Mike Nussman was ASA’s President and CEO for 16 years before retiring in April 2018. He joined the association as Vice President for Government Affairs in 1993 and took the helm as President and CEO in October 2001.

Nussman was recognized for his extraordinary leadership and lifelong commitment to advocating for recreational fishing and for the sportfishing industry.

In presenting the award, Hughes noted, “Mike has always been a great leader and thinker. He has an amazingly thoughtful approach to things and listens intently on what you have to say. He has always had the best interests of the industry, our anglers and the resource at heart. And managed to balance all three.”