President 1969-1971
Executive Secretary 1969-current
A fishery biologist with California Department of Fish and Game, supervising research and management of waters of the eastern slope Sierra Nevada mountains through Death Valley to the Nevada border, Pister became deeply involved in desert fish conservation issues during the mid-1960’s, largely motivated by near extinction of the Owens pupfish (Cyprinodon radiosus) during the latter part of the decade. His association with Carl L. Hubbs and Robert Rush Miller significantly influenced his entrance into the field of native fish management and conservation. Upon stepping down as Chairman in 1972, Pister assumed the role of Executive Secretary, handling most of the Council’s administrative affairs, a position he continues in today. He was also deeply involved in events at Devils Hole leading to a court hearing that began in July 1972 and culminated in the U.S Supreme Court decision four years later. Pister completed his graduate work under A.S Leopold, P.R. Needham, and R.L. Usinger at the University of California (Berkeley). Not dead yet (as of 20 April 2020 at 90).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Pister
Oral history project: https://archive.org/details/cainecm_000014