The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) announced it has elected new directors and officers and voted to maintain its current assessment rate for the coming year following its annual Board and Membership meetings.
GAPP said the assessment rate will support continued demand-building efforts for Wild Alaska Pollock, including the GAPP Partnership Program, and initiatives aimed at protecting the long-term reputation of the fishery.
“Over the last year, GAPP has invested heavily in telling the story of the fishery, especially in Alaska,” Jim Johnson, GAPP’s new chairman of the board, said in a statement. “Those efforts will continue with vigor over the next year, as well GAPP’s Partnership Program and strategic efforts to build demand in key markets. The GAPP membership stands united behind these dual goals and are confident that GAPP will make significant progress against them next year.”
The membership elected Luke Fanning of the Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association to represent the Community Development Quota Group Sector, replacing Grant Mirick. Justin Johnson of the Akutan Catcher Vessel Association was elected as Catcher Vessel Cooperative Sector Director, replacing Bob Desautel. Jeb Towne of Global Seas was elected as a new At-Large Director.
The 11 board members elected to guide the organization in 2026 are:
- Hunter Berns – Bering North
- Joe Bundrant – Trident Seafoods
- Doug Christensen – Arctic Storm Management Group
- Eric Deakin – Coastal Villages Region Fund
- Luke Fanning – Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association
- John Henderschedt – Phoenix Processor Limited Partnership
- Mark JoHahnson – Westward Seafoods
- Jim Johnson – Glacier Fish Company
- Justin Johnson – Akutan Catcher Vessel Association
- James Mize – Golden Alaska Seafoods
- Jeb Towne – Global Seas
Following the membership vote, the board unanimously elected Jim Johnson as chairman, succeeding Desautel, who has served in the role since 2022. Johnson is president, chief executive officer, and a partner at Glacier Fish Company, where he has held executive roles for the past 17 years.
The board also unanimously elected Doug Christensen to continue as vice chairman, John Henderschedt as secretary, and Jeb Towne as treasurer.
“It is exciting to have new leadership in Luke, Jeb, and Justin join the GAPP Board and bring their expertise, passion for our industry, and vision forward,” Johnson said. “With new additions come fond farewells—it is hard to express the gratitude that the entire industry owes to Bob and Grant for their years of service in guiding GAPP, especially during challenging times.”
GAPP said its board will vote on the association’s full strategic plan for the coming year at its March board meeting.
