CASE Study
National Fisheries Institute
Empowering Industry Leaders to Shape the Future of Seafood
Opportunity
NFI’s strategic plan highlighted a critical gap in advocacy, underscoring the need to shape the seafood narrative, connect industry voices to the broader food network, and drive sustainable growth. The Board Development Program addresses this need by preparing NFI members to serve as informed, influential ambassadors on nonprofit and association boards. Drawing on insights from Derek’s leadership, the initiative will cultivate leaders ready to champion seafood interests across diverse organizations, expanding NFI’s influence, building connections, and empowering a new generation of leaders committed to advancing seafood’s positive impact.
Building Leaders, Shaping Change
The NFI Board Development Program exemplifies the impact of targeted training on industry influence, leadership capacity, and governance. By equipping NFI members with essential board skills and building pathways to board service, this program advances NFI’s mission to shape, connect, and grow the seafood industry’s role in the broader food ecosystem. This case study highlights NFI’s commitment, in collaboration with NSS, to foster knowledgeable, engaged leaders who drive positive change and uphold seafood industry values.
Client Overview
The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) represents the U.S. seafood industry, advocating for sustainable practices, effective policy, and industry growth. Conceived by Derek Figueroa, the first Future Leader graduate to serve as NFI Chair, the NFI Board Development Program aims to create a well-prepared pipeline of NFI professionals equipped to serve on nonprofit and association boards. Driven by Derek’s passion for leadership, board service, and industry advancement, the program aligns with NFI’s strategic plan to shape, connect, and grow the industry’s influence across the food system.
Challenge
The seafood industry navigates one of the most complex global supply chains, facing regulatory demands, high sustainability expectations, and a pressing need for knowledgeable leaders across the ecosystem. Misunderstandings about seafood often lead to misleading messages that impact public perception, erode consumer trust, and depress seafood consumption. Low consumption rates, a fragmented supply chain, and the industry’s relatively modest size further diminish the ability to advocate effectively for seafood.
Strategic Solution
The NFI Board Development Program is a comprehensive six-session initiative designed to prepare members for impactful board service. Combining virtual and in-person engagement, the curriculum covers essential governance concepts, board responsibilities, and practical pathways to secure board roles. Key program components include:
- Industry Orientation and Board Essentials
The program begins with an overview of board types, roles, and contributions. Participants observe an NFI board meeting to gain practical insights into effective board dynamics. - Governance and Financial Literacy
Sessions on governance cover by-laws, financial statements, and board member obligations, emphasizing critical skills in financial oversight. - Strategic Alliances and Committee Roles
The curriculum explores committee structures, risk management, and alliance building, preparing participants to address real-world challenges and advance industry advocacy. - Board Positioning and Community Engagement
In-person sessions at NFI headquarters connect participants with NFI leaders, facilitate service projects, and help align personal passions with board service opportunities. - Continuous Development and Community Building
Graduates join an online community to share successes, resources, and opportunities, fostering ongoing engagement and support for their board service journey.
Execution
With guidance from NSS, the NFI Board Development Program is set to launch as a structured blend of virtual and in-person sessions. Participants will complete pre-work, prepare CVs, and observe board meetings, building a foundation in governance and advocacy. Program outcomes are designed to include:
- 20+ graduates annually, with 80% placement on relevant nonprofit and association boards within a year
- Post-program survey scores of 8+ for participant satisfaction and value
- 70% engagement among graduates in an online community, with weekly posts
This curriculum will foster meaningful connections and equip participants with practical tools for securing board roles that support industry goals, enhancing NFI’s mission to strengthen the seafood industry’s voice in the food system.
Anticipated Results and Impact
The NFI Board Development Program is designed to create a lasting impact by equipping seafood industry professionals with the knowledge and skills to serve effectively on nonprofit and association boards. With a focus on leadership, advocacy, and community engagement, this program is poised to strengthen seafood representation, increase industry influence, and build a trusted pipeline of board-ready leaders dedicated to advancing seafood’s role in the global food system.
- Enhanced Leadership Pipeline
The program prepares NFI members to serve on nonprofit and association boards, bolstering seafood industry representation. Graduates gain skills to make impactful contributions in governance, financial oversight, and advocacy. - Increased Industry Influence
By training board-ready leaders, NFI extends its influence across boards, positioning graduates to advocate for seafood interests in discussions on food security, sustainability, and policy. - Commitment to Long-Term Development
The program establishes a framework for continuous growth, with follow-up training and an online community that supports board readiness and leadership. - Recognition and Trust
The program’s rigorous curriculum reinforces NFI’s reputation as a leader in industry advocacy, recognized for fostering well-prepared board candidates within and beyond the seafood industry.
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Derek Figueroa
Following a successful sale and exit, Derek has committed the second half of his career to giving back and promoting purpose-driven leadership. He uses the experience gained over 30+ years to help leaders to align their strategies with purpose to create lasting impact and achieve greater results. He serves as Principal of North Star Strategic, a purpose-driven advisory firm, and President of Fig & Co., an investment partner. Previously, Figueroa was the President and CEO of Seattle Fish and Lombardi Brothers Meats. Board service includes former chair of The National Fisheries Institute and The Colorado Restaurant Association, co-founder of the non-profit Sea Pact, and previous leadership positions with CO Restaurant Association, Project Angel Heart, Colorado Restaurant Association, and Seafood Industry Research Fund. He has been recognized by the Colorado Restaurant Association, Denver Business Journal’s Forty Under 40, Titan 100 CEO award, Leadership Award Finalist from Vistage, and Volunteer of the Year by the National Sports Center for the Disabled. He holds an Executive MBA and a Master’s and Bachelor’s in finance from the University of Colorado.
