Mike Illenberg is the Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new Office of Seafood. USDA announced the creation of this first-of-its-kind office, which will serve the nation’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, on April 15, 2026. In this role, Mike and his team provide leadership, expertise, and coordination to the Secretary of Agriculture on matters impacting the seafood industry. 

Mike previously served as the USDA’s Director of Brand and Internal Communications, among other roles within the agency beginning in 2007. Prior to his work at USDA, Michael worked for the Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association, The North Pacific Research Board and the Alaska SeaLife Center.