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Est. 1914

November 17, 2016

PSPA is pleased to announce the hiring of a new Vice President, covering government relations
in Washington, DC. Kristine D. Lynch, PhD, will be taking over for Dennis Phelan, upon his
retirement after 32 years with the organization. Like Dennis, Kris will be based in the DC area,
where she has lived and worked on marine resource policy and regulation since 2002.
Kris brings a wealth of experience from the academic, government, and private sectors. After
graduating from the University of Michigans School of Natural Resources and Environment, she
studied fisheries policy at Michigan State University. Im incredibly honored to be able to work
in the Alaskan seafood industry. PSPA has a long, proud tradition of bringing value to its
members, and Im fully committed to advancing that goal through effective engagements and
collaboration in Washington, DC. The next administration will soon be putting its mark on
federal policies including oceans and fisheries and as that unfolds we must make sure our
managers, harvesters, and processors have the tools they need to continue to thrive," Kris
stated.
In 2001, Kris shifted focus to federal fisheries policy making in Washington, DC. She served as
Professional Staff, then Senior Advisor, to the US Senate Commerce Committee. In that role,
she carried out functions that allowed the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries,
and Coast Guard to carry out oversight of key ocean agencies, two ocean commissions, and
any ocean legislation that came before the committee. The last Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries
Conservation and Management Act reauthorization occurred during this time, allowing insight on
complicated negotiations that highlighted the diversity and complexity of different regions and
sectors.
My Capitol Hill fisheries experience over seven years took me to Downeast Maine, to the
Louisiana Delta, and to far corners of Alaska. I was fortunate to serve under Senator Ted
Stevens' committee leadership and alongside his staff, learning from his example the
importance of working across the political aisle. Americas fisheries are incredibly diverse. Our
policies need to support the unique needs of fisheries-dependent communities, empowered by
science and collaboration." Dr. Lynch stated.
Since leaving Capitol Hill in 2009, Kris continued working on key federal marine policy issues,
mainly in the realms of ocean access and science-based regulation She spent two years with
the US Marine Mammal Commission, and in 2011 shifted to the private sector, working for Shell
Exploration and Production Company.
On January 1st, Kris will join the ranks of PSPA and continue to advocate for sound fisheries
law, policy, and regulation. We are excited to bring Kris on board and welcome her experience
and well-honed perspectives that will support our world-class, sustainable industry, said PSPA
president Glenn Reed.
For further information please contact Glenn Reed at 206-910-5150
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