February 15, 2024 — The following was released by the Ocean Outcomes:
Poised for continued delivery and growth of work across Northeast Asia
and Latin America in both small- and large-scale fisheries — the Ocean Outcomes Executive
Search Committee has selected industry veteran Kelly Harrell to inherit leadership of a team that
is poised for significant impact over the coming years.
“We could not be more excited that Kelly will be leading O2 as our next Executive Director,”
said Board Chair, Gael Almeida. “Her experience and knowledge align well with the vision,
goals, and different projects of O2 and we are sure she will contribute immensely to continuing
the growth and footprint of the organization.”
This experience includes leadership positions in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors with an
emphasis on conservation, fisheries-dependent communities, food systems, and supply chains.
This has given her a deep appreciation for — and ability to thrive in — the nexus at which
fisheries, economies, food systems and communities intersect.
“My career has provided me with diverse experience in fisheries and seafood supply chains;
from fisheries monitoring to seafood quality, working waterfront infrastructure, ecosystem
impacts, fisheries access, market opportunities, and beyond,” noted Kelly. “I am looking forward
to applying this experience and lessons learned from working in fisheries in Alaska and North
America to the global geographies in which O2 is active.”
Her appointment comes at an opportune moment — Ocean Outcomes has just begun
implementation of its new three year strategic plan, and the team is well-funded, adding multiple
new positions in 2024 to support its shared organizational culture and growing programmatic
work.
“O2 has an outstanding team, committed partners, a compelling programmatic portfolio, strong
values, and a robust organizational foundation on which to build,” added Kelly. “It will be my
distinct honor to leverage the incredible work to date and help chart the future course for impact
as the next Executive Director at O2.”
Kelly’s prior positions include Executive Director of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council,
Director of Fisheries and Coastal Communities at Ecotrust, Chief Fisheries and Sustainability
Officer at Sitka Salmon Shares (now Sitka Seafood Market), and most recently, Senior Manager
at Saltwater Inc. She possesses advanced education in environmental policy and business
including graduate studies in fisheries at the University of British Columbia and an M.B.A. with
an emphasis on seafood business from the University of Alaska.
Kelly officially starts with Ocean Outcomes on March 1, and is working closely with the O2
team, Board and current Executive Director Rich Lincoln to ensure a smooth and efficient
transition. Rich remains committed to the growth and success of Ocean Outcomes and will
continue to support O2 as a Strategic Advisor.
Kelly and her Ocean Outcomes colleagues will be attending the upcoming World Fisheries
Congress in Seattle and Seafood Expo North America in Boston, at the beginning of March —
we look forward to connecting with many of our partners and clients there.
Media Contact: Perry Broderick | perry@oceanoutcomes.org | +1-503-758-6893