I’m pleased to introduce myself as ASA’s new Policy Fellow. I grew up in the suburbs of Northern Virginia and, not coming from a fishing family, I had to take my fate into my own hands. Motivated by countless hours watching Bill Dance Outdoors reruns on Saturday mornings, I taught myself to fish and convinced my parents to take me to local lakes as often as possible, starting a lifelong passion.
Seeking a change of scenery, I moved to Colorado for college to pursue a degree in biology. As graduation approached and my next steps unclear, I made the logical decision to go to sea. I spent the next two years as a science watch officer and medical officer aboard sailing research vessels in the South Pacific and North Atlantic, fishing at every opportunity.
When my maritime career ended abruptly in March 2020, I decided to return to school, enrolling in the Blue MBA program at the University of Rhode Island, a combined master’s in business administration and oceanography. The program’s courses in Fisheries Management and Marine Ecology highlighted the complexity and importance of sound fisheries policy and resource management.
Before joining ASA, I worked in corporate sustainability for a consulting firm and in ocean conservation at a Washington, D.C. NGO.
I first learned about ASA through social media posts showcasing ICAST several years ago and was immediately impressed by an organization that supports the recreational fishing industry. I never imagined that just a few short years later I’d have the opportunity to join the ASA team. I’m thrilled to work with the government affairs team and to learn how to effectively advocate for fishing rights and access.
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