About Kate

Kate moved to Alaska in 1977, seeking wilderness adventure and a career in natural resource management. She has worked as an Executive Director for United Fishermen of Alaska (nation’s largest fishing organization) and for Alaska Conservation Alliance and Conservation Voters. She has also worked as a planner and policy analyst for state and municipal governments.

Kate worked with with commercial sardine fishers, Puerto Lopez, Ecuador while promoting sustainable fisheries in North and South America.

Highlights include pioneering the Alaska Coastal Management Program in rural Alaska, securing salmon stream protections and serving as the Regional Fisheries Director for North and South America of the Marine Stewardship Council, an international eco label program.

Kate especially enjoyed working with commercial fishers, traveling with them on their vessels, and fighting their political battles.

On the climate front, Kate was appointed by Governor Palin to serve on the Mitigation Advisory Board and was the only Alaskan invited to attend Governor Schwarzenegger’s Global Climate Summit. She has served on the the Juneau-Douglas Borough Assembly and the Ketchikan Borough Assembly, elected positions which oversaw city and county governments.

Kate is married to novelist Bill Hanson (William Arthur Hanson).

Details and highlights of Kate’s career can be found here:   Kate’s Career.