future leaders 2017 class bio slides · future leaders class of 2017 born in miami, florida. raised...

Future Leaders Class of 2017

NFI Future LeadersClass of 2017


Born in Miami, Florida. Raised in the warm waters of south Florida.

Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame, 2015. Joined Quirch Foods in 2016 as a purchasing specialist. Fully involved in Quirch’s PanameiSeafood brand.

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take –Wayne Gretzky

David AbadinPurchasing Seafood Specialist, Quirch Foods


Neil Aeschliman started with Bumble Bee in 2014. He previously held positions in the film industry at Creative Artists Agency, Scott Stuber Productions, and Universal Pictures.

Neil received his bachelor's degree from Taylor University and his MBA from the University of California, San Diego. He loves to cook, homebrew, and relax at home with his wife and two dogs.

It is not the critic who counts… the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena. – Theodore Roosevelt

Neil AeschlimanResponsible Sourcing Manager, Bumble Bee Seafoods


James manages sales in the Northeast US and coordinates sustainability initiatives for Bristol. Prior to this, he worked in seafood sustainability at Gulf of Maine Research Institute, farmed shellfish on the West coast, and was a fish biologist for five years.

James received his bachelor’s from UCSB and Master’s from the Bren School in Marine Resources Management. His roots are in Nashville and Central America. He is passionate about scuba diving, mountaineering, blues music, and great food.

It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees. - Emiliano Zapata

James BensonRegional Sales Manager, Bristol Seafood


Sarah Bradt has been with The Fishin’ Company since September of 2014. Prior to joining Fishin’, she worked in procurement and human resources.

Sarah received her MBA from the University of Wisconsin and her bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University. Sarah and her husband Jake live in the Chicago suburbs and love to play with their puppy, Elwood and work on their “new” 70 year old home.

Be so good they can’t ignore you. - Steve Martin

Sarah BradtDirector of Project Management, The Fishin’ Company


Clayton Brown has been with Fortune since 2009. Prior to joining Fortune, he was with several Midwest region seafood distribution companies immediately following his college education.

Clayton received his bachelor's degree from The University of Houston. He and his wife Jennifer have two children, ages 8 & 6. Clayton enjoys outdoor recreation, cooking, exercising and spending time with his family.

If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough. – Mario Andretti

Clayton BrownDirector of Retail Sales, Fortune Fish & Gourmet


Andrew Butts has been with Rich Products Corporation since 2015. Prior to joining Rich Products, he worked for Naturally Fresh salad dressings where he worked in quality assurance then transitioned to the research and development team.

Andrew received his bachelor's degree in Food Science and Nutrition from Georgia Southern University. He lives on St. Simons Island, GA enjoying his weekends at the beach.

It ain’t over till its over. - Yogi Berra

Andrew Butts Food Technologist I, Rich Products Corporation


John joined the Newport International team 8 years ago after over a decade in the restaurant business.

John received his business degree from the University of Connecticut and culinary arts degree from the French Culinary Institute. John and his wife Cara have two daughters and John has a son and a daughter from his first marriage. John loves cooking gourmet meals for friends and family, every weekend seems to be a celebration of some sort in their lives.

Plan your work and work your plan - Craig Hospodor

John CantwellCorporate Chef and Director Business Development, Newport International.


Dennis has been with Blue Harvest Fisheries since fall of 2016. Prior to joining BHF, he was with State Garden as the Senior Quality Manager.

Dennis received his bachelor's of Science in Food science and Technology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family.

Be the change that you wish to see in the world -Mahatma Gandhi

Dennis ChuDirector of Quality Assurance, Blue Harvest Fisheries


Michael Clark has been with Fortune Fish & Gourmet since 2001. Prior to joining Fortune Fish Michael worked as a chef in San Francisco and Chicago.

Michael grew up in Wisconsin, attended Winona State University. Cycling, camping & cooking are some of the many activities he enjoys when not working.

I think if you look at exactly where you are, you can’t really focus without looking back and forward at the same time. - Bill Laswell

Michael ClarkSales Fortune Fish & Gourmet Foods


Wynter Courmont has been with Diversified Communications since 2006. Prior to joining Diversified she was with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and the Harvard College Fund at Harvard University.

Wynter received her bachelor's degree from Colby College in Waterville, ME. She and her husband Virgile have three young sons. Together they enjoy hiking and camping, all-season trips to the beach and spending time with family and friends.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. - Eleanor Roosevelt

Wynter CourmontEvent Director, Diversified Communications


Colin Dresser has been with Sea Port since 2016. Prior to joining Sea Port, he worked at PriceWaterhouseCoopers and received his CPA license.

Colin received his bachelor's degree from UCLA in Business Economics. Colin enjoys boating, travel and playing sports.

To the man who only has a hammer, everything he encounters begins to look like a nail. -Abraham Maslow

Colin DresserSales & Operations, Sea Port Products Corporation


Justin Ernest has been with Preferred Freezer Services since 2014. Prior to joining Preferred Freezer Services, he was with Worldwide Express-a Third Party Logistics provider.

Justin received his bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana Lafayette in which he was also a scholarship athlete. He and his wife Donay just had their first child (Aubrey) in November of 2016. Justin enjoys attending sporting events of all kinds, and spending time with family and friends.

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence - Vince Lombardi

Justin ErnestSales Manager, Preferred Freezer Services-Vernon CA


Lilani Estacio has been with Orca Bay Seafoods since 2015. Prior she worked for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and Dole Food Company. She currently is a board member of the Pacific Northwest Food Industries Circle and a member of the ASMI Domestic Marketing Committee.

Lilani received her bachelor's degree in Nutritional Science from California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo. She is a resident of West Seattle and enjoys hiking, cooking, and performance dance.

My motto – sans limites. - Isadora Duncan

Lilani EstacioManager, Marketing & Communications, Orca Bay Seafoods


Millie has been with Penn Cove Shellfish since July of 2016. Prior to joining Penn Cove Shellfish she was with Pepsi-Co Frito Lay as a District Sales Leader.

Millie received her degree in Political Science from the University of Washington. She enjoys snowboarding, sailing, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou

Millie Goebel Director of Market Development, Penn Cove Shellfish


Joe Grossi has been with Eastern Fish Co. since 2015. Prior to joining EFC, he was with Trident Seafoods and Bestfoods Foodservice.

Joe received his bachelor's degree from Central Washington University. He and his wife Lori have two children –Rosa (17) & Maria (15). Joe enjoys coaching his girls in their sports and spending time trying to hit a little white ball into a small hole.

There are no traffic jams along the extra mile -Roger Staubach

Joe GrossiWest Cost Retail Sales Manager, Eastern Fish Co.


Joe Hartigan has been with Trident Seafoods since 2014. Prior to working at Trident, he spent a few years working as a high school English teacher in the Chicago suburbs, where he grew up. Joe moved to Seattle in 2011.

Joe received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas, where he studied journalism. He also attended graduate school at Northern Illinois University, where he earned his teaching certificate. Joe and his wife Anne Elyse were married in 2015, and they live in Seattle. Joe is a lover of books and music, and he is always on the lookout for a good story.

And nobody, nobody knows what’s going to happen to anybody. - Jack Kerouac

Joe HartiganAssociate Marketing Mgr., Foodservice, Trident Seafoods


Matthew formed a wholesale company focused on offloading small day boats in 2008. The continued growth culminated with his current partnership in Wulfs Fish which is the oldest seafood retail market in Boston.

Matthew received his bachelor's degree from Marietta College (OH) and now lives south of Boston with his wife and two kids. In his free time he thinks about what work he could be doing.

If you are five minutes early, you are already ten minutes late. - Vince Lombardi

Matthew HendersonPartner, Wulfs Fish


Chris Hinson has been with Handy Seafood for seven years. He worked as a food service distributor sales rep and food broker prior to joining Handy Seafood

Chris enjoys working out and being active. He helps coach youth football when work permits. He is passionate about sports and competition. He loves spending time with his family as well.

It’s going to happen because I’m going to make it happen - motto

Chris HinsonSouthwest Business Development Manager, Handy Seafood


Becky has been with GAA since 2015. Prior to joining GAA, she was working in Marketing and Branding for international clean energy companies.

Becky has a Masters in Business with a focus on Sustainability from Antioch University in NH. She lives on the Southern Maine Seacoast and can be found outside with her two dogs, or oil painting in her studio.

If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try. –Seth Godin

Becky HoltMembership Manager, Global Aquaculture Alliance


David Keeler has been with King and Prince since 2013. Prior to joining King and Price, he was with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and served in AmeriCorps.

David received his bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University. He and his fiancé Nicole love being outdoors and cooking “delizioso” Italian dinners.

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. - J.R.R. Tolkien

David KeelerManager, Quality Assurance, King & Prince Seafood –Bellingham


Jennifer Maloney has been with AmericoldLogistics since 2014. Prior to joining Americold, Jennifer worked for Burris Logistics for four years focusing on Account Management and Procurement.

Jennifer received her bachelor's degree in Food Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys traveling and has a family trip planned in Italy this fall.

The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela

Jennifer MaloneyManager, Business Development, Americold Logistics


Hannah Mayers has been an associate at Rich Products since 2010. Prior to joining the SeaPakbrand team, she worked on the Farm Rich brand team in the frozen snack and appetizer category.

Hannah received her B.B.A. in Marketing from the Richards College of Business at the University of West Georgia where she was a member of the Beta Iota Chapter of Delta Delta Delta. Hannah loves cooking, the beach and spending time with family and friends.

What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hannah MayersAssistant Marketing Manager, SeaPak Shrimp & Seafood Co.


Brendan Mitchell has been with Norpel since 2015. Prior to joining Norpel, Brendan attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he received a degree in accounting. Brendan’s first experience in the seafood industry came working as a deckhand on a lobster boat throughout high school and college. Brendan sits on the Atlantic Herring Advisory Panel for the New England Fisheries Management Council, where he represents Norpel’s interests.

Brendan enjoys spending time on his boat, tending to his lobster traps and fishing for striped bass. He supports New Bedford’s fishing community as a board member at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center.

A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for -John A. Shedd

Brendan MitchellSales & Fisheries Management Rep., Northern Pelagic Group- NORPEL


Jennifer Mulhern has been with Clear Springs since 2008 beginning as a District Sales Manager and progressing to a Regional Sales Manager on the retail side of the business.

Jennifer received her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois. She enjoys exploring her new city of Austin, TX with its many outdoor activities and live music.

If you settle for just anything, you’ll never know what you’re truly worthy of. - unknown

Jennifer MulhernRegional Retail Sales Manager, Clear Springs Foods


Brian joined High Liner Foods in 2013. Prior to that, he spent 6 years in sales and operations management in the car rental industry.

Brian holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Berklee College of Music. He and his wife, Rachael, live outside of Boston with their children, Lucas and Olivia. Brian enjoys music, being outdoors and spending time with his family.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.- Benjamin Franklin

Brian NovelloManager of Inventory Planning and Control, High Liner Foods


Ann Ochiltree has been with Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods since 2013. Prior to diving into the seafood industry, Ann worked in the luxury cosmetic and fragrance industry.

Ann earned a bachelors degree in communications at Emerson College. She and her husband, Andy, have two young daughters. Ann enjoys cooking, science fiction and seafood puns.

There’s always a bigger fish. - Qui-Gon Jinn

Ann OchiltreeCommunications Manager, Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods


Nela Otero became part of the Budenheim family in 2010. She was responsible for South East Asia before being transferred to the US in 2014.

Nela received her Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography from University of Vigo (Spain) and interned at Aarhus University (Denmark). She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Management (ALM) at Harvard Extension School. Her passion is traveling and experiencing other cultures from around the world.

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take -Wayne Gretzky

Nela Otero Technical Sales Manager North America Budenheim Business Line Seafood


Romina Polanco has been with Slade Gorton & Co since 2011. Prior to joining Slade Gorton, she held a managerial position in franchise company GiardinoGourmet Salads.

Romina achieved her Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management from Florida International University. She is one of six siblings born to a hard-working family that immigrated to the United States in 1989. Romina enjoys home-cooking and travel.

In Business As in Life - You Don't Get What You Deserve, You Get What You Negotiate - Chester Karrass

Romina A. PolancoManager, Strategic Sourcing, Slade Gorton & Co


Candice L. Ramirez is the Procurement Manager for Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. (BBI), a hospitality industry company that owns 4 American casual dining restaurant chains which include ~1300 domestic restaurant. Candice has been in the food industry for the past 20+ years. She has a wide breath of category experience and is currently responsible for all seafood purchases for BBI.

Candice is a mother of 4 beautiful kids. Candice enjoys outdoor activities, boating, photography and spending time with her family.

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. If you can dream it, you can do it. It's kind of fun to do the impossible. - Walt Disney

Candice RamirezProcurement Manager, Bloomin Brands, Inc. (BBI)


Sarah Polny has been with High Liner Foods USA since 2007, starting out as a Culinary Intern.

Sarah received her Master's degree from Northeastern University and her bachelor’s degree in Culinary Nutrition from Johnson & Wales University. Sarah enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family & friends.

Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it - Julia Child

Sarah PolnySenior R&D Manger, High Liner Foods USA


Upon graduation, DJ joined Seatrade International. During his 22 years with the company he has made his way through the many different departments. Working with both the fish and scallop divisions, also becoming the assistant plant manager. When Seatrade merged with East Coast Seafood, DJ took on a new and important role as the Ground Logistics Manager at Worldwide Perishables.

DJ has been in the fishing industry his entire life. Born into a family of fishermen, DJ grew up on the Seacoast of New Hampshire. He and his wife Erika have two daughters. When he is not working you can find him hunting, camping, and boating on the rivers and lakes of New Hampshire with his family and friends.

Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after. - Henry David Thoreau

DJ FowlerGround Logistics Manager: Worldwide Perishables Enterprises


Aly has been with Diversified Communications since 2013. Prior to joining DC, she worked for a small event management company outside of Boston.

Aly received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. She enjoys shopping, summer days at the beach and cooking.

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. – Henry Ford

Aly StantonConference Project Manager, Diversified Communications


Nicolas Terrazas has been in Agrosuper since 2012, first three years working form Chile on the poultry side of the business, and last three form USA (Atlanta office). Prior to that he had different positions in Chilean agribusinesses companies (fruit and lumber).

Nicolas received his bachelor's degree in Universidad Catolica, Chile, where he also got a masters degree. He is a happy parent of two children, one boy and one girl, and married with Maria, who is a Psychologist.

Nicolas enjoys being with his family, traveling, and outdoors activities.

Nicolas TerrazasSalmon Sales Director, Agrosuper (Los Fiordos)


Alexa has been with ASMI since 2009, previously managing Asia & Emerging Markets and then as International Program Director until her appointment to Executive Director in 2015.

Alexa received her bachelor's degree in Asian Studies/Political Science from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. Alexa lives in Juneau, Alaska and enjoys cross country skiing and hiking.

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. - Coco Chanel

Alexa TonkovichExecutive Director, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI)


Alvaro Toro has been with AquaChile and RainForest Aquaculture since 2013. Prior to that he was a full-time Criminal Justice student.

Alvaro received his bachelor's degree from Miami Dade College. He has lived all his life in Miami and enjoys spending time on the beautiful Miami beaches.

Happiness lies within the journey, not the destination - unknown

Alvaro ToroSales Manager, AquaChile & RainForest Aquaculture


Bachelor of Science – Microbiology and Cell Science – University of FloridaMaster of Science – Food Science & Human Nutrition – University of FloridaNewly Weds Foods - Batters/BreadingsBurger King Corporate – Product Development

I recently purchased my first home and am looking to adopt a dog. I’ve never met a stranger. I am a traveller; 15 countries, 3 continents and counting…

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I, I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost

Jennette VilledaFood Scientist, Tampa Maid Foods


Hamish Walker joined Seattle Fish Company in 2016 having spent most of his career to date in the brewing industry. He has held a number of sales and supply chain roles and prior to joining Seattle Fish was leading global procurement for Molson Coors.

Hamish received his master’s degree in zoology from the University of Cambridge, UK. He and his wife Gina have four sons and they live in Evergreen Colorado where they enjoy spending time outdoors in the winter on snow and in the summer on anything with two wheels.

If you always do what you’ve always done, you always get what you’ve always gotten– provenance uncertain

Hamish WalkerDirector of Purchasing, Seattle Fish Company


Shannon Whelan has been handling sales and operations in the USA and Canada for Sealord since May 2016. Sealord is a sustainable deep sea fishing company based in Nelson, New Zealand. Prior to joining Sealord, she was a regional sales manager for a cheese importer.

Shannon received her bachelor's degree from Quinnipiac University and her MBA from Pace University. She enjoys traveling, networking, trying new restaurants, skiing, boating, and exercising in her free time.

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. - St. Augustine

Shannon WhelanVice President Sales and Operations, North America, Sealord Group LTD


Svein Wiese-Hansen has been with Pacific Seafood since 2008 working in Aquaculture positions. Prior to that he worked 15 years in fin fish aquaculture operations in Washington State.

Svein lives in Tillamook Oregon with his wife Erin and daughter Kirsten. He enjoys the great outdoors and spending time working around the home with his family.

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou

Svein Wiese-HansenShellfish Business Manager, Pacific Seafood


Stephen has always been interested in fish and the sea, even from a young age. He has been involved in various aquacultural projects throughout the world including sea cages, boats and closed containment systems.

Stephen received his bachelor's degree from Swansea University in the UK. After moving to Norway, he met his wife Torill and have two children. Stephen enjoys travelling, good food and has a small fossil/mineral obsession.

If you don't climb the mountain, you can't see the view - Norwegian proverb

Stephen WilloughbySales, Baader North America Corporation

future leaders 2017 class bio slides · future leaders class of 2017 born in miami, florida. raised...

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