Doug Schoenrock was named the 20th director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission today. He replaces former director Austin Booth, who vacated the position in January.
Schoenrock, a dedicated hunter with many years of experience in conservation and business management, will assume the role in May 2025. The Commission made the announcement following a comprehensive search and selection process that began in January.
AGFC Commission Chairman J.D. Neeley of Camden said he was thrilled to welcome Schoenrock as the next Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
“Doug’s deep understanding of wildlife conservation, coupled with his proven business leadership abilities, makes him the ideal person to lead the agency forward,” Neeley said. “We are confident that under his guidance, the AGFC will continue its vital work in protecting and managing Arkansas’s diverse fish and wildlife resources.”
Schoenrock brings a wealth of leadership experience to the position, having served since 2002 on the Ducks Unlimited national board of directors. He also served as DU’s president from 2020-22 and chairman of the board from 2022-24. While a volunteer at DU, he was instrumental in developing conservation strategies, managing large-scale habitat projects and fostering partnerships with stakeholders.
Schoenrock launched a task force to study the feasibility of growing Ducks Unlimited’s Lands Program from 500,000 to 1 million acres conserved annually. He developed a conservation initiative toward non-consumptive users and corporate philanthropic efforts to expand Ducks Unlimited’s land portfolio. He also developed relationships with several state conservation agencies and conservation directors through conservation project work and public match assistance to unlock Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act funds.
“I’m honored to join the men and women of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me, and I thank Chairman J.D. Neeley, Vice-Chairman Anne Marie Doramus, and all the Commissioners for their professionalism and leadership throughout this process,” Schoenrock said.
“I look forward to working with the commissioners, the Arkansas General Assembly, Gov. Sarah Sanders, and all of AGFC’s partners to advance the mission of conservation and stewardship on behalf of all Arkansans and the many visitors who experience the beauty of The Natural State. Arkansas is home to remarkable biodiversity, strong communities and limitless opportunities for outdoor education and recreation. It’s a privilege to help protect and promote this treasured landscape,” he continued.
Schoenrock holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in science from the University of Tennessee. Originally from rural Tennessee, Schoenrock spent his childhood outdoors — when he wasn’t home doing chores. His involvement in 4-H and as an Eagle Scout helped shape his passion for conservation.
For more than 20 years, he worked at the Sara Lee Corporation in research and development, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, and sales. He later spent 19 years as a senior management team member at Savannah Food Company, with a focus on marketing and sales.
Booth, who announced his plans to resign in November 2024. He is now the Chief Executive Officer of Banded Holdings Inc.
