ATA Names Dan Forster Director of Government Relations

(New Ulm, MN) The Archery Trade Association (ATA) has hired Dan Forster as its director of government relations. Beginning Oct. 1, Forster will work in tandem with Mitch King, who has served in that role since 2007.

The ATA is an industry trade group long respected for working with state and federal governments on behalf of its members. Forster is a certified wildlife biologist who directed the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division in recent years. He brings over 28 years of experience to his ATA position, working first as a biologist before transitioning into his administrative role in the agency.

“The ATA is a national leader in promoting hunting and shooting sports recruitment, and it’s a powerful industry partner for state wildlife agencies,” Forster said. “I’m excited to be part of such a strong and respected conservation team, and look forward to working with the ATA’s industry leaders and conservation partners.”

Forster has worked at the state, regional and national levels on many wildlife-management, fisheries-management, and policy issues. The division he most recently managed for the Georgia DNR includes over 89 wildlife-management areas and 21 natural areas; as well as fishing, archery and hatchery facilities.

“We’re excited to have Dan join our team,” said Jay McAninch, ATA president/CEO. “Dan’s wealth of experience with conservation and policy, and his credibility among his peers adds greatly to our presence in government relations. We’re looking forward to the perspective and experience he’ll bring to our industry and to archery and bowhunting.”

Greg Easton, president of Jas. D. Easton, Inc. and vice chair of the ATA Board of Directors, commented: “I am pleased that Dan has agreed to join the ATA. After getting to know Dan over the last 5 years, I feel his experience, contacts and professional demeanor will be a great asset to the ATA.”

King echoed McAninch’s comments. “Dan has been a great friend and colleague for over 10 years,” King said. “He’s well-respected within the state wildlife-agency community, and I’m confident he will take the ATA director of government relations position to the next level. The ATA is fortunate to have Dan transitioning into this role.”

Forster is a Georgia native and holds a B.S. degree in forest resources, with an emphasis on wildlife management; and an M.S. degree in wildlife biology. He earned both degrees at the University of Georgia. His professional interests and experience include wildlife research, population management and policy development. He lives in Georgia with his wife, Jennifer; daughter, Lanier; and son, Trent.

About the ATA
The Archery Trade Association (ATA) is the organization for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, sales representatives and others working in the archery and bowhunting industry. The ATA has served its members since 1953. It is dedicated to making the industry profitable by decreasing business overhead, reducing taxes and government regulation, and increasing participation in archery and bowhunting. The organization also owns and operates the ATA Trade Show, the archery and bowhunting industry’s largest and longest-running trade show worldwide.

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