MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Don Corkran, who served as director of the BASS Federation from 1991-2000, will return to that position, BASS announced today.
"Don will take the BASS Federation to the next level," said Dean Kessel, vice president and general manager of BASS. "No one can match his experience and determination to make the Federation the best it can be."
During his previous tenure, the BASS Federation experienced its greatest growth, eventually numbering 50,000 members, including 3,000 affiliated chapters and 51 state/international governing bodies.
"I feel like everybody's heart is in the right place," said Iowa Federation President Tom Bowler. "There's been a noticeable difference in the way BASS is listening to the presidents."
Corkran said he is excited to resume a leadership role in the Federation.
"Since I joined my first BASS Chapter in St. Robert, Mo., in 1975, I have been dedicated to the efforts of this dynamic, grassroots organization," said Corkran. "One of the proudest days of my life was when I became the national director, and one of the hardest things I've ever done was leave the position of Federation director and move to other ventures. Now, I have the unique opportunity to return. I'm proud to be able to again dedicate myself to the Federation program."
Corkran served in the United States Army from 1968-1990, and has a master's degree in public administration from Troy State University.
"I feel the longtime state Federation presidents trust Don," Bowler added. "He has the organizational skills and is an effective communicator."