The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited (PATU) announces the appointment of Eric Null as the organization’s executive director. Mr. Null will serve as PATU’s representative and provide leadership for the Coldwater Heritage Partnership, which is a coalition between PATU, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.

Mr. Null brings more than 20 years of experience working in coldwater conservation to PATU. He most recently served as Lake Manager, Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Park Service in Swanton, Maryland.

Mr. Null graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. He has worked in the private sector, county government, state government, and the non-profit sector. His primary responsibilities have always been water quality and program management. Mr. Null is an adjunct instructor of Fisheries Biology and Water Quality Analysis at Garrett College. Mr. Null has been an avid fly fisherman and hunter since he was 12 years old, and a fly fishing instructor since 1999.

Mr. Null says, “I feel honored to come back to my home in Penn’s Woods and direct an organization that I have worked with as a consultant and volunteer member since 1999. It feels great to work in Pennsylvania, home to the legacy of some of history’s greatest conservationists.”

“Eric’s role as PATU Executive Director signals a change for PATU from the previous position of Program Manager,” said PATU President Lenny Lichvar. “The expanded role will allow Eric to maximize his skill sets to assist our state council as well as our volunteer members to achieve their project goals in coldwater and wild trout conservation. This is the beginning of a new era for PATU.”