Hoskins appointed Assistant Director of U.S. F and W Fish and Aquatic Conservation

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe today announced the appointment of David Hoskins as the agency’s Assistant Director for Fish and Aquatic Conservation. Hoskins, who has more than two decades of experience in wildlife conservation law, policy and advocacy, will assume leadership of the agency’s fisheries programs immediately.
In his new capacity as Assistant Director for Fish and Aquatic Conservation, Hoskins will be responsible for overseeing policy direction and management of the National Fish Hatchery System, fish health and fish technology centers, fisheries management, aquatic invasive species and injurious wildlife, and aquatic restoration programs.
“David Hoskins has spent decades working in the public and private sector to protect and restore fish and wildlife and the habitats that support them. Throughout his career, David has shown the ability to manage complex issues and lead effective organizational change, and I’m excited to have him bring his talents and expertise to our fisheries programs,” said Ashe. “Our nation’s fisheries and aquatic resources face enormous challenges, and I’m confident David will help us meet those challenges effectively.”
The Fish and Wildlife Service traces its origins through the Fisheries Program, which began in 1871 when Congress created the U.S. Fish Commission and President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Spencer Fullerton Baird the agency’s first Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries. For 142 years, the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program’s team of fish biologists, technicians, and analysts has worked with partners to conserve and restore aquatic species and their habitat, develop fishery research and technology, and monitor aquatic trust species across the nation.
The Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program encompasses almost 800 employees nationwide, located in 65 Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices, 70 National Fish Hatcheries, 9 Fish Health Centers, 7 Fish Technology Centers and a Historic National Fish Hatchery. The program is focused on the protection and restoration of imperiled native fish species and aquatic habitat, and has extensive experience culturing more than 100 different aquatic species.
Hoskins most recently served as executive director of the Izaak Walton League of America, one of the nation’s most respected conservation organizations, from 2007 to 2012. In that role, he oversaw all facets of the organization at the national level, including its core agriculture, water and energy conservation programs; fundraising and membership; finance and administration; communications; and a network of more than 250 volunteer-led local chapters across the nation. He led the organization to four consecutive years of balanced budgets, significant net operating surpluses and steady membership growth.
Prior to joining the Izaak Walton League, Hoskins served as vice president for government affairs and general counsel at the Ocean Conservancy, one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to the conservation of the nation’s oceans, marine wildlife and fisheries. From 2000 to 2007, he oversaw a team of attorneys and advocates that worked with Conservancy staff to develop and implement successful campaigns to combat overfishing, protect and conserve marine ecosystems, and recover threatened and endangered wildlife.
Hoskins also served as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division from 1999 to 2000; as counsel to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee from 1995 to 1999; counsel to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries from 1994 to 1995; and as a senior program officer for the World Wildlife Fund from 1992 to 1994.
He has also served as executive director of the Appalachian Mountain Club, and worked for the Environmental Defense Fund and in private practice as an attorney.
Hoskins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, a Master’s Degree in forestry from Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut, and a law degree from Columbia University in New York. He and his wife, Marlene, live in McLean, Virginia, with their three children.
*The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit ** www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at ** www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at **www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at **http://www.youtube.com/usfws * and download photos from our Flickr page at ** http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq

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