At the helm
YAS is led by a passionate and dedicated Executive Committee (EC). Each year, YAS members elect their peers to steer our society toward exciting opportunities and uncharted waters.
Whether you're curious about who keeps YAS afloat or you're thinking of diving in yourself, here’s a glimpse into the roles and responsibilities of our EC members, with testimonials from our previous EC team.
Andrew Richardson
Founder & President 2023/24
"Building and being active in the Young Aquaculture Society has been an engaging and rewarding challenge – and I have loved every second of it. Striving to provide our members with valuable events and opportunities, has likewise opened the door to some opportunities for me!"
President
The captain of our crew! The President oversees all aspects of YAS, sets goals, and ensures the society stays on course.
Vice -President
As the first mate to the President, the Vice President plays a vital role in supporting the President and the Executive Committee in leadership and administration, ready to take the helm when the President is unavailable.
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This position involves representing YAS at conferences, dinners, and networking events, requiring strong public speaking skills and a deep understanding of the society's mission and key messages. The Vice President also contributes to strategic planning and decision-making, ensuring the society's growth and sustainability.
Rob Stewart
Vice-President 2023/24
"This role has provided me with invaluable leadership experience, including managing a dedicated team, speaking at prestigious conferences, and even attending events at the Houses of Parliament."
Lauren Chapman
Secretary 2023/24
"I have really enjoyed creating a strong, organised structure within YAS and communicating with people from all different aquaculture backgrounds. It’s been incredibly rewarding to help make YAS’s first year a success!"
Secretary
Being the Secretary is an integral part of the YAS Executive Committee, much like the keel of a ship—keeping everything steady and on course. This role involves organising ideas, tracking tasks, and ensuring everything is carried out on time.
Communications Officer
As the lifeblood of YAS’s messaging and public presence, the Communications Officer ensures the society’s voice is heard across all channels, from social media to newsletters. This role involves crafting and managing content that keeps members informed, engaged, and connected, while maintaining a consistent and clear tone across all communications.
This position requires creativity, organization, and a deep understanding of YAS’s mission and values, alongside a keen eye for visual storytelling and a strong ability to engage members.
Konstancja Woźniacka
Communications Officer 2023/24
"Being YAS's Communications Officer has been a labor of passion. It allows me to tap into my creativity while engaging with some truly interesting people. I've learned so much about communication—skills that are transferable and valuable across any role.
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It’s been an amazing journey of growth and connection, and I’m excited for what’s to come!"
Marc Faber
Treasurer 2023/24
"Being the treasurer of YAS has been challenging and rewarding over the past year. Setting up the financial infrastructure and paving the way for our legal framework took me out of my comfort zone, but I gained insight into the mechanisms and requirements on how to run finances for a society.
The engagement with government, financial bodies and other societies also expanded my network and allowed me to grow into this role."
Treasurer
The keeper of the treasure chest! The Treasurer manages the society's budget, tracks expenses, and ensures that funding is allocated efficiently to support our initiatives. They are also responsible for the YAS account and HMRV reporting, according to CIC standards.