#United States #Portland #Seafood #Maine Lobster #MLMC

Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative Welcomes New Board Members

The Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative (MLMC) is ushering in a new era with the appointment of seven new members to its Board of Directors. This strategic move aims to bolster the demand for Maine Lobster across the nation, as experts from diverse sectors within the seafood supply chain and marketing join forces.

On July 20, 2026, Commissioner Carl Wilson of the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) officially announced the new appointments, which showcase a pooling of expertise from various facets of the industry, ensuring a multifaceted representation. This structure aligns with legal requirements that mandate both geographical diversity and a comprehensive industry representation.

Composition of the New Board

The new board members set to steer the MLMC's objectives include:

• - Lobstermen Representatives

- Brian Billings, Zone C
- Jordan Drouin, Zone A (returning member)
- Matt Gilley, Zone F (Vice Chair)
- Abe Philbrook, Zone B

• - Dealer Representatives

- Curt Brown, Owner, Bold Coast Seafood (Chair and returning member)
- Meaghan Dillon, Vice President of Marketing, Luke's Lobster
- John Petersdorf, CEO, Bean Maine Lobster (Treasurer)

• - Public Member Representatives

- Cameron Dyment, Supply Chain and Distribution Manager, Cousins Maine Lobster
- Elizabeth Horton, Owner, Simmer Public Relations

• - Commissioners' Representatives (Ex Officio)

- Jeff Nichols, Communications Director, Department of Marine Resources (Secretary)
- Abby Plante, Senior International Trade Specialist, Maine International Trade Center

Enhancing Demand and Brand Integrity

Marianne LaCroix, Executive Director of MLMC, expressed excitement about the new appointments, highlighting that the collective wisdom of these industry leaders will be instrumental in advancing the mission of growing demand for Maine Lobster. She underscored the critical role that such a board would play in both supporting the brand's value and enhancing community livelihoods linked to this industry.

Curt Brown, newly appointed Board Chair and President of Bold Coast Seafood, also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead during what he describes as a pivotal moment for the fisheries in Maine. He remarked on the unique narrative of Maine's lobster story, which resonates with consumers both domestically and globally. The collaboration between harvesters and distributors is vital for enhancing the Maine Lobster brand and securing its success for future generations.

The board's initial meeting saw the establishment of new leadership roles and laid the groundwork for ongoing strategic priorities. The strengths of the members span several areas, such as marketing initiatives designed to both promote the essential values of sustainability and tradition prevalent in the Maine Lobster industry, thereby elevating its national profile.

About the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative (MLMC)

Founded in 2013, the MLMC serves as a marketing force funded by Maine Lobster harvesters, dealers, and processors. Its mission focuses on enhancing consumer demand for whole live lobster and a range of value-added products. Aimed at articulating the values of quality, tradition, and sustainability, the MLMC represents a collaborative effort to uplift the voices of all stakeholders involved in the Maine Lobster supply chain.

As the newly mandated board members step into their roles, they bring fresh perspectives and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the position of Maine Lobster as a revered seafood choice across the country. The collaborative efforts of these diverse representatives promise to drive effective marketing strategies, ultimately leading to a more robust market presence for Maine Lobster products.