Stephanie has dedicated her career to the seafood industry, leveraging a lifelong passion for the sector across various roles. She began her journey at a young age, working in her family’s wholesale and retail seafood business, which gave her a comprehensive understanding of the industry. After earning a degree in Marine Biology from Stockton University, she worked as a research technician at the Stockton Marine Facility and later served with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Shellfisheries.
In 2016, Stephanie joined J.J. McDonnell, taking on the role of Business Development Manager in 2017. She transitioned to her current position as Outreach & Development Manager in 2024. In addition to her work at J.J. McDonnell, Stephanie has been an active leader in the seafood community. In 2021, she was elected chair of Sea Pact, a coalition of leading North American seafood companies focused on advancing social, economic, and environmental sustainability in the global seafood supply chain. She had been a board member of Sea Pact since 2019. In 2023, she was appointed chair of the Maryland Seafood Marketing Advisory Commission, representing the industry’s mid-supply chain. In 2024, Stephanie was elected to serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors for the National Fisheries Institute.
Stephanie is known for her deep industry expertise, particularly in responsible sourcing and education-based outreach, two key pillars of J.J. McDonnell’s operations. She leads a team focused on helping customers better understand the seafood supply chain and the origins of their products. Beyond education and outreach, Stephanie is highly engaged with the broader seafood industry, liaising with commercial fishermen, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. Her role is crucial in bridging the gap between first receivers, mid-supply chain companies, regulators, and customers, providing valuable insights that shape industry practices and drive more informed decision-making. Her core priorities include industry and government engagement, traceability, responsible sourcing, education, and marketing.