Frances Leach, who grew up fishing for salmon, halibut and shellfish in Ketchikan, and currently works as a regulations coordinator for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, will become the executive director of United Fishermen of Alaska on Jan. 5.
UFA President Jerry McCune, of Cordova, said Leach has a proven track record of success and has demonstrated leadership in her professional career.
“In addition, her life experience working in her family’s commercial fishing business makes her uniquely qualified to be UFAs executive director,” he said.
Leach said, in a statement released by UFA, that she is excited about the opportunity to represent the statewide umbrella association for 34 member organizations from fisheries throughout Alaska and its offshore waters.
“Having grown up in a commercial fishing family in a coastal community, I understand the importance of commercial fishing to Alaska’s economy and cultural heritage,” Leach said. “The commercial fishing industry faces many challenges at the state and federal level, and I look forward to addressing these challenges as UFA’s Executive Director.”
