The National Fisheries Institute named Lisa Wallenda Picard as incoming President and CEO of the association, the US seafood industry’s largest trade body.
In January of this year, NFI’s President and CEO John Connelly announced plans to retire in early 2023, prompting a nationwide search. A search committee chaired by Kim Gorton selected Lisa Wallenda Picard,who now joins NFI from the National Turkey Federation (NFT).
‘Following a robust search, Lisa emerged as the clear choice to propel NFI into the future. She is a dynamic leader with expertise in food safety and trade relations, as well as a thorough understanding of the complex policy issues affecting centre of the plate proteins,’ Kim Gorton said.
She was previously Chief of Staff for USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and also served as National Director of Public Relations for Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus, as well as having spent several years lobbying on animal welfare and agriculture issues.
‘On behalf of the NFI Officers, we are excited to welcome Lisa to NFI. We are looking forward to a smooth transition with NFI’s Board, membership and staff,’ said Kim Gorton.
‘Leading NFI for nearly twenty years has been tremendously rewarding for me, as I know it will be for Lisa,’ said John Connelly. ‘I want to thank the Search Committee for the time and energy they put into the search for NFI’s new President and CEO.’
