The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) announced Kristy Clement as its new CEO. In its release, in addition to highlighting her strong leadership and strategic planning skills, AFDF noted that her appointment marks an important milestone in its ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable outcomes for Alaska's economy, environment, and communities. She replaces Julie Decker, who last August was appointed president of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association (PSPA).
Kristy Clement holds a BA in Organizational Management from Alaska Pacific University and an Executive MBA from the University of Washington. To that background, she adds demonstrated leadership experience in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Clement is also currently the Chairperson of the Afognak Native Corporation Board of Directors where, according to the AFDF, "she has been instrumental in developing and executing strategies aimed at ensuring a sustainable future for the Corporation’s Shareholders and the broader Alaska Native community."
In addition, the Foundation said Clement's diverse professional background reflects her dedication to fostering positive change and making a lasting impact in the communities she serves and highlighted her long-standing commitment to promoting social and economic well-being in Alaska and its Alaska Native communities. "Kristy is an experienced and visionary leader, poised to guide AFDF into the future," the announcement summarized.
"I am thrilled to join an organization that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Alaska's economy. I look forward to collaborating with the AFDF board and staff to ensure that Alaska's blue economy is well-positioned for future growth. My goal is to create lasting value for all stakeholders through innovative strategies," the new CEO of the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation said about her new position.
"We are very excited to welcome Kristy Clement as AFDF’s Chief Executive Officer," Markos Scheer, AFDF President, commented for his part. "Kristy brings adept leadership and strategic planning skills, which are essential to AFDF continuing as a leader in Alaska’s seafood industry. As AFDF enters its fifth decade of supporting and building Alaska’s blue economy, Kristy’s vision will guide AFDF into the future," he added.
The AFDF release further noted a personal detail from Kristy Clement's biography that, according to the Foundation, "adds a rich layer of understanding and commitment to the sustainable development of Alaska’s maritime resources." Raised in the village of Port Lions on Kodiak Island, her deep-rooted connection to the industry began while listening to the voice of her grandmother, Peggy Dyson (aka WBH-29 Kodiak), renowned as the guiding voice of the North Pacific from 1965-2000, and a highly respected person in the area.
During those 35 years, that voice was, on many occasions, the only connection between fishermen at sea and home. Now, in her vision for AFDF, her granddaughter is firmly committed to honoring the legacy of the WBH-29 Kodiak and supporting Alaska's maritime stakeholders in a new era. According to the release, recognizing the evolving landscape, Kristy Clement will emphasize the importance of collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking to navigate the challenges of the next 50 years.
Founded in 1978 as a 501(c)3 under the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) is dedicated to identifying shared opportunities within the Alaska seafood industry. Its focus is on developing efficient, sustainable outcomes that contribute to the well-being of Alaska’s economy, environment, and communities.