top of page
A striking view of large, billowing clouds against a deep blue sky, with sunlight breaking through the edges of the clouds, creating a dramatic, radiant effect.

Executive Management Team

About Clofisco, Inc

Ken Bates

CFRA Executive Director 

Ken is a founding members of the California Fishermen’s Resiliency Association.

He has been a member of Humboldt Fishermen’s Marketing Association since 1974, a board member since 1982, and vice-president for 10 years. His main focus as an HFMA board member for 35 years was on waterfront land use, protective zoning, and the prevention of shoreside fishing infrastructure loss. Ken has a long history of working with municipal and state agencies especially the California Coastal Commission. He has long been an advocate for small scale fishing operations and entry level fisheries opportunities for young fishermen.

​

Ken has worked closely with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, serving on the Salmon Licensing Review Board, the Market Squid Fishery Management Plan Review Committee and the Directors Herring Advisory Committee since it was first established by Charlie Fullerton.

Ken Bates rowing a small boat on a calm river at sunset, wearing a green plaid shirt. The sky glows warmly, and trees are faintly visible in the background.
Linda Hildebrand standing on a boat in a harbor, wearing orange overalls and a red cap, holding a fishing net with buoys. The calm water and a row of buildings are visible in the background under a clear sky.

Linda Hildebrand

CFRA Co-Director

Linda Hildebrand is a founding member of the California Fishermen’s

Resiliency Association. Currently she serves as a co-director.

She has been a member of Humboldt Fishermen’s Marketing

Association since 2010.

 

She began her commercial fishing career in 2010.  She is co-owner of the

F/V Ironic with her husband Ken Bates.  Together they fish salmon,

anchovies, sardines and herring. In the winter they build fishing gear

including Lampara nets, tuna poles, bait scoops and pads.

Michael Kraft

CFRA Grants Manager

Michael Kraft has worked in Humboldt County since 2003, as director of the Small Business Development Center, Projects Manager for Cardinal Services and Government Affairs Officer for Papa & Barkley. He serves on Eureka's Planning Commission, among other community involvements. Michael is a fan of wild-caught fish, but is a lousy fisherman.

Michael Kraft in a blue checkered shirt standing by the water with a marina in the background.
bottom of page