From homebuilding to the Navy to a transformational period at NFI, John Connelly is always up for a challenge

John Connelly announced at the beginning of this year he will retire as president of NFI next February after 20 years at the helm of the largest seafood trade association in North America. A few months after, he learned he had cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer.

The cancer can be challenging to treat since it is often diagnosed when it's advanced.

But Connelly, true to his character, is taking it with a positive outlook and humor.

"It’s not what I was looking for with retirement, but it happens," Connelly told IntraFish Wednesdayat the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle.