For immediate release
September 3, 2024
Contact: David Reinbold, dreinbold@americanhumanist.org
The American Humanist Association is proud to announce that Fish Stark has been appointed as the organization’s new Executive Director.
A lifelong humanist and the son of Rep. Pete Stark – the first open non-theist in Congress and the 2008 Humanist of the Year – Stark brings an impressive array of experience to the Executive Director role, with a professional background leading high-performing teams at global non-profits, tech startups, and political campaigns. Stark holds degrees from Harvard and Yale, where he served on the board of the student Humanist group.
“I have always admired and respected the work of the American Humanist Association,” said Stark. "Humanism is about respecting the limitless worth and dignity of every person, lifting people up, and protecting everyone's right to think and live freely. But today, White Christian Nationalists are threatening our secular democracy, trying to tell us how to live our lives and that some people count more than others. That's why the AHA's work is more important than ever — and I'm honored to lead our talented team as we respond to these threats and build a stronger humanist movement."
Stark’s appointment comes on the heels of the AHA electing Candace Gorham as the new President of the organization’s Board of Directors.
Gorham stated, “I’m thrilled that Fish is joining the AHA’s leadership as Executive Director. He brings an impressive background in activism and nonprofit leadership, along with a deep history in the secular movement. I’m excited to work with him to grow the AHA into the future, especially at this crucial moment for our country and democracy.”
“We couldn’t be happier to start this fresh trajectory with Fish and Candace leading the organization,” said Nicole Carr, AHA’s Deputy Director. “These are exciting times for the AHA, and we look forward to continuing our work to advance humanism; further the values of compassion, reason, and equity; and protect the separation of religion and government.”
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The American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming worldview of humanism, which—without beliefs in gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.
