We welcome Brian Beckley to the Data and Technology Section Executive Committee as the President-Elect!
He will be at the annual business meeting in San Antonio, make sure you say “Hi!”. We look forward to working with him moving forward.
See below for some information about Brian!
Brian Beckley
President, Voda IQ
Chairperson, Region 3 Board Member, Idaho State Department of Parks and Recreation
I was fortunate to grow up in a family and community deeply connected to the outdoors. Raised on my family’s homestead near Henry’s Lake in eastern Idaho, I spent much of my youth immersed in habitat restoration and conservation efforts, working closely with Idaho Fish and Game. Our family helped protect one of the key spawning streams for native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri), which sparked my passion for fisheries.
I studied at Boise State University and continued volunteering with Trout Unlimited and the Mule Deer Foundation. Early in my career, I joined Biomark as a fisheries biologist, supporting a survival study for Grant County PUD on the Mid-Columbia River. That role launched a 20+ year journey in fisheries technology, eventually leading me to executive leadership. I served as President of Biomark, helping expand its global footprint and advance tagging tools for researchers worldwide.
After Biomark was acquired by a major pharmaceutical firm, I co-founded Voda IQ to continue innovating in PIT tag technology and research tools. Today, my family and I remain passionate about the outdoors, and we are committed to helping the fisheries community develop the next generation of RFID solutions that drive better science and conservation outcomes.
I’m excited to contribute to the AFS Data and Technology Section and help elevate the role of innovative tools in fisheries science. With over 20 years in the field, my career has focused on bridging biology and technology—from early fieldwork as a fisheries biologist to leading global development and innovation efforts as President of Biomark and now co-founder of Voda IQ.
My experience includes advancing RFID technologies, integrating data systems, and supporting fisheries programs worldwide with modern tagging, tracking, and data collection tools. I currently serve on the Board of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, where I help guide decisions that balance natural resource conservation with public access and technology use in outdoor recreation.
This Section plays a critical role in connecting professionals across disciplines and ensuring effective tools reach those solving real-world fisheries challenges. If elected, I’ll focus on building stronger connections between tech developers and field scientists, showcasing new tools, and supporting students and early-career professionals with mentoring and visibility.
Together, we can ensure the Section remains a hub for communication, creativity, and cutting-edge solutions that drive better science and outcomes for our fisheries resources.