Alaska industry veteran Alvin Burch dies; Julie Decker named Pacific Seafood Processors Association president

To keep up to date with the latest personnel changes across the seafood industry, SeafoodSource is compiling a regular round-up of hiring announcements and other personnel-related shifts worldwide. If you have an announcement, please send it to [email protected].

-On 21 August, the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers announced Alvin Burch, a longtime member and industry veteran, had died. Burch worked in the seafood industry for nearly 40 years, including 30 years on the advisory panel for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. Burch was also the founder of the Alaska Whitefish Trawlers Association, formerly the Alaska Draggers Association.

“Al was a true advocate for Alaska groundfish including wild Alaska pollock, and a steward for responsible fisheries management and community development,” Global Seas and GAPP Chairman Bob Desautel said in a release. “Leaving behind a legacy of leadership and vision that will be sorely missed, our thoughts are with his wife Barbara, sons Keith and Bill, and the many families and friends throughout Alaska and the ‘lower 48’ who knew and loved Al.”

-Julie Decker (pictured) has been named president of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association (PSPA), the organization announced on 16 August. Decker most recently worked as the executive director for the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF). 

“Alaska is dependent on Alaska seafood for food security and an economic base which fuels coastal communities and the state. These communities have an intimate connection to the Alaska seafood industry, with much overlap between residents and industry participants,” Decker said in a release. “I see this firsthand in my hometown of Wrangell. No doubt, this is a challenging time; However, this provides us with opportunities for partnerships in areas of mutual interest, as we must work together to solve these large problems. I’m eager to begin working on behalf of PSPA with all stakeholders and policymakers.”

- Hannah Fennell has been appointed president of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, the organization announced in a 9 August release.

“I am incredibly pleased and deeply honored to have been elected as the president of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation. This appointment represents a tremendous responsibility, and I am humbled by the trust and confidence that the members of the SFF have placed in me,”  Fennell said in a release. “As president, I am committed to continuing the good work of the SFF, advocating tirelessly for the interests of our fishing industry and coastal communities. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of our hardworking fishermen.”

Fennell previously worked as head of the Orkney Fisheries Association.

The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation also promoted Sheila Keith from executive officer to vice president.

“I am delighted to serve as the vice-president of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and thank my predecessors for their hard work to date,” Keith said. “Many challenges lie ahead for an industry that deserves more recognition for the hard work that goes into putting healthy and climate-friendly food on our tables. I look forward to working with the SFF staff and members to ensure the issues confronted  by the industry are dealt with to help build a viable and sustainable future for the Scottish fleet.”

Photo courtesy of Julie Decker/LinkedIn