Chairman: Dr. Jane Lubchenco
Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere

Vice Chair: Dr. James W. Balsiger
Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries

Committee Liaison: Tom Billy, MAFAC (2nd Term January 2008-2011)
The Committee Liaison assists the Vice Chair and Executive Director in facilitating communication with the Full Committee, tasking members and subcommittees, tracking follow-up items, agenda formulation and provide signatory authority for documents and communications from the Full Committee. The Committee Liaison assists with managing the meetings, particularly during times when the Vice Chair must be absent. The Committee Liaison serves as the Chair of the Executive Subcommittee.

Executive Director: Mark Holliday, Designated Federal Official, NOAA Fisheries Service The Executive Director serves as the primary coordinator and liaison for MAFAC official activities and communications with NOAA and the Department of Commerce.

STRUCTURE

An Executive and four Standing Subcommittees comprise the structure of MAFAC. The purpose of these Subcommittees is to maximize the talents and time of the full Committee members by providing initial research and development of an issue for full Committee consideration, discussion and action.

Executive Subcommittee: The Executive Subcommittee is comprised of the four Subcommittee Chairs and the Committee Liaison who serves as the Executive Subcommittee Chair. The Committee Vice Chair and Executive Director also serve on the Executive Subcommittee. This Committee assists with agenda development, assignments and administrative issues for Committee business.

Strategic Planning, Budget and Program Management: This Subcommittee reviews and advises on strategic planning elements relevant to the agency’s mission and performance, budget operations and priorities, and reviews and provide input on the status of existing management programs within NOAA Fisheries Service, particularly as they relate to the implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, managing recreational fisheries, and implementing the President’s Ocean Action Plan.

Members:

• Chris Dorsett
• Jim Gilmore (Chair)
• Dorothy Lowman
• Tom Raftican
• Eric Schwaab

Commerce Subcommittee: This Subcommittee is devoted to reviewing and advising on emergent social-economic issues such as off shore aquaculture, seafood technology and consumer interests.

Members:

• Tom Billy (Chair)
• Bill Dewey
• Bob Fletcher
• Steve Joner
• Heather McCarty
• Tom Raftican

Protected Resources Subcommittee: This Subcommittee reviews and advises protected species programs operating under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Members:

• Bob Fletcher (Chair)
• Catherine Foy
• Jim Gilmore

Ecosystem Approach Subcommittee: This Subcommittee is devoted to providing a format for reviewing programs and initiatives involved with the development and implementation of ecosystem approaches to fisheries management.

Members:

• Chris Dorsett - (Chair)
• Catherine Foy
• Steve Joner
• Dorothy Lowman
• Heather McCarty
• Tom Raftican
• Eric Schwaab

Subcommittee Membership Assignments & Rules

Members may serve on more than one Subcommittee or working group without term limits and based upon their interest and request to participate.