The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) announced that Larry Phillips has joined ASA as its Pacific Fisheries policy director. Phillips most recently served as Region 6 Director for the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). He is based in Olympia, WA.
“It’s my pleasure to welcome Larry to ASA’s Government Affairs team,” said Mike Leonard, ASA’s vice president of Government Affairs. “Larry is widely respected throughout the Pacific Northwest and has been a leader in the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. I have no doubt that the relationships he cultivated in both Washington and the entire West Coast can help ASA tackle the region’s challenges.”
Phillips has over 20 years of experience working for the WDFW. As Region 6 Director, he managed ocean fisheries policy issues, worked to improve public access to fisheries and helped implement state laws and federal regulations related to fisheries. He also managed fisheries found throughout the state’s lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams.
Phillips started his career at the WDFW working as a fish biologist, conducting assessments of fish populations and estimating the number of salmon and steelheads in inland waters. He also served on the Pacific Fishery Management Council representing Washington State as a member of the Highly Migratory Species Management Team.
“I am honored to join ASA’s Government Affairs team,” said Phillips. “For nearly 90 years, ASA has been a leader in promoting healthy fisheries and expanding fishing access to the public. I look forward to continuing this mission and promoting ASA’s policy priorities up and down the Pacific coast.”
