The Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative (MLMC) has announced seven new appointments to its Board of Directors, bringing together representatives from across Maine's lobster industry to help guide marketing efforts aimed at increasing demand for Maine lobster nationwide.
According to the MLMC, the appointments were made by Department of Marine Resources Commissioner (DMR) Carl Wilson and include representatives from the commercial fishing industry, seafood dealers, marketing professionals, and the broader seafood supply chain.
Under Maine law, the board is structured to ensure geographic representation and industry-wide participation. Lobstermen representatives are nominated by the state's seven lobster zone councils, while dealer and public members are nominated by the Lobster Advisory Council before being appointed by the DMR commissioner.
The 2026-2027 board includes:
Lobstermen representatives: Brian Billings (Zone C), Jordan Drouin (Zone A, returning), Matt Gilley (Zone F, vice chair), and Abe Philbrook (Zone B).
Dealer representatives: Curt Brown, owner of Bold Coast Seafood (chair, returning); Meaghan Dillon, vice president of marketing at Luke's Lobster; and John Petersdorf, CEO of Bean Maine Lobster (treasurer).
Public member representatives: Cameron Dyment, supply chain and distribution manager for Cousins Maine Lobster, and Elizabeth Horton, owner of Simmer Public Relations.
Ex officio commissioner representatives include Jeff Nichols, communications director for the Maine DMR, who will serve as secretary, and Abby Plante, senior international trade specialist with the Maine International Trade Center and Department of Economic and Community Development.
"We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic group of leaders to the MLMC Board of Directors," said MLMC executive director Marianne LaCroix in a statement. "Their collective expertise and deep roots in the Maine Lobster industry will be invaluable. This board will play a critical role in driving continued demand for Maine Lobster while protecting the value of the brand."
At its first meeting, the board elected Brown as chair.
"It's a privilege to step into this role at such a pivotal time for our fishery," Brown said. "Maine's lobster fishery has such a unique story that resonates with customers around the country and around the world. By working together—from the harvesters to the end users—we can further elevate the Maine Lobster brand, ensuring the long-term success of our coastal communities and the resource itself."
Established in 2013, the MLMC is funded by Maine lobster harvesters, dealers, and processors to increase demand for live lobster and value-added lobster products through marketing initiatives that promote the industry's sustainability, tradition, and quality.
