Alexa A. Cole JD'98
2021 VLSAA Distinguished Alumni Award Winner
Alexa A. Cole is currently serving as the acting deputy assistant secretary for international fisheries, as well as the director of the NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs and Seafood Inspection. In these roles, Alexa leads the development and coordination of NOAA international fisheries policy and negotiating positions in multilateral international fora and fisheries bilateral meetings with foreign nations. She promotes international engagement and cooperation to achieve effective, responsible marine stewardship and ensure sustainable fisheries management on a global scale.
She has been the director since November 2019, but was acting director from May 2019 until her official appointment. Prior to that, Alexa was the deputy chief of the Enforcement Section of NOAA General Counsel from 2012 to 2019. She previously served as the senior enforcement attorney for the Pacific Islands Region in Honolulu and as an enforcement attorney in the headquarters office of the Section. Prior to joining NOAA, Alexa was an associate for a firm in Washington, D.C. She received a bachelor’s degree in geography and environmental studies from McGill University, a juris doctor from Vermont Law School, and a master's degree in international public policy at The Johns Hopkins University, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies.