 Knowles Picks Dan Coffey to Fill Vacancy Left by Resignation of Bob Penney October 08, 2002
"Dan Coffey distinguished himself during two terms on the state Board of Fisheries, including serving as its chair," Knowles said. "He is knowledgeable on fishery issues, committed to protecting Alaska interests in fisheries, and will make an excellent addition to Alaska's team on the North Pacific Council." Dan Coffey is a lifelong Alaska resident who works as an attorney in Anchorage, specializing in real estate and commercial law. Knowles appointed him to the Fish Board in 1996 and he served two terms, including serving as board chair. During his term on the Board, Coffey helped develop the committee process to help handle the Board's tremendous workload, and the board adopted the Sustainable Fisheries Policy and the Escapement Goal Policy. As a board member, Coffey helped to create a state water cod fishery for small boat fishermen and was deeply involved in writing the Chignik Cooperative Fishery Plan. He supported the Community Development Quota fisheries as essential to giving local communities access to fisheries resources in their local areas. An active sport fisherman, Coffey fished commercially for halibut and crab in Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound in the early 1970s and was part owner of a halibut and bottomfish boat during the late 1980s. His father fished commercially in Bristol Bay during the sailboat years. In seeking appointment to the council, Coffey said he was a hard worker who puts the necessary time and energy into the deliberative process, and brings strong organizational skills. He also said since he is not a stakeholder in any fishery, he can be an independent voice for the fisheries resources, habitat, and the interests of coastal communities and fishing families. Although Coffey was named as the Governor's preferred nominee, Knowles also submitted two additional nominations as required by law: Bill Foster of Sitka and Ben Ellis of Soldotna. A 30-year Alaska resident, Bill Foster holds a master's degree in biology and taught science (including marine science) at Sitka High School for 14 years. A retired sport fish charter guide, Foster remains active in sportfishing policy and management issues. He serves on the Northern Panel of the Pacific Salmon Commission and is a past member of the board of directors of the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, and past president of the Sitka Charter Boat Operators Association. Ben Ellis of Soldotna is a member of the Council's Advisory Panel. He holds a master's degree in journalism and spent 20 years in the news business before developing the Kenai River Sportfishing Association in 1992. As its executive director, Ellis was co-creator and organizer of the Kenai River Classic. He went on to serve as development director at the Alaska SeaLife Center for two years, and then worked as a plant manager for a fish processing business, before opening an event management and public relations consulting firm in 2000. The announcement of Knowles' nominees for the council seat followed a 10-day consultation period in which comments were actively sought for various user groups. The final selection from among Knowles' nominees will be made by U.S. Commerce Secretary Donald Evans. Bob Penney, a self-employed businessman based in Soldotna, submitted his resignation last week in order to devote his full attention to his private business ventures. Knowles appointed Penney to the NPFMC in 2000 and his term is due to expire in August of 2003. His resignation is effective October 9. "Bob Penney brought his business sense, an understanding of the importance of habitat, and a single-minded dedication to Alaska's interests to his service on the Council," Knowles said. "Bob Penney deserves our thanks for his public service and commitment to Alaska." The 11 voting members of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council make recommendations for managing fisheries in federal waters up to 200 miles off Alaska's shore. Members must be knowledgeable regarding the conservation and management, or the commercial or recreational harvest, of the fishery resources of the area.
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