NFI Future Leaders Program
Future Leaders is a year-long program designed to enhance the knowledge and leadership skills of rising industry leaders through a unique hands-on program focused on production, sales, companies, and the seafood industry.
No other setting combines this kind of in-depth exposure to such a diversity of issues along with the opportunity to network and learn with a small group of industry peers representing the leaders of today and tomorrow.
Who should participate? Any individual who values education and leadership training will find this program invaluable as a tool for growth within our industry.
2024 Future Leaders Program Application Process is OPEN.
The 2024 Future Leaders Program will kick off with a Sunday morning orientation breakfast in Boston prior to the Seafood Expo North America; and four two-day sessions running from May thru August. Each session is designed to enhance knowledge and leadership skills in the areas of government relations, production, sales, marketing, and the industry in general.
The 2024 Future Leaders will visit:
- Session I Washington, DC: May 20-23
- Session II Los Angeles, CA: June 25-27
- Session III Portland, ME: July 23-25
- Session IV Seattle, WA: August 20-22
The Class is also asked to attend the 2025 Global Seafood Market Conference in Palm Springs, CA to be recognized as graduates of the program.
2022 Class Projects
Go Fish! Teaching Kids to Love Seafood
Nearly 90% of Americans do not eat enough seafood or meet the USDA dietary guidelines of 2 seafood servings per week. Exposing children to a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as seafood, can set a foundation for healthy dietary patterns that can extend throughout later life stages and reduce the risk of diet-related chronic disease.
Attracting New Talent — Future Face of Fish
The Future Face of Fish helps employers and job seekers come together with the goal of bringing better talent to the seafood industry. It also aims to help employers retain top talent in the industry and is dedicated to providing a platform that will help companies grow and prosper in today’s tough job market. The site features industry survey data, job mapping, and descriptions for potential new employees, as well as job postings for companies looking to hire.
For more resources, visit NFI’s Members-Only Section.

If you have any questions about the program, contact Gerrie Thomas at gthomas@nfi.org or 703.752.8888.