09/18/2026
📢 New Executive Director ANNOUNCEMENT! 📢
President of United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA), Matt Alward, is excited to announce that the organization has a new Executive Director at the wheel. Thatcher Brouwer started working for UFA this week as Executive Director after wrapping up the commercial troll summer fishing season last week.
Thatcher Brouwer has commercially fished for over 20 years and as a fisherman he has participated diverse range of fisheries including, among others, the Kodiak setnet fishery, the halibut and black cod longline fisheries, and the Southeast pot shrimp fishery. “I know how rewarding it is to make a living commercial fishing and I also know how challenging it can be to make ends meet as a fisherman.” said Thatcher. He added: “It is an honor to be working for UFA and all the commercial fishermen represented by the organization who fish statewide.”
As a fisherman, Thatcher was a long-time member of the Juneau Douglas Fish and Game Advisory Committee. Additionally, he has been involved as a board member on hatchery and gear group boards. Complementing his board service and fishing experience, Thatcher has worked as a legislative aide every winter since 2015. Over the years he has staffed legislative committees, worked with constituents, and carried bills, including several pieces of legislation relating to the fishing industry.
“As president of UFA I look forward to working with Thatcher to make sure fishermen have a seat at the table and commercial fishing continues to support families and communities statewide,” said Matt Alward. “I also want to give a huge thanks to Tracy Welch for the countless hours she dedicated as previous Executive Director to fighting for the fishing industry and the communities that depend on it. Tracy has left very big shoes to fill, and I am confident that Thatcher will fill them.”
Join us in welcoming Thatcher and thanking Tracy for her years at UFA!
