Jennifer Ferdinand Named Alaska Fisheries Science Center Deputy Director

NOAA Fisheries has selected Jennifer Ferdinand to serve as deputy director for the Alaska Fisheries Science Center. The Alaska Fisheries Science Center provides critical science to support the management of Alaska marine fisheries and conservation of marine protected resources.

"We are excited to have Jenn fill this key leadership position for the Center," said Dr. Robert Foy, science and research director, Alaska Fisheries Science Center. "Jenn has been an integral part of the center leadership team for the past 16 years, serving both as a division director and planning officer. She is highly regarded by colleagues, staff, constituents and partners for her ability to facilitate difficult conversations and bring together disparate groups to build consensus."

Ferdinand joined NOAA in 1998 after experiencing the intersection of science and management first hand as a fisheries observerin the groundfish and crab fisheries. She worked 10 years with the Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Division as a debriefer, observer trainer, and program manager. In 2008, she moved into the position of center planning officer, where she coordinated the development and implementation of the center's strategic planning process.

In 2018, Jenn took over as director of the Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Division. Among her many accomplishments in this role, Ferdinand led the team through the COVID-19 global pandemic. Ferdinand conceived and executed innovative approaches to keep observers safe while continuing to provide needed catch and bycatch data to fishermen and resource managers working through the pandemic. This included modifying standard operating procedures to minimize in-person interactions and the use of remote tools for training and debriefing for observers returning from deployments on fishing vessels.

Throughout her career, Ferdinand has been committed to fostering a positive work environment, advancing diversity, inclusivity, and organizational excellence through staff development. She promoted "stretch" assignments, details to other parts of NOAA Fisheries, leadership and development training, and use of the NOAA Academic Studies Program.

"For many, becoming a fisheries observer is their first introduction to the federal government. I think it is really important to provide coaching and mentoring to new and recently promoted staff. While providing professional development opportunities to staff, I also was able to grow the division's skill sets and increase the value and utility of our data to the agency. I look forward to implementing some of these practices more broadly as the center's deputy director," said Ferdinand.