About

Vice President, Human Resources, Operations and Events

Andra M. Athos

At Fishing Partnership, I oversee human resources, leading the effort to recruit the best talent and team to grow and expand our mission to improve the lives of commercial fishermen. I organize training, ensuring a smooth transition for each new hire. Work is a joy for me because at Fishing Partnership, we have the most talented and dedicated team of professionals. Another area of focus I handle is event management, which includes fundraising and representing Fishing Partnership at industry trade shows. What I love most about my job is that I get to lead in a role where I help bring critical, life-saving resources directly to the dock to deserving fishing communities.

Favorite Seafood Dish
“Sole Piccata, Sole Florentine, Sole Meuniere…I love it all!”

President, CEO and Founder

J.J. Bartlett

I founded Fishing Partnership in 1997 because I love serving the men and women who risk their lives every day to feed our nation. I am passionate about promoting health equity among all workers and at Fishing Partnership, lead the senior staff in our mission to advance the health, safety and economic security of fishermen and their families. Under the supervision of our board of directors, I am responsible for the development and implementation of our annual work plan. I am also chief liaison with other organizations, such as fishing associations, health insurance companies, provider organizations, and government agencies.

Favorite Seafood Dish
“I love any fresh seafood!”

Vice President, Research and Evaluation

Gretchen Biesecker

I design and lead Fishing Partnership’s approaches to studying the impact of our programs. I get to apply my background as a psychologist and researcher, working with a range of non-profits, to help Fishing Partnership use a range of data and research to learn and improve. Working closely with all departments and collaborators from universities and peer organizations, we collect data that sparks innovation, helps us monitor our progress toward goals, and tells the story of our work. I love the people I get to work with at Fishing Partnership and how evaluation is central to advancing the organization’s program development in support of fishing communities.

Favorite Seafood Dish
“Grilled striped bass, oysters and seafood stews”

Director, Business Operations

Liz Garofalo

I support projects, the donation process and assist with grant administration at Fishing Partnership. Providing resources to deliver projects on time and beyond expectation is my passion. I also support the grant administration process. Fishing Partnership’s mission to improve the lives of fishing families is close to my heart. As a child my parents would take me to Point Judith where we would walk the docks to watch the fishing boats return from a day at sea. Even though I’ve never fished a day in my life, I have so much gratitude for the fishermen that feed us.

Favorite Seafood Dish
“It’s a toss up between cod baked with a drizzle of lemon, olive oil and fresh dill or the fantastic fried fish sandwich at Twin Willows in Narragansett.”

Vice President, Advancement & External Relations

Windy Jansen

In my role I raise funds that help keep commercial fishing families healthy, safe, and economically secure. Working closely with our president, board of directors and marketing and communications department, we’re building a stakeholder stewardship plan that reaches individuals, politicians, corporations, and foundations with strategic insights on how Fishing Partnership’s delivery of support services directly benefits commercial fishing families. Specifically, I lead programs in the areas of fundraising, governance, and volunteerism. My heart belongs to coastal New England, and it is my great privilege to create a range of accessible philanthropic pathways for everyone to show their appreciation and value for commercial fishing families.

Favorite Seafood Dish
“I’m the mother of three rambunctious boys who enthusiastically compete with one another for the Junior Angler title. My favorite seafood dish is their daily catch, which lately has meant delicious dinners of Scup, a slightly sweet, mild flaky white fish that’s always a crowd pleaser.”

Special Projects

Elisabeth L. Karotkin

I joined Fishing Partnership in 2017 and was recently promoted to my present position – a new position created in response to the volume of projects and grants we manage. Projects require collaboration and oversight to meet benchmarks, and grants require similar attention to be sure we are administering them properly. It’s both challenging and rewarding work! It’s great serving an organization that does work that I am proud of. My job is different every day; varied and interesting. And the people I work with are inspiring and dedicated!

Favorite Seafood Dish
“Bluefish and salmon cooked on a grill.”

Vice President, Community Health

Lauren King

I work closely with our Navigator team to help fishing families access health and wellness programs, including enrolling fishermen, their families and community members in health insurance. I also work with our evaluation team to track Fishing Partnership’s community work in order to highlight the successes of each Port Town Fishing Partnership office. Because of our stellar Navigator team, we have established an incredible connection with local fishing communities. While attending events with our Navigators, I get to meet and know the fishermen and their families. I never cease to be in awe of the hard work of fishermen and their willingness to risk their lives to feed us.

Favorite Seafood Dish
“I never turn down mussels.”

Office Administrator

Joanna Lowney

I love waking up in the morning knowing that I am part of an organization making a positive impact on people’s lives.  In my role I oversee the day-to-day office operations at Fishing Partnership’s main business office in New Bedford. It’s my job to ensure everything runs ship-shape and support all team members to achieve their goals. When I’m not working, my family and I enjoy hiking the local trails of the Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust with our rescue dog Ellie Mae.

Favorite Seafood Dish ”If I had to narrow it down, it would be Baked Haddock and Scallops”

Executive Vice President

Dan Orchard

Prior to joining Fishing Partnership, I served as Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard for 16 years. Today, I lead and support the safety training division of Fishing Partnership. Demand for safety training has never been greater for commercial fishermen. Fishing Partnership is answering the call and expanding the reach of our programs to ports as far North as Maine and as far South as the Carolinas. Working with leaders in the fishing community to explore more ways to improve the health, safety and economic security of fishing families is a big focus in my work. The best part of my job is seeing the appreciation fishermen have for the programs and services delivered by our dedicated Navigators and Safety Instructors.

Favorite Seafood Dish
“Calamari–Fried, Baked, Sautéed… it doesn’t matter how”

Director of Evaluation

Krista Pelletier

I monitor and evaluate Fishing Partnership programs and services to ensure their maximum value for fishing communities. Analyzing data and reporting findings to the team is a big part of my job. Others rely on me to help interpret what the numbers are showing in terms of the specific ways we can advance our programs further. Working closely with our Navigators to set and exceed ambitious goals and milestones is gratifying work and transports me from the daily database management and into the field where I see first-hand the positive impact of our work on fishermen’s lives. At our annual celebratory staff meeting, the Fishing Partnership team gathers in Boston’s North End where we eat delicious seafood together on Boston’s waterfront. It’s always a special night.

Director, Safety Training

John Roberts

While I am a native of MA, a 31-year career in the United States Coast Guard saw me grow up in ports across the country. I am drawn to the coast and am proud that my current role enables me to continue to commit my life to improving the Safety of Life at Sea. I jumped at the opportunity to join Fishing Partnership, as I have seen, first-hand, the difference preparedness has in at-sea emergencies. In my position, I lead the planning and execution of training courses from Maine to North Carolina, including Safety and Survival, Drill Conductor Certification, Fishing Vessel Stability, Marine Safety Instructor Training, and First Aid/CPR/AED. I am inspired by the team here and their passion for assisting fishermen in our communities. I hold my Coast Guard 100GT Masters License and am a Nationally Registered EMT, as well as a licensed Massachusetts EMT. I look forward to using my experience, coupled with that of our incredible Safety Trainers and Navigators, to reach more fishermen across our coastal communities.

Favorite Seafood Dish
“While my favorite memory involves pulling up Alaskan Halibut on the Albatross Banks off Kodiak Island and devouring an ensuing feast, I have to say that I just love some brown butter seared sea scallops…oh, and I will never turn down a good clam roll!”

Vice President, Public Health Policy

Heidi Sulman

My background as a researcher and academician specializing in public health, public policy and behavioral health serves me in my role at Fishing Partnership as the non-profit’s policy and public health expert. I work closely with our president J.J. Bartlett on our collective impact work and am helping fulfill our mission to create a fishing industry for the 21st century that is healthy, safe and economically sound. The team at Fishing Partnership is inspiring, committed, passionate and kind. The best part of my job is having a hands-on role that positively impacts fishermen’s lives and also having a role that is constantly engaging, varied and meaningful.

Favorite Seafood Dish
“Freshly caught and grilled striped bass or tuna from the Cape’s Cataumet Fish Market.”

Fisheries Economist

Josh Wiersma

My first experience fishing off the coast of Washington for king salmon sparked my interest to pursue a career in fishery economics. At Fishing Partnership I am responsible for economic and policy analysis for the seafood industry. I work on a variety of fronts including seafood market development, workforce training and development and infrastructure improvement including fishing vessel modernization. The best part of my job is when we are notified of a successful grant award. When I’m not working you’ll find me enjoying time with my wife and daughters or pursuing other interests that include oil painting, writing and yoga.

Favorite Seafood Dish
“Homemade Atlantic Pollock Fish Tacos with Cabbage Apple Slaw.”

Safety Training Equipment Assistant

Sean Norton

I have grown up in coastal New England and the ocean has always been part of my life. In addition to regularly fishing with my father, a commercial fisherman, I have been a deck boss and understand first-hand the demanding work it takes to make a living at sea.

At Fishing Partnership, I support the numerous Safety Training events held from Maine to the Carolinas. I am proud to be an integral member of a passionate team working to keep fishermen safer at sea. I work alongside trainers and Navigators to ensure that equipment and necessary materials are available and properly maintained for all programmatic needs. On top of being excited to contribute to fishing safety, I really enjoy meeting new people and learning about fisheries along the East Coast.

Favorite Seafood Dish
“Hands down, my grandma’s fish chowder!”

Data Coordinator

Tiesha McCall

Combining my background in health insurance, administrative support, and nonprofit work, I am determined to help those in one of the world’s oldest industries by ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for success. I support the management of data collected from surveys, trainings, and programs across Fishing Partnership.

My fondest and earliest memories revolve around summers spent with my loved ones, immersed in the beauty of the Cape’s coastline. Sitting beside the sea, in the company of my family, we would conclude the day, dining on the day’s freshest catch, as the sun set on the horizon. These experiences have developed my appreciation for stories of triumph, family, and history, particularly those of resilient fishermen overcoming challenges and celebrating their heritage.

Favorite Seafood Dish “Fisherman’s platter and don’t forget the clams with the bellies.”

Director, Advancement Services

Sandra Kaye Baker

I was born in the rural mountains of Eastern Kentucky, in a little town called Busy. My background has made me passionate about health equity, and I am honored to work for an organization that is committed to assisting commercial fishermen and their families with necessary and life-saving support services.  

In Advancement Services, I provide support for stewardship and cultivation of diverse funding sources to sustain and grow our mission-critical programming. Fishermen face many dangers at sea; I take pride in knowing that my role supports their safety at work and provides the resources necessary to provide for programming that positively impacts our coastal communities.  

Favorite Seafood Dish
“Any salmon dish! I also love a simple fresh caught fish sandwich or clam strip platter made by small shacks along the shores of CT and RI, eaten outside at a picnic table where I can smell the sea!”