Board of Directors

Every ship needs a good captain.

These are the men and women plotting our course to a vibrant fishing future. 

Alex Todd
Chairman

(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.

Gerry Cushman
Vice Chair

(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.

Andrew Kraus
Secretary 

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.

Lee Walker
Treasurer

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.

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. 

Susan Desgrosseilliers

Susan Desgrosseilliers is from Maine now resides in Portland where she is s a Certified Business Advisor for the Maine Small Business Development Center. 

Susan has a broad level of experience having held the positions of 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.

Randy Cushman

 (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. 

Kate Curran

Kate lives in Portland and is an active member of Maine’s small businesses and start-up community. Her true passion, however,  is on the water where Kate is an avid recreational fisherman.

Kevin Lipson

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. 

Ben McKinney

Ben was born and raised in Southern Maine. After living out West for school and work, his love of New England brought him home. As a partner at Luke’s Lobster, he is focused on processing, sourcing, and helping co-ops and coastal communities’ diversity their fisheries. Ben serves on the Lobster Institute Advisory Board and is committed to keeping the Gulf of Maine sustainable and healthy for all fishermen.

David Schwartz

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

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.