GAPP Membership Elects New Directors and Sets Assessment Rate for the Upcoming Year
Leadership Changes and Strategic Focus
The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) has recently held its annual Board and Membership meetings, where significant decisions were made regarding leadership and future strategies. Jim Johnson has been elected as the new Chairman, joined by Doug Christensen as Vice Chairman, John Henderschedt as Secretary, and Jeb Towne as Treasurer. The membership extends its gratitude to outgoing directors Bob Desautel and Grant Mirick for their years of dedicated service.
Investment in Demand Building and Fishery Reputation
As part of its commitment to the industry, GAPP will allocate significant resources toward promoting Wild Alaska Pollock globally while safeguarding the fishery’s reputation. This year, the organization has decided to maintain its current assessment rate to fund these initiatives, including the highly successful GAPP Partnership Programme. Johnson emphasized that the past year’s efforts to share the story of the fishery, particularly in Alaska, will continue robustly in the coming year.
“The membership stands united behind these dual goals and are confident that GAPP will achieve significant progress,” stated Johnson.
New Board Composition
The GAPP membership has also welcomed new representatives to its Board. Luke Fanning from the Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association will fill the role previously held by Grant Mirick, while Justin Johnson from the Akutan Catcher Vessel Association replaces Bob Desautel. Additionally, Jeb Towne from Global Seas joins as an At-Large Director.
Board Members for 2026
The eleven elected members now guiding GAPP for 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
Looking Forward
At the recent meeting, the newly elected board unanimously appointed Jim Johnson as the Chairman. Johnson has served in key executive roles at Glacier Fish Company for the past 17 years and brings significant experience to his new position.
“The fresh perspectives of Luke, Jeb, and Justin are exciting for GAPP as we move forward,” Johnson noted. He also expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of Bob and Grant during their tenures, particularly during challenging periods in the industry.
The GAPP Board will finalize its comprehensive strategic plan for the upcoming year at its next meeting scheduled for March.
Image: Seafish
