Global Aquatic Animal Health Expert Dr. Jill Rolland Joins KRB as Lab Director

Kennebec River Biosciences (KRB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jill Bente Rolland as Laboratory Director.

 

Experience and leadership

Dr. Rolland brings over 25 years of experience at the highest levels of aquatic animal health research, diagnostics, and regulation. Her leadership spans USDA, NOAA Fisheries, and most recently the U.S. Geological Survey, where she served as Regional Director for the Northwest and Pacific Islands. There, she managed over 800 staff, a $100 million budget, and seven science centers specializing in fish disease, ecosystem health, and water resources.

“KRB has a reputation for providing world class products and services to the aquaculture industry,” says Rolland.  “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the team!”

 

Pioneering researcher

An internationally respected expert in fish virology and regulatory science, Dr. Rolland previously led the Western Fisheries Research Center, overseeing pioneering research in fish diseases, reintroductions, and passage. Earlier in her career, as Director of USDA’s Aquaculture Program, she helped eradicate Spring Viremia of Carp (SVC) from U.S. koi farms and played a central role in containing Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS), while also contributing to the Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) response.

“We could not be more pleased to have Jill on the KRB team,” comments President and CEO Bill Keleher. “There is no one better. She will bring a wealth of experience to our company.”

 

A transformative leader in the sector

Dr. Rolland’s work has shaped national and international trade standards for aquatic animals and fish products, including negotiations with the EU, OIE, and FAO. She was awarded the National Aquaculture Association’s Joseph P. McCraren Award for her outstanding contributions to aquaculture.

Dr. Rolland holds a doctorate in fish health from the University of Bergen, Norway, and a B.Sc. in fisheries biology from the University of Washington. She is known for her work on biosecurity policy, disease control strategy, and for advancing diagnostic lab quality systems across the U.S. aquaculture research landscape.

 

About Kennebec River Biosciences

Headquartered in Maine, KRB has been a trusted partner since 1996 to finfish, bivalve shellfish, and shrimp producers around the world. KRB’s solutions include USDA export certification testing, advanced diagnostics and biosurveillance, and USDA licensed autogenous vaccines.