One Arkansas woman has made history by being the first female appointed to a full-term to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
On Wednesday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson appointed Anne Marie Doramus to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the state agency responsible for overseeing hunting, fishing and environmental conservation and preservation in Arkansas. Doramus will serve a seven-year term as Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioner.
“In addition to being a successful businesswoman, Anne Marie has also been a life-long friend and advocate of the outdoors. She is an avid duck hunter and bass angler, but most importantly, she is committed to the conservation of our natural resources,” Hutchinson said in a statement. “This appointment is significant not only because she is the first woman appointed to a full 7-year term, but she also brings a fresh perspective in terms of what it might take to connect a new generation to the Arkansas outdoors.”
Doramus will be replacing Ford Overton of Little Rock on the commission. Overton is the outgoing commission chairman and has served on the AGFC board since 2012. His term expires July 1. He was named to the commission by former Gov. Mike Beebe.
“I have seen firsthand the impact that Game and Fish has on our state, and I am beyond honored to serve as its newest commissioner. Growing up, I was so fortunate to have my father pass on to me a love for the outdoors, and that is what I intend to do in this new role for the next generation,” Doramus said in a statement. “Passing the torch of conservation is essential as we work to uphold the Natural State’s reputation of being a sportsmen’s paradise – not just for the sports involving hooks and bullets, but also for the hikers, bikers, paddlers, bird watchers, and many more. Together, we can bring along the next generation and bridge the gap between current traditions and new ones. The future is bright, and I cannot wait to get started.”
She is also vice president of special projects and sales for Arkansas Bolt Company. Doramus also serves on the board of directors for the Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show and the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.
The AGFC was officially created in 1915 but was officially empowered in 1944 to enact and enforce wildlife regulations by Amendment 35. This amendment provided the commission with autonomy to enforce regulations and full police authority.