(SitNews) - United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA), the largest statewide commercial fishing industry trade association representing 35 member organizations, announces the re-election of Jerry McCune of Cordova District Fishermen United as President. Joining President McCune is Matt Alward of North Pacific Fisheries Association as Vice President, and Megan O’Neil of Petersburg Vessel Owners Association as a co-PR & Membership Chair.

The two new Executive Committee members join existing members Duncan Fields of Cape Barnabas, Inc. and Bob Kehoe of Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association (co-Administrative Chairs), Gary Fandrei of Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (Enhancement Chair), Chip Treinen of Southeast Herring Conservation Alliance (Fish Farm & Environmental Chair), Bruce Schactler at-large from Kodiak (Marketing Chair), Stephanie Madsen of At-sea Processors Association (National chair), Mark Gleason of Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers (co-PR & Membership Chair), Chad See of Freezer Longline Coalition as Secretary & Treasurer, Ian Pitzman of United Cook Inlet Drift Association as the At-Large Executive Committee member, and Steve Reifenstuhl of Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association as Subsistence Chair.

"For several years UFA has been actively addressing the issue of the "graying of the fleet" by helping to groom young fishing men and women to take over key leadership roles when the current generation of leaders leaves the industry” said President McCune. “With the addition of Mr. Alward and Ms. O'Neil to the Executive Committee, UFA is one step closer to that goal. I look forward to working with the Executive Committee and Board as UFA President for another year. With all of the challenges facing Alaska's commercial fishing industry, it is now more important than ever that commercial fishermen and their families have a strong, unified voice to protect our businesses and our way of life."

UFA is also currently soliciting nominations for at-large board members. UFA’s four at-large board seats help represent the association’s 400 individual and lifetime members on the UFA board.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA)
ufa-fish.org

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