The McLean, Virginia, USA-headquartered National Fisheries Institute (NFI) has hired Lisa Wallenda Picard as its incoming president and chief executive officer. Picard comes to the NFI from the National Turkey Federation (NFT), where she is the senior vice president for policy, trade and regulatory affairs.
In January of this year, NFI President and CEO John Connelly announced plans to retire in early 2023, prompting a nationwide search organized by Kim Gorton, president and chief executive officer of Slade Gorton.
“Following a robust search, Lisa emerged as the clear choice to propel NFI into the future,” said Gorton. “She is a dynamic leader with expertise in food safety and trade relations, as well as a thorough understanding of the complex policy issues affecting center of the plate proteins.”
Picard, who joined NTF in 2011, was previously chief of staff for the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Prior to signing on with FSIS in 2002, she served as national director of public relations for Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus and also spent several years lobbying on animal welfare and agriculture issues.
“On behalf of the NFI officers, we are excited to welcome Lisa to NFI. We are looking forward to a smooth transition with the board, membership and staff,” said Gorton.
Picard will officially come on board in mid-December, and be introduced to the trade association’s membership during the NFI Global Seafood Market Conference, January 17-19, 2023, at La Quinta Resort in Palm Springs, California.
“Leading NFI for nearly 20 years has been tremendously rewarding for me, as I know it will be for Lisa.” said Connelly, “I want to thank the search committee for the time and energy they put into finding NFI’s new President and CEO.”
Picard earned a master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Flagler College in St Augustine, Florida. The Sarasota, Florida native is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School for Executive Education. She resides in Virginia with her family.
NFI, incorporated in 1945, is the largest seafood trade association in the United States. Picard will be its fourth president.
