The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) announced Nov. 29 the appointment of Kristy Clement as chief executive officer.
Clement taking the post is “marking a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable outcomes for Alaska’s economy, environment, and communities,” according to a statement from AFDF leadership. “Kristy is an experienced and visionary leader, poised to guide AFDF into the future.”
Clement grew up in the Village of Port Lions on Kodiak Island, and “she brings a profound respect for Alaska’s resource-rich waters and lands,” according to AFDF. “Grounded in her culture and subsistence lifestyle, Kristy enjoys the tradition of harvesting and processing fish, shellfish, and berries with her family.”
“In Kristy’s vision for AFDF, she is steadfastly committed to honoring the WBH-29 Kodiak legacy and supporting Alaska's maritime stakeholders in a new era. Recognizing the evolving landscape, she emphasizes the importance of collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking to navigate the challenges of the next 50 years,” foundation officials said.
“I look forward to collaborating with the AFDF board and staff to ensure that Alaska's blue economy is well- positioned for future growth,” Clement said in a prepared statement. “My goal is to create lasting value for all stakeholders through innovative strategies," says Kristy, highlighting her commitment to leading AFDF into the future.”
Clement holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Alaska Pacific University, and an executive master’s of business administration from the University of Washington.
Clement has a longstanding commitment to advancing the social and economic welfare in Alaska and Alaska Native communities, and currently serves as chairperson of the Afognak Native Corporation Board of Directors. She has been instrumental in developing and executing strategies aimed at ensuring a sustainable future for the Corporation’s shareholders and the broader Alaska Native community.
“We are very excited to welcome Kristy Clement as AFDF’s Chief Executive Officer. Kristy brings adept leadership and strategic planning skills, which are essential to AFDF continuing as a leader in Alaska’s seafood industry. As AFDF enters its fifth decade of supporting and building Alaska’s blue economy, Kristy’s vision will guide AFDF into the future,” said Markos Scheer, AFDF’s president.
The Afognak Native Corporation, established under the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) in Kodiak, Alaska, serves as an Alaska Native Corporation. AFDF, founded in 1978 as a 501(c)3 under the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, is dedicated to identifying shared opportunities within the Alaska seafood industry. Its focus is on developing efficient, sustainable outcomes that contribute to the well-being of Alaska’s economy, environment, and communities.
