International Fisheries Nonprofit Chooses Alaskan as Executive Director
Ocean Outcomes
An international nonprofit that supports sustainable fisheries picked an Alaskan as its next Executive Director. Ocean Outcomes (O2) selected Kelly Harrell, previously executive director of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council.
Harrell is the successor to Rich Lincoln, who remains with the organization as a strategic advisor. In her new position, Harrell is helping O2 implement a new three-year strategic plan, which includes multiple new positions added in 2024 to grow its programs.
“We could not be more excited that Kelly will be leading O2 as our next Executive Director,” says Board Chair Gael Almeida. “Her experience and knowledge align well with the vision, goals, and different projects of O2, and we are sure she will contribute immensely to continuing the growth and footprint of the organization.”
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May 2024
Harrell possesses advanced education in environmental policy and business, including graduate studies in fisheries at the University of British Columbia and an MBA with an emphasis on seafood business from the University of Alaska. She previously worked for Ecotrust as director of fisheries and coastal communities, for Sitka Salmon Shares (now Sitka Seafood Market) as chief fisheries and sustainability officer, and most recently as senior manager at Saltwater Inc., an ocean data provider based in Anchorage.
“My career has provided me with diverse experience in fisheries and seafood supply chains; from fisheries monitoring to seafood quality, working waterfront infrastructure, ecosystem impacts, fisheries access, market opportunities, and beyond,” Harrell says. “I am looking forward to applying this experience and lessons learned from working in fisheries in Alaska and North America to the global geographies in which O2 is active.”
Making History
The track of oil and gas development in Alaska shows the footprints of bold companies and hard-working individuals who shaped the industry in the past and continue to innovate today. The May 2024 issue of Alaska Business explores that history while looking forward to new product development, the energy transition for the fishing fleet, and the ethics of AI tools in business.