Open House Draws 80 to Brand New GAA Office

The Global Aquaculture Alliance welcomed about 80 individuals to its open house at its brand new office at 85 New Hampshire Ave. in Portsmouth, N.H., on Wednesday, Dec. 5. The individuals represented local members; seafood and aquaculture businesses; businesses throughout Portsmouth, including neighbors at the Pease International Tradeport where the office is located; universities and colleges; non-governmental organizations; legislators; chefs and restaurateurs; and vendors.

Addressing the crowd midway through the open house was Andrew Mallison, GAA’s new executive director. He thanked the crowd for attending and said that GAA, through its work, has “an amazing opportunity to feed the world.” In the background is Wally Stevens, GAA’s former executive director and current executive director of Global Seafood Assurances, and GAA CFO/COO Jeff Fort.

Representatives from the offices of U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan were in attendance and read letters of support. In Shaheen’s letter, she wrote that GAA is an organization “that seeks to feed a growing population ... with forward looking methods.” Also in attendance was Doug Scamman, former Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from Stratham, N.H., who served 13 terms as a state representative, including two terms as speaker.

Caryn Schneider of Atlantic Corporation, a consulting and brokerage service for the aquaculture industry.

Wally Stevens, GAA’s former executive director, with Andrew Mallison, GAA’s new executive director.

GAA Marketing Manager Devan Meserve with GAA Membership Manager Becky Holt. There are currently 48 employees working out of the GAA headquarters in Portsmouth, N.H.

Caitlin Thayer of Matter, a local PR agency, and Best Aquaculture Practices Marketing Manager Elise Avallon check out GAA’s 450-gallon tropical fish tank, the centerpiece of the new office.
The Global Aquaculture Alliance held an open house at its brand new office at 85 New Hampshire Ave. in Portsmouth, N.H., on Wednesday, Dec. 5. Photos By GAA Learning Solutions Manager Dayna House.