Haisman hired as CDFU executive director

Veteran commercial harvester Chelsea Haisman has been hired as executive director of Cordova District Fishermen United, effective Sept. 17.

“I just felt like it was time to step in and start advocating for our fisheries,” Haisman said, noting she had seen some changes in the industry over the past 10 years.

Haisman served as the program coordinator for the Copper River/Prince William Sound Marketing Association in 2014 and 2015.

“As the board president at CR/PWSMA, I am pleased to know that she will be the guiding force as the executive director at CDFU at this critical time for the future of our fisheries,” Jeff Bailey said. “Her background in small family fisheries will be invaluable.”

Haisman, who is a third-generation commercial fisherman, has more than 15 years of experience in both seining and gillnetting.

“My number one goal with CDFU is to give our fishermen a voice when it comes to issues that affect our fisheries,” she said. “I’d love to see more of the younger generation of fishermen getting involved, testifying and writing letters, so that we can ensure that in 10, 20, 50 years from now, our children and their children have a sustainable and productive industry.”

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Emily Mesner is a staff reporter and photographer for The Cordova Times. Reach her at emesner@thecordovatimes.com. Emily graduated from Central Michigan University, earning a degree in photojournalism with a cultural competency certificate. She first visited Alaska in 2016, working as a media intern for the National Park Service in Kotzebue and Denali National Park and Preserve, and has been coming back ever since. To see more photos, follow @thecordovatimes and @emilymesnerphoto on Instagram.