Andrea Keikkala – Executive Director @ United Catcher Boats
Our Herd Freed Hartz executive search team was honored to partner with United Catcher Boats on a nationwide retained search to find their new Executive Director.
United Catcher Boats (UCB) is a non‑profit seafood industry trade association representing trawl catcher vessel companies. UCB’s member vessels participate primarily in the Eastern Bering Sea pollock fishery, and the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Pacific cod fishery. UCB’s office is located in Seattle, Washington, and UCB’s member companies are located in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.
United Catcher Boats is a cornerstone of the global seafood industry, ensuring that millions of people around the world have access to sustainable and high‑quality seafood. The Eastern Bering Sea pollock fishery, which UCB’s member vessels participate, is one of the largest and most valuable fisheries in the world, producing over 1.3 million metric tons annually. This fishery, along with the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Pacific cod fishery, contributes significantly to the global food supply, providing a reliable source of protein for countless communities. UCB is proud to contribute to the second largest fishery in the world, accounting for over 35% of all fish caught by U.S. commercial fisheries and representing 30% or $1.56 billion of the overall first wholesale value of Alaska seafood.
The seafood harvested by UCB’s member vessels finds its way to markets and dinner tables around the world. From fish sticks enjoyed by children to gourmet dishes in fine dining restaurants, the reach of UCB is vast. Every bite of pollock or Pacific cod is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the UCB community. This impact is felt daily by people who rely on seafood as a nutritious and sustainable food source. The Alaska pollock fishery, for example, provides a vital source of affordable nutritious protein for millions of people in the U.S.
“Andrea’s experience in fisheries management and her commitment to a sustainable fishing industry make her the ideal leader to guide UCB through the evolving landscape of the Alaska and West Coast fisheries,” United Catcher Boats President Hunter Berns said in a press release announcing Keikkala’s appointment. “We are confident that her collaborative approach will help strengthen our industry while ensuring the long-term health of the marine ecosystems we depend on.”
For her part, Keikkala said that she is committed to fostering collaboration between the industry, regulators, Alaska coastal communities, tribes, and environmental stakeholders. “My focus will be on advancing policies that support both the economic viability of our fleet, the supply of healthy and nutritious seafood to global consumers, and the long-term sustainability of Alaska’s vital fisheries,” she said. “By working together, we can ensure a balanced approach that benefits the industry, communities, and the ecosystems we rely on.”
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