The National Fisheries Institute has appointed Gina Mortillaro as its new director of scientific affairs, as longtime leader Margaret Malkoski prepares to retire after a decade in the role.
Mortillaro joins NFI with more than 20 years of experience in research and development, technical services, regulatory compliance and quality assurance across major seafood companies.
In her new position, she will help manage the institute’s technical programmes, provide regulatory guidance to members and represent the industry before federal agencies and scientific partners.
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“Margaret leaves an indelible mark on our association and this industry,” said NFI president and chief executive Lisa Wallenda Picard. “We will miss her dedication and deep knowledge. At the same time, we’re pleased to have a regulatory expert with more than twenty years in the business taking the baton.”
NFI’s chief science officer Jon Woody highlighted Mortillaro’s regulatory background and industry expertise.
“Gina has a strong seafood specific background that includes expertise in HACCP, FSMA, USDA and NOAA regulations, as well a rich history of developing company programmes to comply with any number of regulatory policies,” Woody said.
“Whether it’s food labelling expertise or review of new procedures and platforms she’s already done it and brings those resources to our membership.”
In addition to her regulatory work with multiple federal agencies, Mortillaro will coordinate seafood research initiatives in collaboration with the Seafood Industry Research Fund.
