2024 Wild Alaska Pollock Annual Meeting

Alexandr Klokov

Culinologist, CulinEX

Alex joined CuliNEX with valuable experience in developing successful applications using textured vegetable proteins. At CuliNEX, he focuses on optimizing the texture, cooking processes, and overall industry use of new ingredients. By combining food science insights with the team’s extensive culinary expertise, he ensures exceptional quality and taste, creating delicious foods that are sure to delight consumers. Prior to joining CuliNEX, Alex worked as a Plant-Based Meat Technician at Rebellyous Foods in Seattle. He earned his B.S. in Food Science & Technology from California State University, Fresno.

Speaker, GAPP Annual Meeting, on Wild Alaska Pollock Roe Opportunities

Alexis Taylor

U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Deputy Under Secretary

Alexis Taylor has a deep-rooted and impressive career working on matters related to agriculture, trade, and enhancing export opportunities for American farmers. She has not only spent her career serving the American people through her work in U.S. agricultural and trade policy, but also as a Veteran of the U.S. Army.

Amanda Buckle

Deputy Editor Americas, Undercurrent News

Amanda Buckle is Deputy Editor Americas at Undercurrent News, recently joining the media company after previously serving as Senior Editor at Expana’s Seafoodnews.com platform. Amanda is a member of the National Fisheries Institute’s Class of 2018 and is a prominent voice throughout the seafood community, speaking at numerous events across the industry. Previously, she has worked for International Business Times and Mic. Amanda lives in Barnegat, New Jersey, with her husband, two daughters and senior puppy. When she’s not chasing around her children, she enjoys antiquing and spreading the good word about wild Alaska pollock. 

Master of Ceremonies

Angel Rubio

Economist at Expana

Angel Rubio is a Lead Forecast Analyst at Expana by Urner Barry, specializing in forecasts and hedging recommendations for commodities, including shrimp, eggs, and chicken. He previously led the Consulting division where he created the Surimi Supply Tracker for GAPP, among many other projects for various clients across the agri-food industry. Angel holds an M.S. in Applied Economics from Boston College, a B.S. in Business Economics and International Business from Villanova University, and additional certifications from Columbia University, East China Normal University, and the London School of Economics.

Bob Desautel

GAPP Board of Directors Chairman

Bob Desautel is co-founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Global Seas and Nina Fisheries, Inc. In 1994, he co-founded Nina Fisheries, a business that later developed internationally as it extended to Chile and Argentina in 1998. In 2001, Bob co founded Global Seas, a subsidiary of Nina Fisheries, that quickly became one of the West Coast’s premier vessel management companies. Under Bob’s direction, Global Seas’ expanded its business enterprise to the East Coast and ventured into the maritime research field in 2002.

In 1978, while studying business at the University of Nevada, Bob began his career as a deckhand fishing in the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. In 1980, he advanced to the role of Captain and operated various fishing vessels. Bob possesses a United States Coast Guard (issue no.7) Masters 3000 ITC License. In 2002, he retired from the ocean to focus on the expansion of Global Seas.

Bob has served as President and Member of the Board of the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association, advocating safety education for the commercial fishing industry by providing information about USCG requirements, OSHA compliance standards, MARPOL, hands-on training programs, and safety seminars and workshops. In 1993, Bob co-founded United Catcher Boats, served as a Member of the Board and later as Vice President, all the while promoting the organization’s importance to the Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska and West Coast fisheries. His efforts serving on these Boards, as well as his involvement in other various organizations, have both improved safety and created efficiencies in the commercial fishing and maritime industries.

Currently, Bob is on the board of the directors with the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) and United Boat Catchers (UBC). His involvement with GAPP and the fishing industry is to promote, elevate and expand Wild Caught Alaskan Pollock’s profile to tablecloth restaurants and grocery stores across North America.

Brent Paine

Executive Director, United Catcher Boats

Brent Paine has served as the Executive Director of United Catcher Boats for the past thirty years.   In this capacity, Brent has represented the interests of the Bering Sea Pollock and Pacific Cod trawl catcher vessel owners and West Coast Whiting trawl catcher boat owners before the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the Alaska Board of Fisheries, the Alaska Legislature and before Congress in Washington DC.  United Catcher Boats as a vessel owner trade association has advocated for rational fisheries management policies in the for of cooperative-based Catch Share allocation programs for the West Coast and Alaska federal groundfish and crab fisheries.  United Catcher Boats has advanced novel bycatch management programs via the trawl catcher vessel cooperative structure as well.  Brent Paine will be retiring as UCB’s first and only Executive Director at the end of 2024.  

Bret Lynch

Culinologist, CuliNEX

Over 25 years of innovative food product development experience, go-to-market strategy and commercialization for top food companies and hospitality firms, across all major food channels, specializing in value-added seafoods.

A passionate advocate for Wild Alaska Pollock and contributor to development teams that have developed and launched numerous Wild Alaska Pollock value-added products in North America. Career highlights include research and development for great Alaska proponents including Trident Seafoods, Ocean Beauty Seafoods and Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.

Bret is a subject matter expert representing CuliNEX as a project lead. He also has his own consulting firm, EverGreen Culinary Solutions, based in Seattle.

Speaker, GAPP Annual Meeting, on Wild Alaska Pollock Roe Opportunities

César Pérez

Chef

A cook, recipe developer and retired barista, César got his start in some of the best coffee shops and outdoor food markets in New York. His style is heavily influenced by his Puerto Rican heritage and Brooklyn upbringing—and you can see it in action as he cooks for shoots and events, tests recipes, and cues up music in the Test Kitchen.

Craig Morris

GAPP CEO

Dr. Craig Morris is GAPP’s exuberant CEO. He’s been a lifelong passionate advocate and ambassador for the U.S. food and agriculture industry and has dedicated his entire professional career to advancing the interests of various U.S. agricultural commodities. He’s done it all, from pork to beef to poultry and everything in between working for the National Pork Board (NPB), United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service and Future Beef Operations, LLC, to name a few. Craig received his Bachelor of Science degree with a distinction in Animal Science from Iowa State University and served as a regent’s graduate fellow while earning his Doctorate in Animal Science from Texas A&M University.

Elizabeth Miller

The Alaska Community Foundation

As a Certified Fundraising Executive, Elizabeth has dedicated her career to fund-raising for Alaska nonprofits. After a 30+ year career at United Way of Anchorage, she joined the team at The Alaska Community Foundation five years ago as the Vice President of Development and Communications. In her role she works with individuals and families who want to leave a legacy for Alaska.

Born and raised in Alaska, Elizabeth grew up in the tiny town of Talkeetna. She attended college in Spokane, WA, where she graduated from Gonzaga University with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business.

She and her husband of over 25 years live in Anchorage and have one daughter and one dog. Elizabeth enjoys hiking and completed the Camino de Santiago in Spain in the spring/summer of 2019.

Hannah Lindoff

Executive Director, SeaShare

Hannah Lindoff is a life-long Alaskan and since April of 2024, the Executive Director of SeaShare, a national seafood charity. At SeaShare she works to engage the US seafood industry in a collective effort to improve nutrition for the people served by food banks and feeding centers. The non-profit partners with nearly 200 fishermen, processors, distributors, tribal entities, packaging companies, cold storage operators, and freight companies to work collaboratively. Since its founding in 1994, SeaShare has provided over 270 million servings of seafood to food banks across the country.

Hannah has spent her entire professional career in the seafood industry. Before becoming the Executive Director of SeaShare, she spent more than fifteen years with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) and served as the Sr. Director of the Global Marketing and Strategy where she oversaw nine regional marketing programs located in Japan, China, S.E. Asia, South America, and throughout much of Europe. She also coordinated agency-wide initiatives and strategic collaboration with other seafood trade groups and represented Alaska Seafood on the US Agricultural Export Development Council.

Sustainability efforts have been a cornerstone in her career. From 2019-2024 Hannah served on the Certified Seafood Collaborative (CSC) board which oversees the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification, and she currently serves on the board of the Global Seafood Alliance.

In 2017 Hannah received her master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Mary Washington College and is also the author of several books for children. She lives in Juneau, Alaska with her husband and three children and together they also run a small oyster farm near the village of Hoonah.

Jakob Jensen

Mate and Video Creator

Jakob Jensen is a 24 year old video creator and commercial fisherman out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Coming from a family in the fishing industry Jakob has been fishing Wild Alaska Pollock since the age of 16 providing him with knowledge and skills through years of experience. He also has over 500k followers across all platforms for his fishing content along with other hobbies he documents

Jeremy Woodrow

Executive Director at Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute

Jeremy Woodrow is the Executive Director for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. Jeremy is a born and raised Alaskan whose family has commercially fished in Southeast Alaska for over five decades. He has practiced marketing and public relations in the fields of seafood, state and local government throughout Alaska since 2002. Jeremy is an alumnus of Northern Arizona University where he received his bachelor’s in public relations and bachelor’s in advertising. He lives in his hometown of Juneau, Alaska with his wife and two young children. Jeremy is also active in coaching and volunteering for youth sports programs in which his children participate. He loves to spend every minute of free time with his family in the great outdoors of Alaska and, of course, fishing.

Jim Harmon

Executive Director, SeaShare

Jim Harmon has devoted most of his career to the seafood industry.  He came to Seattle to manage catcher processors in 1989. Harmon moved to SeaShare in 2001, and has served as Executive Director since 2009. He plans to retire in August of 2024.

During his 24 years at SeaShare, Jim has focused on donation partnerships for the food bank network; combining products, services, and funds to secure long-term donations of seafood that no single entity could justify or sustain. Jim has understood the intricacies of seafood harvesting, processing, and distribution; and the challenges it takes for companies to donate product.  Jim has simultaneously kept the food banks and their clients’ needs front and center, ensuring that everyone has access to nutrient-dense seafood.

Jim instituted donations of freezer containers in small towns and villages in Alaska to help support food donations within the state. He has also ensured that all donations in Alaska are done at zero cost to the receiving agencies.  Jim also coordinated the seafood industry’s response to multiple disasters across the country, including hurricanes, wildfires, and fishery closures.

His experience in operations and procurement, along with strong leadership and organizational skills, helped SeaShare garner many accolades during Jim’s tenure.

SeaShare works with the seafood industry to increase donations of seafood to Feeding America’s national network of food banks. The nonprofit has donated over 275 million servings nationwide in 30 years, largely thanks to Jim’s vision and tireless efforts.

Jim Johnson

President at Glacier Fish Company LLC

Jon Ochoa

GAPP, Membership and Marketing Manager

Jon joins GAPP with years of experience in marketing and a background in working with various industries. Prior to joining GAPP, Jon has gained agency experience as well as spent some time working within the CPG industry, honing his skills in Marketing Strategy and Creative Content Creation. He looks to use his skills to develop innovative campaigns that showcase the quality and sustainability of Wild Alaska Pollock. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for design, he will help the company tell the story of GAPP in a meaningful way.

Julie Decker

President at Pacific Seafood Processors Association

Since in 1994, Julie Decker has worked in the Alaska seafood industry in a variety of positions, including seafood processing, commercial fishing and diving, vessel owner, and executive management of both seafood processing businesses and non-profit and trade organizations.  Currently, Decker is President of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association (PSPA).

Decker lives with her husband in Wrangell, Alaska.  They raised their two children commercial fishing on the F/V McCrea.  In the summers, Decker takes vacation time to harvest kelp with her husband.

Decker has served on various boards and committees working toward economic development in the seafood industry, including the United Fishermen of Alaska, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Southeast Conference, Wrangell Borough Assembly, Alaska Mariculture Alliance, Certified Seafood Collaborative, and Global Seafood Alliance.

Decker holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, and a Master of Public Administration, with a concentration in Natural Resource Management, from University of Alaska Southeast.  In 2013, Decker was presented the Ernest Gruening Award for “Outstanding Graduate Student”.  In 2021, Decker was named a “Highliner” by National Fisherman.

Kathy Casey

Owner, Lucky Louie's Fish Shack

Kathy Casey, celebrity chef and mixologist, owns Kathy Casey Food Studios-Liquid Kitchen in Seattle, a global agency specializing in food, beverage and concept development, innovation, menu training, and opening support. Kathy is a sought after speaker on food, beverage and lifestyle trends.

A savvy spotter of what’s hot on the culinary and cocktail scene, she is an industry leader in trend identification and is a frequent speaker on the topic. As a TV and radio host, you can catch her cocktail show, “Kathy Casey’s Liquid Kitchen” on Small Screen Network/YouTube and her radio show Dishing with Kathy Casey on KOMO News. Also a prolific author Casey is a Julia Child Book Award winner and a James Beard-nominated author of 10 cookbooks, most recently D’Lish Deviled Eggs.

She also owns Dish D’Lish a “Food to Go Go®” concept and the companion line of products. As well as Rel’Lish Burgers and Lucky Louie Fish Shack concepts. Kathy is also the CCO of 1915 KCHouse Concepts, a women owned airport F&B operations company.

Kathy was recently awarded Innovator of the Year at the Vibe 2023 beverage confrence.

Specialties: Food and Concept Consulting, Cocktail and Beverage Consulting, Cocktails on Tap. Concept Development. Trend Forecasting. Speaking. Restaurant Consulting, Consumer Research and Brand Building. Marketing Strategy. Menu development.

Lauren Hasse

Director, Ketchum Analytics

Lauren Hasse is a market research and consumer insights specialist, who’s been with Ketchum for 7 years. She’s currently a Director for Ketchum Analytics, based in Chicago. She’s an expert in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. She’s experienced in multi-discipline research including message development and testing, brand positioning, communications measurement, campaign evaluation, segmentation research and issues & crises. She has a passion for helping her clients understand audience needs so they can better connect with and influence their target audience. She leads Ketchum’s analytics work across food, agriculture and ingredients, consumer food and retail industries. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism and an emphasis in strategic communications.

Melissa Kinch

Ketchum, President, Food Consultancy

Melissa oversees all Ketchum work across consumer food, ingredients, agriculture and technology. Melissa has spent nearly 25 years at Ketchum, specializing in reputation, corporate responsibility, and issues management, particularly in the food space. In her time here, she’s built a team that specializes in helping brands and organizations diffuse issues and create champions using engaging content and influencer outreach. She has deep experience managing clients and providing strategic counsel for a host of companies and organizations ranging from the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance to The National Chicken Council to GMO Answers. She is also the executive producer on the movie “Farmland.”  She has driven many primary research studies in communication on topics including “Techruptors,” “Food eVangelists,” “Gen Z and Food: The Say-Eat Gap,” “The Ketchum Leadership Communication Monitor,” “Reputation by Permission” among others. 

Nils Rabe

CEO, Baader

Nils became CEO of seafood equipment and solution provider BAADER North America Corporation and BAADER Canada Ltd. in 2021 after spending a couple of years in the German Headquarters. He is using his processing and project know-how to help support the seafood industry and make use of BAADER equipment.

Rich Morgan

USI, Northwest Marine Practice Leader

Ron Rogness

GAPP Director, Industry Relations, Partnerships & Fishery Analysis

Ron Rogness joins GAPP as Director of Industry Relations, Partnerships and Fishery Analysis. Ron Rogness previously served as an economic advisor to the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers. Prior to this role, he was Vice President of Sustainability and Corporate Relations for American Seafoods Group in Seattle, Washington. Ron also spent eleven years in seafood purchasing for Long John Silver’s Restaurants and then, after LJS was purchased by Yum! Brands, served seven years in seafood purchasing and government affairs for the Unified Foodservice Purchasing Cooperative, the exclusive supply chain manager for Yum! Brands U.S. restaurants. Ron started his career in the seafood industry in 1980 as a commercial fisherman, first in Washington State and later Alaska. After graduate work in fisheries economics at University of Alaska, he served as staff economist for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council in Anchorage Alaska. Following three years with the Council, Ron spent five years as staff economist and West Coast Government Relations Representative at the National Fisheries Institute.

Senator Lisa Murkowski

Senator Dan Sullivan

Stephanie Jones Stebbins

Port of Seattle, Managing Director, Maritime

Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Managing Director, Maritime at the Port of Seattle, is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in developing innovative business approaches to create financial success along with community and environmental sustainability. In the role of Managing Director of Maritime, Jones Stebbins is responsible for directing the strategic and daily operations of Cruise Operations, Fishing and Commercial Operations, Grain, Recreational Boating, Industrial Properties, Waterfront Capital Programs, and Marine Maintenance.

As a Port of Seattle employee for more than 25 years, Jones Stebbins has deep experience across both policy and operational issues in the Maritime Industry. 

Jones Stebbins has a successful track record of leading large diverse teams to accomplish Port business and strategic goals. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Duke University, and a Master's degree in Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina.

Stephanie Madsen

Executive Director, At-Sea Processors Association

Stephanie Madsen has been involved in Alaska fisheries since arriving in Alaska over fifty years ago.  She has lived in the fishery dependent communities of Cordova, Kodiak, Unalaska/Dutch Harbor and now Juneau so Stephanie understands first hand the importance of healthy, sustainable fisheries to thriving communities.

Having served six years on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, four of those as Chair, she was involved in establishing the Arctic Fishery Management Plan, the Aleutian Islands Fisheries Ecosystem Plan and designing catch share type programs in several fisheries.  Madsen continues to serve the Council as member of the Ecosystem Committee.  

Stephanie is the Executive Director of the At-Sea Processors Association

Takashi Kuroki

Maruha Capital

Tatsuya Gake

Foodstuff Sales, Nissui Corporation

-Joined Nissui in 2000

-Engaged Seafood sales for 24yrs

-In charge of Costco Japan Fish/Deli dept

-Love Seattle (had lived in 2011-2014)

-Love Baseball

-Love Ramen

-Love my dog(chihuahua)

Toshihiro Tsunetaka

Senior Manager, Trident Seafoods Japan GK

Toshihiro Tsunetaka
Senior Manager
Trident Seafood Japan GK

Joined Trident in 2018.

15 years in seafood business in my career

Supervising Costco Japan business and food service businesses / value added Pollock item

Wife and 2 sons, 5 yrs and 3 yrs old

Love playing golf, watching baseball.

Love KANIKAMA!!

Yaiza Donaire

Surimi Category Manager, Angulas Aguinaga

Yaiza Donaire is the Surimi Category Manager at Angulas Aguinaga, the company that created the chilled surimi market in Spain more than 30 years ago. She joined the company in 2016 and since then she has been working to increase the seafood and surimi consumption in Spain. Among her duties, she is in charge of the communication strategy, therefore she gives speaks about surimi and Alaska pollock in different forums and to diverse target audiences. She has also organised journalist trips to Japan to show them the origins of surimi in firsthand.  Yaiza lives in a small town in the Basque country; Spain, with her partner and foster son. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her son doing arts, spending time in nature and drinking coffee with friends.