Program: M.A.M.A., graduated 2013
Current Position: Executive Director, Seafood Harvesters of America

Biography: After completing her degree in 2013, Leigh moved to D.C. for her Knauss Fellowship with Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01). After completing her fellowship, Leigh stayed in DC and worked on fisheries policy in the private sector and then moved to the non-profit sector, managing the external affairs for Restore America’s Estuaries. In 2018, Leigh became the ED for the Seafood Harvesters of America, a national commercial fishing association representing thousands of fishermen from Alaska to Maine. In this position, she works with the U.S. House and Senate Members on policy and legislative efforts related to federal commercial fishing policy. She also engages regularly with NOAA on fisheries regulations throughout the country.

How has your participation in the Marine Affairs Program helped to influence or shape your career? The Marine Affairs Program opened Leigh’s eyes to the wide variety of career possibilities within the policy realm. The MAF Program also provided her with a very strong background and understanding of the most pressing current challenges in marine policy.

What was the most memorable–or the most influential–course taken as a Marine Affairs student?
Dr. Juda’s “Ocean Law” class! I have relied on the information I learned from Dr. Juda’s class in every job since I’ve graduated.