last four years, he held key leadership roles for both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and U.S. Department of Interior . Currently, as Acting Assistant Secretary of Interior he oversees both the USFWS and National Parks Service. He previously served as Acting Director and as Deputy Director of the USFWS.

“Having worked with Matt, I know his policy and leadership experience, skills, and knowledge of fish and wildlife issues will be an asset,” says John Cooper, Cabinet Secretary of South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department and the current President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “John Baughman has raised the bar, and when he leaves, it will be challenging to fill his shoes. However, Matt's long-term interest in the Association, and his ties with many of its members will be his strong suit.”

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is the collective voice of North America 's fish and wildlife agencies at every level of government. The Association provides its member agencies and their senior staff with coordination services that range from migratory birds, fish habitat, and invasive species, to conservation education, leadership development, and international relations. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key conservation and management policies, and works to ensure that all fish and wildlife entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides management and technical assistance to both new and current fish and wildlife leaders.
For more information, visit www.fishwildlife.org .

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