Russell Bassett, Executive Director

PO Box 22065 Milwaukie, OR 97269
(503) 653-4176. Fax: (503)-653-8769
Executivedirector@anws.org

Russell was hired as the Association of Northwest Steelheaders executive director in January 2011. His experience includes four years working for a conservation non-profit in Portland, OR.  

Russell earned his bachelor’s degree in 1998, and then joined the U.S. Army, serving as a public affairs supervisor in Washington, South Korea, Virginia and Iraq. After active duty military service, he moved to Molalla, OR, and worked for the Molalla Pioneer newspaper.

Russell won numerous awards for journalism both as a civilian and military correspondent, and regularly covered fish conservation issues, using his writing, research, photography and designing skills to highlight conservation and recreation. After catching his first steelhead, he was "hooked," and that passion for steelhead, salmon and trout has only grown as he explores Oregon, Washington and Idaho streams.

Russell is active in the conservation of his home river, the Molalla, where his volunteer efforts have included river cleanups, habitat enhancement projects, writing grants to fund those projects, spawning and snorkel surveys, temperature monitoring, environmental education and public outreach. For the last few years, he's also volunteered with Salmonberry River monitoring efforts.

As the Steelheaders' executive director, Russell coordinates the day-to-day operations of the organization and raises funds to support the Association’s conservation efforts. He is responsible for expanding the membership, promotions and marketing. He also works with the Board of Directors and local chapters on events, projects and campaigns.

If Russell is not working in the office, he's probably on a waterbody somewhere hoping for that next pull.