Governor appoints Anne Marie Doramus as Game & Fish commissioner

Gov. Asa Hutchinson made history Wednesday (June 26) when he appointed the first woman ever to serve a full term as an Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioner. Anne Maria Doramus of Little Rock will serve a seven year term, and is slated to replace outgoing AG&FC Commissioner Ford Overton.

“In addition to being a successful businesswoman, Anne Marie has also been a life-long friend and advocate of the outdoors. She is an avid duck hunter and bass angler, but most importantly, she is committed to the conservation of our natural resources,” Hutchinson said. “This appointment is significant not only because she is the first woman appointed to a full 7-year term, but she also brings a fresh perspective in terms of what it might take to connect a new generation to the Arkansas outdoors.”

Doramus, a graduate of the University of Arkansas, is vice president of special projects and sales for Arkansas Bolt Company, a fastener distributor and OEM supplier based in Little Rock. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show and the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. She is a founding member of the Arkansas Outdoor Society, a group for young adults who advocate about conservation and outdoors in Arkansas and directly support the mission of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation and Commission.

She grew up an avid duck hunter and bass angler on her family’s farm in Southeast Arkansas. Her other hobbies include fly fishing, mountain biking, golf, tennis, and working with her retriever, Baron.

Doramus said she excited to start her work on the commission.

“I have seen firsthand the impact that Game and Fish has on our state, and I am beyond honored to serve as its newest commissioner. Growing up, I was so fortunate to have my father pass on to me a love for the outdoors, and that is what I intend to do in this new role for the next generation. Passing the torch of conservation is essential as we work to uphold the Natural State’s reputation of being a sportsmen’s paradise – not just for the sports involving hooks and bullets, but also for the hikers, bikers, paddlers, bird watchers, and many more. Together, we can bring along the next generation and bridge the gap between current traditions and new ones. The future is bright, and I cannot wait to get started.”