United States Tuna Foundation Names New President
WASHINGTON -- The United States Tuna Foundation (USTF) here has appointed Anne Forristall Luke, a public affairs specialist, its new president, effective immediately. Luke succeeds David Burney, who is retiring after 30 years at the helm of the foundation.
Luke will oversee USTF's offices in Washington and San Diego and provide policy direction for the canned tuna industry both domestically and internationally. She will additionally direct communications for the industry.
"After a rigorous search, Anne was the unanimous choice to lead USTF," said Burney in a statement. "Her leadership skills, expertise in legislative and regulatory policy, and background in communications will be invaluable to this association and its member companies, as will her reputation as a thoughtful consensus-builder among many diverse interests in the business, government, and environmental communities."
Luke comes to USTF after a successful career in government relations and public affairs, most recently as a principal at MGN, Inc., a Washington-based independent federal government relations firm specializing in legislative and regulatory strategy. At MGN she advised corporate, trade association, municipal government, and university executives on legislative proposals and advocacy. Prior to joining MSN, Luke led the public affairs practice at international PR company Ketchum, where her focus was environmental, financial services, and health policy issues.
She also brings to USTF a comprehensive knowledge of the workings of government, having begun her career in the Land and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. She subsequently spent 10 years as a senior professional staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives, including six years as legislative assistant, legislative director, and subcommittee staff director to former Rep. Dennis Eckart (D-Ohio) and four years on the staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee under then-chairman John D. Dingell (D-Mich.) and subcommittee chair Al Swift (D-Wash.).
Established in 1976, the USTF is the national organization representing canned tuna processors and the fishermen who supply them. The foundation addresses such issues as fishing access arrangements, federal and state regulations, domestic marketing.
Luke will oversee USTF's offices in Washington and San Diego and provide policy direction for the canned tuna industry both domestically and internationally. She will additionally direct communications for the industry.
"After a rigorous search, Anne was the unanimous choice to lead USTF," said Burney in a statement. "Her leadership skills, expertise in legislative and regulatory policy, and background in communications will be invaluable to this association and its member companies, as will her reputation as a thoughtful consensus-builder among many diverse interests in the business, government, and environmental communities."
Luke comes to USTF after a successful career in government relations and public affairs, most recently as a principal at MGN, Inc., a Washington-based independent federal government relations firm specializing in legislative and regulatory strategy. At MGN she advised corporate, trade association, municipal government, and university executives on legislative proposals and advocacy. Prior to joining MSN, Luke led the public affairs practice at international PR company Ketchum, where her focus was environmental, financial services, and health policy issues.
She also brings to USTF a comprehensive knowledge of the workings of government, having begun her career in the Land and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. She subsequently spent 10 years as a senior professional staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives, including six years as legislative assistant, legislative director, and subcommittee staff director to former Rep. Dennis Eckart (D-Ohio) and four years on the staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee under then-chairman John D. Dingell (D-Mich.) and subcommittee chair Al Swift (D-Wash.).
Established in 1976, the USTF is the national organization representing canned tuna processors and the fishermen who supply them. The foundation addresses such issues as fishing access arrangements, federal and state regulations, domestic marketing.