The USSEC Board of Directors met in Phoenix, Arizona on February 24.
Members heard reports from various committees, including executive, audit and budget, industry relations/membership, and governance.  The board also received a CEO report from USSEC CEO Jim Sutter, in addition to updates on aquaculture strategy and structure; global communication strategy; Unified Export Strategy (UES); and other relevant issues.
Meeting attendees also listened to Benjamin Ola Akande, tenured Professor of Economics and Dean of Webster University’s School of Business & Technology.  Dr. Akande, a renowned motivational speaker, challenged USSEC to audit its relevance and to set a “Moon Goal.”  He conveyed a positive future for the council because he said that USSEC has the ability to create its own future, saying, "The future is not a place you are going; it's a place you will create.”