Kristin McLaren has been named Executive Director of the Gulf Seafood Institute by the governing board of directors. Photo: GSI
GULF SEAFOOD INSTITUTE
by Gulf Seafood Newsroom Staff
Kristin McLaren has been named Executive Director of the Gulf Seafood Institute (GSI) by the governing board of directors. McLaren’s passion and background in sustainable fisheries uniquely qualifies her to assume GSI’s Executive Director post as a voice for the Gulf.
“The Board has unanimously selected McLaren to lead the organization,” said Harlon Pearce, GSI President. “We have great confidence in Ms. McLaren, who we expect will develop rich and meaningful relationships with our members. Our organization will build upon and advance its successful history of advocacy, science and education for our fishing communities under her leadership.”
As former Interim Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, McLaren has extensive governmental experience both on the state and national level. She met regularly with Capitol Hill figures like Louisiana Senator Bill Cassiday. Photo: Ed Lallo/Louisiana Seafood News
As former Interim Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, she has significant experience in fisheries and Federal grant programs. Her career has recently centered on recovery efforts from the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on April 20, 2010 and has secured more than $1.9 million in Federal funding for the fisheries.
McLaren has been an international speaker on the economic impact and resilience of the fisheries and has provided governmental testimony at both the state and federal level. McLaren plans to advance GSI’s strategic plan through collaboration with leaders across the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
“I am honored and humbled to serve GSI members, who are a collective generation of thought leaders,” said McLaren. “I look forward to the challenging nature of this opportunity and look forward to building on GSI’s successful collaborative efforts.”
As Assistant Executive Director of the LSPMB, McLaren handled budget and government affairs working closely with Executive Director Ewell Smith (center) and vendors. Photo: Ed Lallo/Louisiana Seafood News
The Texas native is currently attending Louisiana State University and will graduate with a Master’s in Business Administration. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and is a Certified Government Financial Manager.
In 2014, the Louisiana chapter of the American Association of Government Accountants named McLaren Government Financial Manager of the Year in recognition of her work at the Louisiana Seafood Board. Among her list of accomplishments include a Resolution by then Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne commending McLaren for meritorious service in implementing Act 228 of the 2013 Louisiana Legislature, which transitioned the Board from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
GSI, founded in 2014, has members in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The organization focuses on mass collaboration through advocacy, science and education. McLaren replaces the organization’s former Executive Director, Margaret Henderson, who has been one of the strongest seafood legislative advocates on Capitol Hill.
Visitor Comments