Jennifer Ferdinand is looking forward to putting her extensive experience to work for the staff of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center in her new position as deputy director.
Photo: NOAA Fisheries.
NOAA Fisheries announced the appointment of Jennifer Ferdinand as deputy director for the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, which provides critical science to support both the management of Alaska marine fisheries and the conservation of marine protected resources.
Although new to the position - which she began yesterday, Monday, August 12, 2024 - Ferdinand is an old acquaintance of NOAA, where she joined in 1998, and also of the center's management team with which she has collaborated for more than 15 years.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Forest Biology, from the School of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, and Master of Public Administration, Policy and Governance, from the University of Washington, the release announcing her appointment notes that, throughout her career, Ferdinand has been committed to fostering a positive work environment, advancing diversity, inclusion and organizational excellence through staff development.
"We are excited to have Jenn fill this key leadership position for the Center," said Dr. Robert Foy, science and research director of Alaska Fisheries Science Center. "Jenn has been an integral part of the center leadership team for the past 16 years, serving both as a division director and planning officer. She is highly regarded by colleagues, staff, constituents and partners for her ability to facilitate difficult conversations and bring together disparate groups to build consensus."
Regarding her background, as mentioned, Jennifer Ferdinand joined NOAA in 1998 after experiencing firsthand the intersection between science and management as a fisheries observer in groundfish and crab fisheries. Upon her arrival, she worked for 10 years with the Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Division as a debriefer, observer trainer, and program manager.
Ten years later, in 2008, she took over as the center's planning officer, where she coordinated the development and implementation of the center's strategic planning process. Another ten years later, in 2018, she became director of the Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Division. Her many accomplishments in this position include leading the team during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
"Ferdinand conceived and executed innovative approaches to keep observers safe while continuing to provide needed catch and bycatch data to fishermen and resource managers working through the pandemic. This included modifying standard operating procedures to minimize in-person interactions and the use of remote tools for training and debriefing for observers returning from deployments on fishing vessels," the release highlights explaining her contribution during this time.
Moreover, throughout her career at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Jennifer Ferdinand promoted "stretch" assignments, details to other parts of NOAA Fisheries, leadership and development training, and use of the NOAA Academic Studies Program. Now, after her appointment, the new deputy director of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center reflects on her background and what that will bring to her new position.
"For many, becoming a fisheries observer is their first introduction to the federal government. I think it is really important to provide coaching and mentoring to new and recently promoted staff," she said. "While providing professional development opportunities to staff, I also was able to grow the division's skill sets and increase the value and utility of our data to the agency. I look forward to implementing some of these practices more broadly as the center's deputy director."