The following is a resignation letter from Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association Executive Director Becky Martello distributed to members on Feb. 14.

To the fleet,

Becky Martello.

As most of you know, Bristol Bay has always been very special to me – the place, the fishery and the people. Which is why it has been my great honor and privilege to serve you over these last 2 years; and why it is difficult for me to tell you that I will be resigning my position as Executive Director as of April 30 to pursue other opportunities. We’ve come a long way in a short time and I expect and hope that this trajectory will continue under whomever the board selects as your next Executive Director. We’ve recently completed a strategic plan for the next 5 years and so priorities and goals are set, the organization sits on a solid foundation and I will do what I can to ensure a successful transition.

I have wanted to build a brand for Bristol Bay for, quite literally, 20 years. Having had the opportunity to lead the development of your brand from its very beginnings in 2016 as a single city pilot project, to a brand that has been promoted and featured in nearly 500 stores across the country, has been an amazing experience and one for which I am grateful. I want to thank our marketing team at Rising Tide Communications and Mark Jones for their dedication to this project, and most of all, for putting up with my “particular vision.” And of course, my staff – Sue Aspelund, who watches your money like a hawk, and Cameo Padilla, who does more in 5 minutes than most people do in 5 hours – you are both a huge asset to this organization and the fleet, and I couldn’t have done it without you. Everything was a team effort and I thank you for your loyalty, friendship and dedication.

But the best part of this job has been getting to be the person that represents you, the Bristol Bay fleet. The member meetings, walking the boatyards, the townhalls – these were my favorite. I look forward to keeping in touch with many of you and I’m sure our paths will cross again.

Fondly,
Becky Martello