NEW ULM, Minnesota – The Archery Trade Association has announced the promotion of Dan Forster to Vice President and Chief Conservation Officer. Forster, formerly the organization’s Director of Government Relations, was previously the Director of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, and has nearly 30 years of professional wildlife management and policy experience.
In his role with the ATA, Forster serves as the chief conservation advisor to the organization’s Board of Directors and CEO, and works with state agency leaders and other partners to implement policies, strengthen relationships and programming, and develop plans to expand archery and bowhunting in the United States.
Well-respected for his exceptional leadership skills, Forster has served as a past President and Executive Committee Chair of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Photo Credit: Shannon Rikard
Forster also provides insight and counsel on state and federal agency policies, and develops and assists with legislative efforts at the federal level on issues that involve conservation funding and regulatory issues. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies are some of the agencies Forster works closely with to advance the ATA’s member-focused agenda, which includes the promotion of conservation issues and the oversight of federal excise taxes paid on archery equipment.
Well-respected for his exceptional leadership skills, Forster has served as a past President and Executive Committee Chair of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. He has also chaired the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports, and currently serves as its vice-chair. Forster has served on the Boards of Directors for several other conservation and wildlife organizations, including the Atlantic Flyway Council, the National Fish & Wildlife Committee, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, and the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
Dan’s ability to represent our industry with the Department of the Interior’s Rick May - our nation's first Recreation Czar - makes this such an easy discussion and decision. Photo Credit: Shannon Rikard
“In a very short amount of time with this organization I've seen tremendous talent throughout our staff,” said ATA CEO Matt Kormann. “A shining example of this is Dan, and this has never been more apparent than last week in Indianapolis. While he had a huge impact with nongovernmental organizations, Dan’s ability to represent our industry with the Department of the Interior’s Rick May - our nation's first Recreation Czar - makes this such an easy discussion and decision. We want to make sure Dan is carrying the authority that he’s earned – that’s why we’re making this move.”
"I'm excited for the opportunity to further advance our members' agenda where conservation and government relations efforts are concerned,” said Forster. “The ATA plays a critical role in advocating for the needs of businesses in the archery and bowhunting industries, and I'll continue to work hard as our voice on Capitol Hill and with state agencies and NGOs nationwide."
As a sportsman, Dan is an avid bowhunter, archer and fisherman, as well as an active participant in the shooting sports. He holds a Master of Science in Wildlife Biology, and a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources, both from the University of Georgia. Forster will continue to work from his home office in Georgia in his new role.
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