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Jim Parsons named 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award winner

The Northwest Aquaculture Alliance (NWAA) has given James E. (Jim) Parsons the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Parsons, Jamestown Seafood CEO, was presented the award during NWAA’s Annual Board Dinner in Sequim, Washington. 

Apart from serving as NWAA president, Parsons has held the following positions: a board member and president of the National Aquaculture Association; and membership on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee.

He’s also held board positions on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics Board; the Western Regional Aquaculture Center; the US Trout Farmers Association; and USDA’s Subcommittee on Aquatic Animal Health.

“When it came time to selecting a recipient of our organization’s annual award, our leaders recommended Jim without hesitation,” said NWAA executive director, Jeanne McKnight. “Jim has been our guiding light during an extremely challenging time,” McKnight noted, adding that NWAA has become an internationally recognized aquaculture champion, largely because of Jim’s leadership. 

Parsons holds a bachelor of science degree in fisheries from Humboldt State University and a master of science degree in genetics from Washington State University. He was the general manager of Cooke Aquaculture Pacific, the executive vice president at Troutlodge, Inc., the director of research and development at Blue Lakes Trout and a research geneticist at Clear Springs Trout. 

After a “roast” led by his longtime friend and colleague, Sean Nepper, CEO of Riverence, Doug Steding, managing partner of Northwest Resource Law, PLLC, and NWAA legal counsel, presented the award to Parsons.