The Pacific Seafood Processors Association (PSPA) has hired Kristine D. Lynch as its new vice president, effective 1 January, 2017, to mitigate government relations for the group in Washington, D.C.
Lynch is assuming the role from Dennis Phelan, who is retiring from the organization after 32 years. She will be stationed in the Washington, D.C.-area, where she has been based working on marine resource policy and regulation since 2002. Lynch, who has degrees from the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment and Michigan State University, said is eager to put her experience and knowledge to work for the PSPA.
“I’m incredibly honored to be able to work in the Alaskan seafood industry. PSPA has a long, proud tradition of bringing value to its members, and I’m fully committed to advancing that goal through effective engagements and collaboration in Washington, D.C. The next administration will soon be putting its mark on federal policies — including oceans and fisheries — and as that unfolds we must make sure our managers, harvesters, and processors have the tools they need to continue to thrive," Lynch said in a news release.
Lynch has served as professional staff, then senior advisor, to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee with regards to federal fisheries policy, in Washington, D.C., from 2001 to 2009. In such a capacity, she was charged with carrying out functions that “allowed the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard to carry out oversight of key ocean agencies, two ocean commissions and any ocean legislation that came before the committee,” explained PSPA. Lynch will be looking to leverage her experience in Washington for her new PSPA position.
“My Capitol Hill fisheries experience over seven years took me to Downeast Maine, to the Louisiana Delta, and to far corners of Alaska. I was fortunate to serve under Senator Ted Stevens' committee leadership and alongside his staff, learning from his example the importance of working across the political aisle. America’s fisheries are incredibly diverse. Our policies need to support the unique needs of fisheries-dependent communities, empowered by science and collaboration," she said.
After leaving Capitol Hill in 2009, Lynch continued to work on key federal marine policy issues, mainly in the realms of ocean access and science-based regulation. She also spent two years with the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission, shifting to the private sector in 2011 to work for Shell Exploration and Production Company.
“We are excited to bring Kris on board and welcome her experience and well-honed perspectives that will support our world-class, sustainable industry,” said PSPA president Glenn Reed on Lynch’s hire.
