New CEO for Coastal Villages Region Fund
Photo Credit: Coastal Villages Region Fund
The largest Alaskan-owned seafood company has a new CEO. Upon the retirement of Eric Deakin after six years as CEO and Executive Director of Coastal Villages Region Fund (CVRF), the nonprofit promoted Nick Souza, previously Director of Sales and Marketing.
CVRF pools the Community Development Quotas of twenty Southwest villages. “Coastal Villages Region Fund’s mission and commitment to the region is unchanged,” says Souza. “I’m honored by the confidence the board of directors has in me, and I look forward to working alongside our staff, board members, and partners to continue delivering the programs, benefits, and opportunities our villages depend on.”
Souza has worked in key leadership roles at CVRF for twenty years and brings extensive operational knowledge as well as longstanding industry and community relationships. As Director of Sales and Marketing, he worked closely with executive leadership, vessel operations, and fisheries management to support strategic initiatives for CVRF’s member communities and employees.
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May 2026
Deakin joined CVRF in 2008 and was named CEO in 2018 and Executive Director in 2019. During his tenure, CVRF achieved two of the highest revenue years in company history; acquired additional fishing vessels and quota to become a participant in all three pollock sectors; led the industry in salmon bycatch avoidance through innovative gear and fishing methods; and established the Community Quota Share program, enabling all member tribes to become owners and participants in the crab fishery.
“Under his leadership, CVRF strengthened its fisheries operations, expanded opportunities for member communities and positioned the organization for continued long-term success,” says CVRF Board Chair Larson Hunter.
Deakin is retiring from the organization after eighteen years of service tol become an advisor to The Truth Alaska, an advocacy group for the pollock trawling industry.
