Board of Directors
Every ship needs a good captain.
These are the men and women plotting our course to a vibrant fishing future.
Meet our Board
Chairman
Alex Todd
(F/V Jacob & Joshua) Alex is a 10th generation fishermen from Chebeague Island, ME. Alex fishes for scallop, lobster, menhaden, and hopes to one day be able to use his groundfish permit again. Alex serves as the Chair of the Maine State Scallop Advisory Panel and is actively involved in the work to build a sustainable scallop fishery in the Gulf of Maine.
Vice Chair
Gerry Cushman
(F/V Bug Catcha) Gerry is a lifelong resident of Port Clyde, Maine and remains a tireless advocate for keeping community-based fishermen on the water with viable fishing businesses. His father was a groundfish fisherman, and Gerry is committed to having a healthy Gulf of Maine ecosystem and a healthy fishing fleet in the future. You can find Gerry fishing for lobster most days of the year.
Secretary
Andrew Kraus
Andrew works in Portland where he is an attorney for Opticliff Law focusing on issues facing Maine's businesses. Prior to moving to Maine, Andrew spent several years focusing on fisheries regulation and maritime law issues including Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay area.
Treasurer
Lee Walker
Lee lives in Harpswell, Maine where he runs his own accounting practice. Lee spends as much time on the water as possible and uses his background to help keep Maine’s waterfront working for everyone.
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Board Member
Susan Desgrosseilliers
Susan Desgrosseilliers is from Maine now resides in Cape Elizabeth where she is VP, Commercial Loan Officer at Skowhegan Savings Bank. Susan has a broad level of experience having held the positions of Certified Business Advisor for the Maine Small Business Development Center, Business Development Representative for the City of Portland, Executive Director of the Rockland/Thomaston Chamber of Commerce, Regional Director of Marketing for Ocean Properties, and in design as the former owner of Fixtures Maine.
Board Member
Bryan Bichrest
(F/V Safe Haven) Bryan Bichrest is a second-generation fisherman out of Cundy’s Harbor in Harpswell, Maine. Bryan fishes for groundfish, shrimp, lobster, swordfish, and tuna.
Randy Cushman
Board Member
(F/V Ella Christine) Randy is a fourth generation groundfish fisherman from Port Clyde Maine and a founding member of the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association. Randy fishes for groundfish and shrimp and has been one of the most active fishermen in Maine advancing the use of Electronic Monitoring.
Kevin Lipson
Board Member
Kevin Lipson spends his summers on Huppers Island, ME. A lawyer at Venable, LLP, Kevin has worked with the Maine fishing industry to help alleviate overly-burdensome regulations on the industry.
David Schwartz
Board Member
David's family has deep roots in Maine's fisheries. His grandfather was an innovator within herring canning industry which, at one point, was one of the most valuable fisheries in Maine. David currently is the Chairman, CEO and founder of FCE Group out of New York.
Nikki Strout
Board Member
Nikki was born and raised on the coast of Maine, where she currently lives with her husband and 3 boys. As co-owner of Rugged Seas, Nikki’s mission is to tell the fishing family story and help connect the community with our fishermen. She is committed to preserving the Gulf of Maine and healthy fisheries all while working to gain the respect and recognition our hardworking fishermen deserve.
