U.S. National Aquaculture Association focuses on strategic growth with two new leaders

The U.S.-based National Aquaculture Association (NAA) announced in 2025 the addition of two new leaders, Caitlyn Czajkowski and Maria Smithson, who will bring a fresh wave of energy to the organization.

Early in the year, Caitlyn Czajkowski joined as Executive Director, and in October, Maria Smithson assumed the role of Director of Membership and Marketing.

According to an NAA statement, this synergy will bring “new energy, broad experience, and a shared, passionate commitment” to promote and advance the development of the U.S. aquaculture community.

Previously, Czajkowski held a Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship in the office of U.S. Senator Chris Coons. The Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship is a program of the National Sea Grant College Program (NOAA) that provides the opportunity to work in the U.S. Congress or federal agencies on marine and coastal policy issues.

For her part, Smithson will focus on expanding NAA’s membership, strengthening outreach, and amplifying the visibility of aquaculture nationwide, drawing on her experience in strategic communications.

Regarding these appointments, President of the NAA Board of Directors, Sebastian Belle, said: "Caitlyn and Maria bring a complementary mix of vision, energy, and expertise that will move NAA forward in exciting ways. This is the start of a strong new era for the organization and for American aquaculture."

About the National Aquaculture Association

The National Aquaculture Association is the nation's leading advocate for the responsible and sustainable development of aquaculture. NAA works to inform policy, promote best practices, and connect the people who grow, study, and support America's farmed aquatic resources.

For over 33 years, it fulfilled its mission through congressional outreach, federal agency engagement, formal federal committee memberships, and public speaking engagements.

In 2023, NAA held meetings with 29 Congressional offices, spoke at 35 different aquaculture community and stakeholder events, organized 9 federal agency meetings, and submitted 32 public comment letters.