ChristopherSchillaci

Chris Schillaci became ECSGA's Executive Director in 2026, succeeding Bob Rheault. He has spent 16 years advancing sound science, effective management, and the responsible growth of shellfish aquaculture. At the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, he became a nationally recognized expert in Vibrio and aquaculture management. Chris moved the state program away from a one-size-fits-all approach, introducing bulk tagging, nurseries in prohibited waters, resubmergence and offsite culling, new disease management strategies, and expanded trade opportunities for growers.

At the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Chris brought on-the-ground management experience to federal aquaculture policy. He championed the needs and economic importance of the existing shellfish industry. He developed tools to help NOAA and the Army Corps of Engineers account for the ecosystem services of shellfish farms, and he pushed back on overly restrictive protected-species standards for aquaculture gear. His NOAA work also gave him a national view of state-by-state market and management challenges, along with experience in market development and communications.

As chair of the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) Aquaculture Committee, Chris has expanded operational plans that give growers more flexibility while maintaining strong food-safety protections. He also chairs the ISSC Vibrio parahaemolyticus Illness Response Committee.

Chris has built lasting working relationships with state shellfish programs, NOAA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Capitol Hill. He left public service in 2025 and lives in Rhode Island.