Mary Ellen Walling

Ms. Walling is a collaborative communicator, with extensive contacts in business, government, and First Nations communities in British Columbia Canada (where she has been a longtime resident). As Executive Director of the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association she plays a key role working with her Board of Directors to establish and implement long-range goals and objectives for B.C.’s salmon farmers.

She has a broad depth of experience in applied marketing and public relations, as well as developing and managing internal and external consultation and communications plans with a particular focus on risk communications. She holds a Master's from Royal Roads University in Applied Communications.

Her professional experience includes senior management positions with North Island College, the Business Development Bank of Canada, and Thomson Newspapers. In addition, she has made important contributions as Director and First Vice President of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce; Director of Comox Strathcona Community Futures; Director of Mid Island Science Technology and Innovation Council; and a Director of the Campbell River Economic Development Corporation, Rivercorp.

She is currently a member of the Science Council B.C. Aquaculture and Research Development Committee and on an Executive of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance. She participates as a member of the international steering committee for the Salmon Aquaculture Dialogues, World Wildlife Fund (WWF). She is sought out for her engaging speaking style and most recently served as the main Moderator for the international aquavision conference in Stavanger, Norway.