August 28, 2019

Alaska seafood gets fresh boost with 2 new appointments at ASMI

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), Alaska's official seafood marketing arm. has named two new directors: Megan Rider, as the new domestic marketing director, and Ashley Heimbigner, as the new communications director.

Megan Rider joined ASMI in 2013, working with the international programme, and most recently served as the domestic marketing manager. Prior to joining ASMI, she worked in the Office of the Governor, as well as for a lobbying firm.

The domestic marketing programme is responsible for executing strategic Alaska seafood promotions with foodservice and retail partners across the United States. Rider was named interim domestic marketing programme director in November 2018.

"It is a great honor and privilege to continue to work on behalf of the Alaska seafood industry," Rider said.

Ashley Heimbigner joined ASMI in January 2018 as international marketing specialist. Prior to joining ASMI, she worked as tourism and sales manager at Visit Anchorage and as communications manager at Alaskan Brewing Co. in Juneau.

As communications director, Heimbigner will oversee the brand and messaging priorities of the whole organisation, act as a spokesperson to press and trade media, and manage ASMI's domestic consumer public relations in-state and fleet communications. Heimbigner replaces Jeremy Woodrow, who was named executive director last June.

"Working with the ASMI international programme provided an incredible understanding of our efforts to promote the quality and value of the Alaska Seafood brand in our global markets", said Heimbigner. "I am pleased to have the opportunity to further support these efforts as communications director."

ASMI is a public-private partnership between the State of Alaska and the Alaska seafood industry established to foster economic development of a renewable natural resource. ASMI plays a key role in the positioning Alaska's seafood industry as a competitive market-driven food production industry and premium global brand.