The Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA) announced Tuesday that its longtime executive director, Annie Hawkins, will be succeeded by Lane Johnston, now policy director for the national commercial fisheries coalition.

Launched in 2017, RODA was created to advocate for commercial fishermen and their communities as the federal government and wind energy industry stepped up efforts to develop offshore renewable energy. Initially focused on the potential impacts on East Coast fishermen, RODA broadened its national advocacy and cooperative research programs to the West Coast and Gulf of Mexico.

The group's new acting executive director, Lane Johnston, has been part of RODA almost from its start, “driving our advocacy as programs manager, and has a powerful record of steadfast commitment to our membership and the fishing industry,” it announced. “With a background in marine biology and years of fisheries policy work under her belt, Lane’s institutional knowledge and expertise will guide us forward.” 

“I am excited about this new chapter and look forward to working with our members and partners to continue to advocate for authentic inclusion of the fishing industry’s needs in the face of expanding offshore development. I strongly believe in RODA’s mission and am committed to supporting the organization’s efforts to give a powerful voice to our community,” said Johnston.

Annie Hawkins will take on an advisory capacity while focusing on cooperative research and policy advocacy on behalf of fishing communities. “RODA is grateful for Annie’s commitment and leadership which have provided the industry with a unifying voice since 2017, and is excited to be able to continue to benefit from Annie’s exceptional expertise,” the group said.  

“I am incredibly proud of what RODA has delivered for fishing communities over the past six years and of the organization we have built from scratch,” said Hawkins. “As a mature RODA enters a new chapter, I am thrilled to have one of our own, Lane Johnston, take the helm and am confident that RODA will continue to flourish under her well-deserved leadership. I’m very excited to keep working with Lane, RODA’s members, and our colleagues across so many important sectors.”