The Northwest Aquaculture Alliance (NWAA) today announced the appointment of Jacqueline (Jackie) Zimmerman, National Account Manager for North American Aquaculture at Merck Animal Health, to its Board of Directors.
Prior to joining Merck Animal Health, Zimmerman was USA Sales Manager for Skretting North America. During her career, she has worked with many species—including Moi, Amberjack, Sablefish, Cobia, California halibut, and Red Snapper, where she worked on larval culture enhancement. Zimmerman has also served on several aquaculture boards—including the US Trout Farmers Association, the California Aquaculture Association, and Idaho Aquaculture Association. She currently serves as Chair of the Industry Advisory Committee for the Western Regional Aquaculture Center.
Zimmerman said she looks forward to helping NWAA build more acceptance and understanding of aquaculture and the production of aquatic foods. “NWAA is speaking up for both the producer and the consumer,” she said. “As a member of the Merck Animal Health Aqua team, I am very much looking forward to working with a team of exceptional leaders in the aquaculture field.”
Jim Parsons, NWAA President and CEO of Jamestown Seafood, described Zimmerman as “an internationally respected leader in the aquaculture industry whose expertise in animal health and nutrition as well as hands-on experience in enhancement and offshore aquaculture make her one of the leading voices in this growing industry.” He added, “We’re delighted that she has joined our NWAA leadership team.”
Zimmerman earned a Master’s degree in Marine Sciences from the University of Southern Mississippi, and an Associate’s of Science degree in Animal Health Technology from Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, CA. She also holds an undergraduate degree in Marine Biology from Hawaii Pacific University.