BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Gene Gilliland will retire at the end of 2026 following a distinguished 12-year career as B.A.S.S. Conservation Director.
Gilliland has devoted 43 years of his professional life to bass fishing, fisheries management and conservation. During his tenure with B.A.S.S., he has worked closely with anglers, fisheries professionals, state and federal resource agencies, the B.A.S.S. Nation, conservation organizations and industry partners to advance the interests of bass fisheries and the sport’s millions of participants.
“Gene has been an invaluable part of B.A.S.S. and has made significant contributions to bass fishing and fisheries conservation,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “His knowledge, experience and relationships throughout the fisheries community have been tremendous assets to the organization. We are grateful for his many years of service and commitment to B.A.S.S., its anglers and the resource.”
Gilliland will continue to serve as Conservation Director through the end of 2026. His retirement will provide B.A.S.S. with an opportunity to identify the next leader of its conservation efforts and ensure a smooth transition as the organization continues its longstanding commitment to healthy fisheries and responsible resource stewardship.
The Conservation Director position offers an opportunity for an experienced fisheries professional to work at the intersection of bass fishing, fisheries management, conservation and angler advocacy. Those interested in learning more about the position are encouraged to contact Gilliland directly at ggilliland@bassmaster.com. He can provide prospective candidates with additional information about the position, including its responsibilities, qualifications, experience requirements and transition process.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve B.A.S.S. and to work with so many dedicated people throughout the bass fishing and fisheries communities,” Gilliland said. “I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished and the emphasis the company places on conservation and healthy fisheries. I look forward to finishing the year strong and helping B.A.S.S. prepare for the next chapter.”
For the latest news and updates on B.A.S.S. conservation efforts, visit Bassmaster.com.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
