Thanking Rob Elam for His Board Service

After nine years of diligent service, Rob Elam is stepping down from the Native Fish Society’s Board of Directors. For more than half his tenure, 2010-2016, Rob served as board chair. Service on a Board of Directors is one of the most challenging volunteer roles with any non-profit organization. Rob’s endurance with Native Fish Society, commitment to building relationships with staff, River Stewards and supporters, and his dogged approach to challenging decisions enabled our growth and accomplishments during his time of service.

Through Rob’s mentorship, he built the capacity of our staff and board members to rise to the challenges of organizational succession and generational transition. Today, the Native Fish Society is led by a team of young, capable, and passionate staff. By creating an environment of innovation, ambition, and respect he has empowered current staff to operate the Native Fish Society at an increasingly effective and professional level.

Rob has been a champion for Native Fish Society’s work to increase our equity, inclusion, and diversity. With his support, the board adopted an organizational equity strategy to make our organization and its mission relevant to all our region’s communities. He understands the vital connection between abundant wild fish, a healthy environment, and thriving Pacific Northwest communities.

Throughout his time on the board, Rob brought his entrepreneurial spirit, expertise in organizational management, and a keen sense of marketing and communications to our endeavors for wild fish. His direct involvement in our Save Sandy Salmon, Crush the Barb, and Healthy Forest Waters campaigns reflect Rob’s passion for reviving abundant wild fish and his deep respect for the stewardship of the habitats that sustain us all.

Rob, thank you so much for these important contributions. The Native Fish Society would not be advancing our important work at our current pace or scale without your support and direction. We hope, at the very least, you’ve gained a few more friends to fish with, a few more fish stories to tell, and a bit more wild fish mojo. Thank you, we’re so grateful for your service.