Tselikis bids farewell to Maine lobstermen, joins Eliot Cutler campaign

First published in Landings, October, 2013.

Annie Tselikis is hitting the road. The 31-year-old education coordinator of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) will take up her new position as field officer for eastern and northern Maine for the Eliot Cutler campaign in mid-October. “It’s been such a great experience,” Tselikis said. “I really like the balance between being in the office and out in the field. It has been very good for me personally and professionally. I’ve seen what people in the industry deal with day to day.” “Annie has been a tremendous asset to the MLA,” said Patrice McCarron, executive director of the MLA. “She’s incredibly dedicated and passionate about Maine’s lobster industry and she will be sorely missed by many in our industry.” Annie began her job at the MLA in 2011 as coordinator of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program for Maine lobstermen. The program provided educational and business training and cash benefits to lobstermen who were affected by foreign imports in prior years. Tselikis organized hundreds of training workshops on topics such as Business Planning, Alternative Enterprises, and Product Quality Handling for lobstermen in the state. The successful program concluded this summer (see TAA story, page xxx). Annie had already dipped her toe in the world of commercial fishing before coming to the MLA. She worked for the Gulf of Maine Research Institute for a short period, taking time out from that position to work in Eliot Cutler’s 2010 campaign. In 2011 she was recognized by the Portland Press Herald as one of their “40 under 40,” young professionals who have made a mark in their communities. From 2007 to 2010 Annie was the community coordinator for the Penobscot East Resource Center in Stonington. There she organized leadership training programs for area fishermen. She has been a member of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum board since 2007. Earlier Annie was an Island Institute fellow in Stonington for a year where she worked with the local economic development committee and the co-directors of the Stonington Opera House. “And before that I was a deckhand on the Casco Bay Lines for two years,” Annie relates cheerfully. During her tenure with the MLA, Annie also organized several new programs under the umbrella of the MLA’s sister nonprofit organization, the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance. “Annie really took the lead to set up the Claws for a Cause program, the Maine Lobstermen Leadership Institute, and the Quality Certification program,” McCarron explained. This summer Annie drove thousands of miles visiting lobster wharfs around the state for the quality program, documenting how lobster are handled on boats and the dock and the effect such handling has on price (see photo spread, page xxx). “She’s right out there, very straightforward and down to earth,” said David Cousens, MLA president. “She’s approachable, easy to talk to and she knows what she’s talking about.” “I think the MLA is a great asset for the state and for lobstermen,” Annie said. “It has the ability to look at the big picture and that’s really important. It can be innovative and educational and lead the industry at a time when it is going through major changes.” The combined potential of the MLA and the new Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance is tremendous, according to Annie. “They have incredible potential to do innovative programs that will be helpful for the industry. I can’t wait to see how the Leadership Program goes or the quality work. I think will have real value to everyone in the supply chain.” She admits to some sadness in leaving the MLA. “It’s about the people for me. I was initially drawn to the MLA years ago when I met Patrice and David. Over the last several years I’ve had the great opportunity to work with all of the directors and active members of the MLA. It has been an incredible experience and a lot of fun. It’s really hard to leave."