President

Eric Engebretsen

Owner, President of Bay Welding Services, Inc., Bay Weld Boats
Owner/Partner of Kachemak Marine Group Inc., Raider Boats
Owner/Partner of Homer Motorsports, Inc.
With over a decade of service on the board of the Homer Marine Trades Association and over 20 years leading Bay Weld Boats in Homer, I have a deep connection to the marine trades presence in Homer.  Homer is a great place to live and do business and I feel privileged to have a role that can help develop opportunities for our community to thrive.
I have a deep awareness that the success of my fellow marine trades business’ is a huge part of my own success and I am honored to participate on the HMTA board.

Vice President

Mark Zeiset

Mark Zeiset is the owner of South Central Radar and he is Vice President of Homer Marine Trades. He serves on the marketing team for the Homer Marine Trades Association (HMTA), where he helps promote Homer’s local marine trade businesses. Mark is passionate about supporting the next generation of trades. He enjoys promoting hands-on education and training opportunities for young people interested in marine trade careers.

Treasurer

Jennifer Hakala

Jennifer Hakala is Co-owner and CFO of NOMAR, a family business started in Homer 46 years ago. As a second-generation sewing business, NOMAR has helped shape Alaska’s fishing industry with the creation of the NOMAR Brailer Bag and other essential gear for fishermen.

An early supporter and founding member of the Homer Marine Trades Association, Jennifer believes strongly in working together to grow and promote Homer’s marine trades. She’s proud to volunteer her time as HMTA’s Treasurer in support of that mission.

Secretary

Alita Mahan

Alita Mahan is a lifelong Alaskan who has called Homer home since 2012, Bringing over 25 years of lending and local market experience. As a loan officer, she focuses on supporting business growth throughout the Kachemak Bay region. Managing a large commercial fishing and marine trades portfolio, Alita has a deep appreciation for the vital role marine trades play in the local economy. She is proud to serve the community as Secretary of the Homer Marine Trades Association.

Past President

Kate Mitchell

Kate Mitchell, a founding member of Homer Marine Trades, now serves in the Past President seat, helping guide the organization’s original mission, to support and grow the marine industry around Kachemak Bay through marketing, workforce development, and advocacy.

Mostly retired from NOMAR, Kate started as “the girl with a sewing machine,” working to bring more boat work to Homer. That effort grew into helping form this nonprofit—one small idea that became a lasting economic driver for the community.

Board Director

George Hall

George Hall is a retired high technology entrepreneur, author, and educator in technology. He is a marine enthusiast, with significant experience in offshore sailing and, as a resident of Homer Alaska, spends much of his time focused on maritime projects in the region.

Board Director

Trey Hill

Board Director

Matt Alward

Board Director

Cody Stadler

Cody is the Operations Manager at Bulletproof Nets, where he specializes in custom net building, repair, and commercial sales through LFS/Kachemak Gearshed. With over 20 years of experience in and around the commercial fishing industry—both dockside and at sea—he brings a deep, practical understanding of the trade. His work has supported fisheries across regions including Sitka, Kodiak, Prince William Sound, Cook Inlet, and as far as St. Croix.

In addition to his technical expertise, Cody helped launch a marine debris collection and recycling cooperative at Kachemak Gearshed, reflecting his commitment to sustainability and responsible industry practices. He is passionate about workforce development, strengthening local communities, and advocating for marine trades education to ensure the next generation is equipped to carry the industry forward.

Board Director

Bruce Friend

Board Director

Galadriel Gaines