Seafood Harvesters of America is seeking a new executive director after its former executive director, Kevin Wheeler, accepted a position at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Wheeler is serving as the new deputy chief of staff at NOAA, where he will be directing policy.
Seafood Harvesters represents commercial fishermen and their associations, which are responsible for USD 500 million (EUR 404 million) in revenue, USD 1.25 billion (EUR 1 billion) in economic output, and 19,000 jobs, according to the group.
“The executive director represents our members from the Aleutian Islands to the Gulf of Mexico and north to New England,” Seafood Harvesters said in a statement.
The new executive director, who preferably lives in Washington, D.C., will advocate on Capitol Hill for strong accountability measures, track legislation relevant to commercial fishermen, and spearhead Seafood Harvesters’ fundraising efforts.
Applicants should possess a strong knowledge of the legislative process; an understanding of how to work with a board; experience in fundraising and grant administration, experience with successfully responding to fisheries policy questions; as well as a proven track record of effectively working in fisheries, marine resources, environmental, academic, or government positions, according to the organizations.
In related news, Seafood Harvesters’ president, Chris Brown, a fisherman and president of the Rhode Island Commercial Fishermen’s Association, was invited to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on 30 January.
