Staff Biographies and Offices

Timothy Hansen, Director

Years of Inspection Experience : 25

Biography:
Tim Hansen is as comfortable in the board room as fishing in a broad stream.  His attention to the needs of industry make him an ideal inspection program leader.  Inspecting seafood became his dream job because the work is varied, offers opportunities for travel and advancement, and makes a significant contribution to human health and commerce. 

“We were integral in getting underutilized fish stocks into the school lunch program during the 1980’s,” says Tim. 

“We helped create a market.  Today the fish is an established product in the retail trade and overseas.” 

Steven Wilson, Chief Quality Officer

Years of Inspection Experience: 27

Biography:
Steve Wilson is the internal watchdog of the program and is not always the most liked for it.  His skills in food technology and quality management of food systems make it hard, if not impossible, to pull the wool over his eyes. 

“Any time you audit the auditor, it can cause tension.  But, we’re a lot better program for it,” says Steve. 

“Our program is dedicated to continuous improvement.  The market constantly changes.  We have to adapt.”

Northwest Inspection Branch
Eric Staiger, Chief

Years of Inspection Experience: 23

Biography:
More than anything, Eric Staiger is all about customer service. Employees are his best assets to ensure quality service.

“Kudos to retailers and processors that utilize the Seafood Inspection Program to protect consumers, at no taxpayer expense,” says Eric.

“It’s my focus to make sure inspectors have the training, equipment, supplies and support to provide effective inspections. They do a great job of it.”

Southwest Inspection Branch
Laurice Churchill, Chief

Years of Inspection Experience:

Biography:
Laurice Churchill began her career working on the water raising oysters to driving a delivery truck. She joins the Southwest Region of the Seafood Inspection Program following over 29 years of work in fisheries management, regulatory affairs and compliance in the State of Maine.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Southeast Inspection Branch
Brian Vaubel, Chief

Years of Inspection Experience: 15

Biography:

Brian Vaubel began his career with the NOAA Seafood Inspection Program in 1998.  Over this time, Brian has gained valuable technical knowledge in fishery products.  Most importantly he has built valuable relationships with the people that make up the public and private sectors of the seafood business.  Brian’s greatest career accomplishment goal is to build an inspection service organization that delivers meaningful results to everyone. This is still a work in progress and the motivation behind his work.

Northeast Inspection Branch
Steven Ross, Chief

Years of Inspection Experience: 24

Biography:

Steven Ross takes great pleasure in being part of a program that promotes commerce. He has come up through the ranks with advantage of learning the inspection program as both a Consumer Safety Inspector and Consumer Safety Officer.

As the newest Chief of the Northeast region, he looks forward to continuing to assist the seafood industry with their mission of providing seafood and seafood products globally, as well as growing the program. Steven seeks to introduce and enroll new participants into Seafood Inspection Program.