Seattle, Wash. – February 18, 2026 The Board of Directors of the Wild Alaska Sole Association (WASA) has announced the election of Frank O’Hara III as the organization’s new president. O’Hara is Executive Vice President of the fishing company O’Hara Corporation, which harvests flatfish and other groundfish species in Alaska’s Bering Sea. He succeeds Jim Johnson of North Star Fishing Company, who has served as WASA president since the founding of the marketing trade association in 2023.
The goal of WASA is to increase the awareness, appreciation, and value of Wild Alaska Sole in domestic and international markets. Over the past two years the organization has focused on conducting consumer research, building its brand story, and establishing key market relationships. The focus now is on using this foundational work to develop and support promotions in key markets domestically and internationally.
“I’m looking forward to working with WASA and growing markets for our Wild Alaska Sole,” said O’Hara. “We’ve learned a lot over the last couple of years and now it’s time to get to work getting our message to consumers, supporting our customers, and selling more fish.”
“The early promotions gave us confidence that the story is resonating, and they showed us what’s possible when we show up consistently in front of buyers and consumers,” O’Hara added. “Our partners can rest assured that our messaging, which highlights Wild Alaska Sole’s natural deliciousness, world-class sustainability credentials, and superior health benefits, is well tested to drive interest and purchase.”
WASA members include Fishermen’s Finest, North Star Fishing, Ocean Peace, O’Hara Corporation, U.S. Seafoods, with Glacier Fish Company as an associate member. In addition to President Frank O’Hara, Pat Tracey of Ocean Peace was elected as Treasurer and Cecilia Hajdorovic as Secretary. Pat Shanahan serves as the association’s Executive Director.
About Wild Alaksa Sole Association
The Wild Alaska Sole Association (WASA) is dedicated to increasing the awareness, appreciation, and value of Alaska flatfish. Representing the largest flatfish fishery in the world and the second largest federally managed fishery in Alaska, WASA is working to promote Wild Alaska Sole in major seafood markets globally by educating both seafood buyers and consumers about its superior benefits. For more information, visit www.wildalaskasole.org and follow us on our social channels at Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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