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 and Founder

J.J. Bartlett

Email: jbartlett@fishingpartnership.org

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, Biology
Harvard University

Master of Business Administration, Health Care Management
Boston University

J.J. founded Fishing Partnership Health Plan in 1997, a first-of-its-kind direct health insurance plan for the underserved New England fishing community. He oversaw all operations, secured millions in public and private investment and, following the passage of the Affordable Care Act, transformed the health plan into an innovative second generation non-profit now known as Fishing Partnership Support Services (FPSS).

Over the last 15 years, J.J. has led FPSS through a comprehensive organizational redesign, shaping its mission to improve the health, safety, and economic security of commercial fishermen, their families, and their communities. Recognizing the need for a deeply local and holistic approach, he created FPSS’s renowned Community Health Worker Navigator Model. By imbedding Navigators with lived experience in coastal communities where fishermen live and work, FPSS has grown to support more than 2,500 fishermen and their families annually from Maine to the Carolinas with culturally competent and accessible outreach and services.

J.J. has a demonstrated commitment to data-informed, equity-driven programs. He has expanded FPSS’s commercial fishing safety training program into a robust regional network offering over 20 sessions per year. Under his leadership, FPSS has also built community-based training capacity, improved social determinants of health for commercial fishing families, and expanded offered services in response to direct community-based requests, including psychological first aid, trauma support, and programs to increase economic resilience.

A seasoned advocate, J.J. has helped FPSS procure millions in federal safety training and research grants, Massachusetts state funding, and private and foundational philanthropic investment. He has also successfully secured federal and state legislative actions that safeguard the social services needs and interests of commercial fishermen and their families, while protecting the economic and food security benefits generated by the industry

Awards and Honors:

• Boston Fisheries Foundation Seafood Hall of Fame inductee
• Boston University Questrom School of Business Health Sector Management Program “Health Sector Management Distinguished Alumni Award”
• Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association “Appreciation Award” for “years of service on behalf of the Commonwealth’s Commercial Lobster Industry.”
• Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI) Leadership Award, in recognition of Fishing Partnership Support Services’ opioid initiatives
• Community Health Worker Program of the Year by the Massachusetts Association of Community Health Workers
• Offshore Mariners’ Wives Association’s “Friend of the Fishing Industry”
• Boston Business Journal’s “Forty Under Forty,” recognizing young business and civic leaders making a major impact
• Quigley Innovation Award for Consumer-Driven Healthcare Initiatives, New England Healthcare Assembly

Publications

• Fishing Partnership Support Services innovative “Fishermen as First Responders” Overdose
  Education and Naloxone Distribution program featured in June 2024 New York Times Magazine
  cover story, “The Mayday Call: How One Death at Sea Transformed a Fishing Fleet”

Director, Business Operations

Liz Garofalo

In her role as Director of Business Operations, Liz leverages her background in Public Administration and her Project Management Certification to guide the organization’s business administration practices, helps shape FP’s operational policies and procedures, and tailors our Project Management program to fit the culture and requirements of the organization. Additionally, Liz assists with human resources functions, manages compliance and risk mitigation efforts, and oversees Information Technology Management.

Favorite Seafood Dish
“Baked cod with a drizzle of lemon infused olive oil and sprinkle of fresh Thyme.”

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.”

Safety Training Logistics Manager

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 manage the planning and logistics for our safety team that currently trains from Maine down to North Carolina. It’s my job to ensure everything runs ship-shape before, during and after all our trainings and support the team to achieve their goals. When I am 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 Data & Analytics

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.

Vice President, 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!”

EQUIPMENT MANAGER/SAFETY INSTRUCTOR

Sean Norton

I have grown up in coastal New England and the ocean has always been part of my life. I am a third generation fisherman out of Scituate. 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.

• Marine Safety Instructor for AMSEA Drill Conductor Course  

Sean is excited to now be certified as a Safety Trainer, he says “growing up in a fishing environment has allowed me to see both sides of working through the pain, and now having the ability to see ways of staying safe and getting the job done.”

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

Manager of Operations

Holly Skipper

Holly is passionate about knowing where our food comes from and feels lucky to work for Fishing Partnership where she is part of a dedicated team helping to support the fishermen and their families who bring food to our tables. In her role, she provides support to Business Operations, Project Managers, Information Technology (IT), and Human Resources. She assists with the management of multiple projects across the organization, delivers staff trainings on IT, new employee onboarding, and other topics as needed to support robust professional development, and collaborates with all departments to provide strategic support and oversight of programmatic deliverables.

Favorite Seafood:
“Fresh oysters or a perfectly steamed lobster!”

Business Office Administrator

Rhonda Clement

Rhonda utilizes her exceptional organizational skills to support the daily operations of Fishing Partnership’s central business office. She helps to ensure that all port offices have adequate supplies, manages vendor contracts, provides administrative support across the organization and fields calls and inquiries from fishermen throughout the state. In addition to the oversight of the business office, Rhonda supports the Human Resources department with payroll, new employee onboarding, and related policies and procedures. With previous experience working within the fishing industry, Rhonda provides a warm welcome to all visiting our New Bedford office.

Favorite Seafood:
“Has to be baked haddock or baked scallops!”