Congratulations Arctic Slope Regional Corporation celebrates three outstanding employees for being recognized as recipients of the 2021 Top Forty under 40 award.
Ryan Muspratt
Lauren Hendrix
Liam Zsolt
Chief Financial Officer at Petro Star Inc., has been with the ASRC family of companies since 2013.
Director of Marketing and Proposals at ASRC Energy Services (AES), joined the company in 2018.
Director of Technology at AES, joined the company in 2019.
Congratulations Ryan, Lauren and Liam! Your hard work and community efforts demonstrate a commitment to our Iñupiaq values, and we are proud to have you contributing to the success of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation and our family of companies.
Each year the Alaska Journal of Commerce and Anchorage Daily News honors the talent and outstanding efforts of individual Alaskans in their professions and in their community involvement. We take great pleasure in presenting the 2021
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John Lincoln Christina Elaine Love Isaiah Mangum Ryan Muspratt Elizabeth Moreau Nicolai Josh Norum Sheron Patrick Lance Penhale Michael Rovito Milena Sevigny Natasha Singh Sharity Sommer Dr. Claire Stoltz Miranda Strong Tosha Jean Swan Tessa Walker Linderman Bryce Jacob Ward Renée Wardlaw Varina Zinno Liam Zsolt
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ZACHARY AREGOOD
President & CEO ARM Creative
Education: BBA, Marketing, University of Alaska Anchorage Community work: Founder, State of the Industry Education Event Series: A free event series that provides marketers, agency execs, business owners, etc. with the latest in marketing, advertising, and content production trends/techniques, tips; Charitable Donations: Boys & Girls Club, Special Olympics; Pro-Bono Agency Work: United Way of Alaska; Christopher Walden House of Hope Family: KD Aregood (wife); Dempsey (Golden Retriever) Hometown/Current City: Born in Montana, but have lived in Anchorage for my entire life. What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Fly fishing with my Dad & brother in the summers. Name the person you most respect and why. My parents. Although they were not college graduates, they worked extremely hard as young parents to raise my siblings and I with a strong work ethic, morals, and values. They faced adversity as a young couple with young children, but never gave up and consistently pushed a positive message expressing the real life impact of hard work and commitment. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Golf, running, travel Favorite quote: Nothing changes if nothing changes. What was your first job? Grocery bagger at Carr’s Safeway
What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? The free education event that I founded, State of the Industry. This event is the first of its kind. We bring relevant, exciting, and cutting-edge information to the market helping businesses of all kinds. I believe that there is room for us all to succeed and participating in this event connects you with 4
others in an organic way. When businesses do well collectively, our economy does well. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Founding and building my creative agency, ARM Creative, has been the most fulfilling, challenging, and fun project of my career to-date. Building this company has allowed me to test ideas, collaborate, work with amazing creatives and professionals, and bring a product and service to the market which was not offered before. Additionally, in March of 2021 I was granted the license for TEDxAnchorage. This effectively makes me the organizer of the event. Although the event is slated for later in 2021, I am extremely excited and proud to be given this opportunity. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemicrelated challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? As the leader of a marketing agency, it was difficult to ensure that we continued to provide a value for our clients during a significant period of uncertainty. Often times, during economic strain, marketing and advertising budgets are some of the first items to be removed from a brand’s budget. This presents challenges for the client as well as our agency’s cash flow. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I realized that things were going to change. I understood that a lack of flexibility and adaptability would result in a failed business. Right away, we moved to remote work weeks before mandates. This allowed our team to get comfortable with working from home, while proactively building strategies to complete our work remotely. Although we’re classified as a full-service marketing agency, the name creative agency is more fitting. Our team offers creative content production (video, photo, graphic, etc.) from our inhouse team. Producing content almost always requires in-person setups. Our preemptive move to remote work permitted us to develop unique strategies to produce client content remotely, effectively continuing to provide value to our clients when many other could not. This move allowed our agency to not only retain nearly all of our clients during the pandemic, but also provided an opportunity to increase our overall revenue by offering one-off video production for new clients.
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What is the book you most often recommend? “Incognito” by David Eagleman
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director 49th state angel fund
Education: Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science & Communications, University of North Carolina-Charlotte; Master’s in Political Science, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Community work: At 49th State Angel Fund, we try to lower barriers to entry so that entrepreneurship is an achievable goal for all. We helped the Muni administer over $30M in CARES Act grants and launched a $1M co-investment fund, with half dedicated to BIPOCowned businesses. Personally, I’ve been Big Sister since 2013, HOA Board Vice President 2017-2021; Past Director of Sponsorships for SMPS Alaska; Statewide Co-chair for Alaska Startup Week, 2019 & 2020; boots-on-the-ground volunteer for a variety initiatives, campaigns, and non-profit events. Family: Like any Alaska transplant, my friends have become my family! I also have two dogs (Augie & Rita); two cats (Panza & Papa Steve); my mother and siblings, who all live in New Mexico (Theresa, Krista, Kevin & Calynn). Hometown: Born in Albuquerque, N.M. and raised in Los Lunas, N.M. Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Honestly, it was driving down the Turnagain Arm for the first time. I was starting a job as a deckhand in Ninilchik and felt I needed to prove myself by getting here as quickly as possible. So, I sold all belongings that didn’t fit in my VW Jetta and drove from North Carolina in less than five days. It was exhausting and I hardly stopped to rest, but when I rounded the corner and saw the amazing view, I couldn’t believe this was going to be my home!
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Name the person you most respect and why. Probably Brene Brown. Her work has sparked a cultural revolution in vulnerability and honesty and I think all of my relationships have benefitted from her books and podcasts. I’m particularly inspired by her partnerships and work in Equity and Inclusion as well. I think about her words “I’m here to get it right, not to be right” all the time. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? This has changed so much, thanks to the pandemic! My life used to revolve around climbing (rock and ice) or skiing, but now I’ve begun enjoying gentler, more meditative, activities like walking at University Lake Dog Park. More than anything, meaningfully connecting with my friends, which is usually activity related, is my favorite pastime. Favorite quote: “Relationships move at the speed of trust; social change moves at the speed of relationships.” – Jennifer Bailey
ERIN BACA
What is the book you most often recommend? Oh gosh, so many! It depends on the situation. Professionally, I love “It’s About Damn Time” by Arlan Hamilton. Personally, I’ve probably recommended “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera the most. What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? My most rewarding community service has been being a Big Sister for the past eight years. I’ve seen my Little grow from a tiny secondgrader to a young lady almost in high school. She’s accepted me with all my awkwardness, propensity for giving (unsolicited) advice, and getting a little too aggressive while cheering at her basketball games. I have no idea what my pitch is to get others involved! I think it has to be tailored for each individual and the connection they might have to each cause. I’d like to think I can be pretty persuasive, but I think most people are willing to support initiatives they care about. If anything, I try to answer “how can I help” as easily as possible by providing specific action items and requests. People are busy, so it’s important to make things as easy as possible for them. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Being the co-founder of the Alaska Angel Conference. My co-founder, Kevin Croy, approached me in 2018 with this idea. We were, and are, convinced that the AAC is the best way to diversify the investor base in Alaska. Each year, a team of new and experienced investors raises a $100k fund using Alaska’s Crowdfunding Act. This way, any Alaskan, whether or not they are accredited, can become an experienced investor. We just wrapped our third consecutive year, where another company received the $100k. In total, the AAC has resulted in the investment of over $400k in Alaskan companies! It was a risk to give up my consulting company to contract with 49SAF to make AAC happen, but it has been an honor to see this program become a staple of the Alaskan entrepreneurship ecosystem. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? I wouldn’t say I’ve overcome this, but the feeling of guilt and helplessness. It still feels so unfair to have a steady income, access to so many resources, white privilege, no children to educate while working, reliable friends, etc. I overcompensated in the beginning by taking on any project that crossed my path and working countless hours each week. While I am proud of what I’ve been able to contribute, I recognize that other areas of my life suffered, including my health. I think overcoming this will be a long process, but taking time, whether it is a little walk every day or even a vacation, has been the best step. 5
EDWIN BIFELT
Founder/CEO/Owner/Project Manager, Alaska Native Renewable Industries; President/Owner, Scorched Earth Services; Principal Consultant/ Owner, Zane hills capital
Education: Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Finance, University of Alaska Fairbanks (2009); MBA, UAF (2013); Residential & Commercial Photovoltaic Systems Certificate (2018), Solar Business and Technical Sales Certificate (2018), Solar Energy International Community work: Living in a small remote community in rural Alaska, I don’t get to do a lot of community work in terms of any official programs. But living in Huslia, rural Alaska and along the Koyukuk River, we always come together and help out as a community and region for community events, gatherings and occasions. We do live in a tight-knit community so its common for all to help out as much as we can. Family: Kale Vent (7), Bobby Vent (6), sons; Fred Lee and Audrey Bifelt, family Hometown: I was born and raised in Huslia, a small rural community along the Koyukuk River in Interior Alaska. I lived in Fairbanks for about 10 years, but moved home in 2013 to be closer to family and start my businesses. Current city: Huslia What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Well living in Alaska, certainly provides a good amount of experiences. The most recent experience was traveling by snowmachine from Huslia to Kotzebue (300 miles) this past April to help out my brother in law DJ Starr in the Kobuk 440 dog race. We experienced some pretty extreme weather and ground storms, but it was a memorable trip and it was great to finally visit our neighboring region the Northwest Arctic.
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What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Again tough one. Have always loved playing basketball and baseball. Hunting and spending time outdoors snow-machining in winter and boating in the summer time are high on the list. Favorite quote: “I have conquered for you a large empire, but my life was too short to take the whole world. that I leave to you.” – Genghis Khan What was your first job? Raking leaves and doing yard work for $5 an hour when I was about 11 or 12, in order to raise money to attend basketball camp. What is the book you most often recommend? “The Big Short”; “Shadows on the Koyukuk” What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? Not really any specific cause but providing education and training opportunities for rural Alaska youth and young adults is something that I encourage all to assist with when they can in addition to encouraging local hire on rural Alaska projects. ANRI pursues local hire to the greatest extent that we can on our rural solar PV projects. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Building both ANRI (construction contractor) and S.E.S Fire (federal wildland fire contractor) has been a challenge but very fulfilling to see these businesses scale and grow into legitimate statewide/nationwide contractors. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? Last year was definitely a challenge due to the number of employees we had. We had 15 to 20 ANRI hires on the Kotzebue solar project and a minimum of 20 crewmembers for our S.E.S Fire crew which went on fire assignments for over 40 days in California. The threat from the global pandemic was always a risk, but thankfully we made it through the year without any cases (except for myself). We hope that we can have a safe and successful season this year as well.
TODD PARIS/PARIS PHOTOGRAPHICS
Name the person you most respect and why. It’s tough to name one person, but my parents Fred and Audrey definitely come to mind. They’ve provided for myself and my siblings tremendously and now do all they can for their grandchildren. My paternal (late Cue and Madeline Bifelt) and maternal (Helen Attla and late Alfred Attla Sr.) grandparents have also been very great teachers, and I learned a lot about project management while working construction with my late grandfather Alfred Attla Sr. There are also many local leaders that I have looked up to. Chris Simon (CEO of K’oyitl’ots’ina, Limited and Doyon, Limited Chairman) has always been a mentor and a positive role model for myself and many throughout Interior Alaska.
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Chief of Staff, Providence Alaska Medical Center; Pediatric Anesthesiologist, Providence Anchorage Anesthesia Medical Group
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Kinesiology, Rice University; M.D., University of Colorado School of Medicine; Anesthesiology Residency, Case Western Reserve University Hospital; Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital
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Community work: Health and Safety Team, Children’s Ministry, Rabbit Creek Church; PPE Donation Project At Rabbit Creek Church, I have served as their Medical/Health liaison to facilitate answering any medical and health emergency related questions the church has. This started (pre-COVID) as reviewing their emergency response kits, placement of AEDs in the facility, and availability as a first responder to any emergencies that might arise during congregation. My husband and I were also actively involved in the Children’s ministry and volunteering for their Tuesday evening dinner and Bible study sessions for elementary age students. Since COVID, I have met with the pastoral staff and reviewed their mitigation plans to help inform them about safe practices in maintaining in-person worship. We filmed a “Q&A” with our lead Pastor which was shared with the congregation about what we knew of COVID at that time. We also met last spring, prior to Easter services, to talk about how to safely proceed with a celebration while obeying state and local mandates. I have tried to keep them informed on recommendations and best practices surrounding gatherings, and more recently to offer a discussion and invite questions about vaccinations. Early in the COVID response I initiated a social media campaign (assisted in logistics by Rabbit Creek Church) to arrange for individuals to donate unused PPE such as masks and gloves to be used by frontline workers and emergency responders. We worked with Marian Giannulis to coordinate donations, which were then delivered to the Anchorage EOC to be distributed to firefighters, EMS, and others with limited access to PPE supplies. Girl Scout members of Rabbit Creek Church also donated cookies to frontline workers, which I was able to deliver to the nurses in the ICU and IMCU. I was able to connect Perfectionist Auto Sound, who was making face shields, with PAMC supply chain and with the anesthesia department to provide PPE at PAMC. In addition, I assisted coordinating an effort to save surgical supply wrap and have it repurposed into facemasks to be used at PAMC. Family: Drew Cobb, my husband and my rock; Declan (9) and Graham (8), my fun, energetic, bright, caring boys Hometown: Monument, Colorado Current city: Anchorage
DR. LINDSAY COBB
What is your most memorable Alaska experience? One of the reasons my family loves Alaska is the abundance of opportunities for memory making! It would be hard to pick a favorite or most memorable. We have weathered rough seas in Prince William Sound, enjoyed glass calm waters of the same, landed huge king salmon, dropped pots for shrimp, hiked hills to find freshwater pools for swimming, floated rivers, mountain biked the singletrack, and skied the North Face at Alyeska. A favorite story we tell relates how we ended up in Alaska. When we visited for the job interview, my husband was convinced this was where we should be. I was more hesitant. On our final day, we were driving from fishing in Cooper Landing and returning to Anchorage to head to the airport. My husband remarked, “what, do you need a sign or something?” I said “I don’t know, maybe!” On that drive, we saw 14 rainbows between Cooper Landing and Anchorage. It was incredible and to this day we have never counted that many distinct rainbows in that short of a drive. Needless to say, we decided to move to Alaska and have never looked back. Name the person you most respect and why. My husband. He has been my personal and professional support person, greatest cheerleader, and best friend. He has weathered the storm of irregular work hours, spontaneously becoming a homeschool teacher, raising two busy boys, and he always finds a way to make me laugh. Favorite quote: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6 What was your first job? Babysitting when I was young. Which developed into tutoring during my college years. What is the book you most often recommend? Anything by Brene Brown What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? Whenever we try to engage our kids in something like pitching in to wash the dishes, we love to use the phrase “many hands make light work.” I think the same is true of service opportunities. What can seem like an insurmountable task suddenly becomes very doable with the right numbers of people involved. Service doesn’t always mean giving up huge chunks of personal time or making large commitments. Service can be done in little ways, like offering someone a ride, dropping off a few groceries, staying late to clean up after an event, or being an extra set of hands. Hopefully community See COBB, Page 50
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Congratulations!
Congratulations Matt Holta
Lindsay Cobb, M.D. Your contributions exemplify our core values. Thank you for your service to Alaskans.
OUR VALUES Compassion, Dignity, Justice, Excellence, Integrity
alaska.providence.org
CONGRATULATIONS Top Forty Awardees
The Sky is the Limit!
ANRI is committed to our fellow Alaskans by helping to reduce rural energy costs, providing local hire jobs and supporting healthy activities in the communities. We are proud and excited to be involved in the renewable energy revolution occurring in Alaska and beyond!
We reduce communities energy costs by providing the following services:
LED Retrofit Services
Solar PV Array Design & Construction
General Contracting
Pictured: 2020 Kotzebue 576 kW Solar PV Project Crewmembers
To receive a quote or more information please contact: info@anr-industries.com or find us on facebook at: Alaska Native Renewable Industries
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president, anchorage police dept. employees association ; sergeant, ANCHORAGE POLICE DEPT.
JEREMY CONKLING
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Political Science, University of Colorado-Boulder; Third-Year Law Student, Mitchell Hamline School of Law
per se, but I am passionate about the event and I think that shines through when I talk about it. I hope that passion is contagious and encourages others to volunteer.
Community work: Volunteer, Anchorage Cops for Community; Chair, Coalition of Municipal Unions; Little League Baseball coach
In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Being the President of the Anchorage Police Department Employees Association and working each day to represent the over 580 sworn and non-sworn members of the Anchorage Police Department.
Family: My three sons, Hawkins (10), Westin (7), and Campbell (2). Hometown: I was born in Napa, California and grew up in Moraga, California. Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? It’s impossible to pick just one. A bluebird day skiing at Alyeska, crabbing off of Coon Island in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, and hunting all over the state. Name the person you most respect and why. The men and women of the Anchorage Police Department. Their selfless, professional service to the Municipality of Anchorage is unwavering.
During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemicrelated challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? The inability to travel and Zoom meetings share my top spot with regard to pandemic-related challenges. I admit I failed to overcome the inability to travel due to federal law. However, I do feel that was successful in overcoming the challenges of Zoom meetings by retooling my sense of humor to really shine through digitally.
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Traveling, especially to warmer climates during winter. All eight months of it. Favorite quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” — Most commonly attributed to Dr. Suess What was your first job? Little League umpire at 12 years old madmen studios llc
What is the book you most often recommend? “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Dr. Robert Cialdini. What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? Shop with a Cop and Firefighter. I’m grateful to be a part of bringing so much happiness and joy to underprivileged children in our community. I don’t have a “pitch”
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. 9
of donor relations Jenny Amundsen director and communications, food 34 bank of alaska Di Grappa Education: Bachelor’s degree, Environment & Society, University of Alaska Anchorage; Certificate in Civic Engagement, UAA; Master of Public Administration, UA Southeast Community work: Alaska Ski for Women, Assistant Director; Better Business Bureau, Advisory Board member; Anchorage School Business Partnership, Board member, Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington, Wish grantor; Association of Fundraising Professionals Alaska Chapter, Board member Family: Suzan Amundsen; mom; Lia Amundsen, sister, Jessie Di Grappa, half-brother; 25 sled dogs Hometown: Fairbanks Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? In 6th grade, my mom planned a mushing trip to visit our vet who had built a house on a remote lake in the White Mountains. After driving six hours to Coldfoot, we started our 8-hour mushing journey on a lovely spring day, with my mom, sister and I each on our own dogsled. Several hours into the trip, we found much of the trail covered in snow, slowing our progress. We soon found ourselves mushing in complete darkness with only our headlamps to light the way. Needless to say, my sister and I (age 11 and 13 at the time) were NOT happy. Not only was it dark and scary, it was very cold. I can remember my sister and I each yelling and complaining for the final hours of the trip while my mom simply laughed ahead of us. We finally approached their property and settled in for the night. The next morning, we awoke to the most spectacular view of Chandalar Lake and surrounding mountains. In that moment, we appreciated every minute of our journey there. Name the person you most respect and why. My mother, Suzan. As a single mom, she worked as an engineer to provide for my sister and I, all while raising 56 sled dogs and competing in the Yukon Quest and Iditarod sled dog races. She has shown me the value of hard work, the importance of being honest, and the need to always be kind.
Favorite quote: “Philanthropy is commendable, but 10
What was your first job? I worked at a local tomato farm during the summer before my freshman year of high school. At the end of August I had earned $1,000 and I thought I was rich! What is the book you most often recommend? “The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World” by Jacqueline Novogratz What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? I served as the Director of Alaska Ski for Women over the past 5 years, this year stepping into the role of Assistant Director. This is North America’s largest women-only ski event, which supports domestic violence and prevention programs across Alaska. I encourage my friends and colleagues to get involved in charitable work that is of interest to them, and to utilize their skills for the betterment of Alaskans. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Over the past year, I have helped lead Food Bank of Alaska’s efforts to secure and distribute over 10 million pounds of food to Alaskans statewide. Food insecurity has increased exponentially, leaving many of our neighbors and their children hungry for the first time in their lives. The opportunity to serve my community in such a critical way during this crisis has been extremely fulfilling. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemicrelated challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? My personal and professional life prior to the pandemic could be summed up in one word: occupied. I loved having so much on my plate and so I felt a surge of anxiety as the state shut down. I had never spent so much time alone, even as I worked longer hours. Fortunately, I have been able to spend quality time with my family over this past year, and also increased my support of charities that have provide virtual volunteer opportunities.
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What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? While my passion is volunteering, my favorite activity is traveling. I just returned from my 20th trip to Mexico, a country that I absolutely love.
it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice, which makes philanthropy necessary.” — MLK, JR.
33 Education: University of Alaska Anchorage, Dartmouth College Family: Matt, husband; Ailsa (7) and Carra (2), daughters Hometown/Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? This is cheating, but my answer is a many-way-tie between any day on Resurrection Bay. From childhood camping at Thumb Cove, to my honeymoon at Orca Island, to birthdays at Aialik Glacier, I always feel like I’ve stumbled into paradise. Even in the dumping rain there is no place more beautiful than Seward. Name the person you most respect and why. I have a massive amount of respect for our acting mayor, Austin Quinn-Davidson. She inherited a terrible mess this past year: a pandemic, a tense political environment, and overt prejudicial ugliness. Every option presented to her was a catch-22. But she led us through the pandemic with a steady hand and a reliance on science, while thoughtfully guarding against economic harm. To top it off, she is a wonderful all-around person who met her wife, Stephanie, at an Arctic Entries show! What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Yoga, running, biking, kayaking, and Nordic skiing. Someday I intend to find a more original hobby. But for now, just cut and paste me from an REI catalogue. Favorite quote: “Guilty.” – Minneapolis Fourth Judicial District Court, April 20, 2021
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What is the book you most often recommend? I could list books that I aggressively push on other people as a full-time job. But one standing above the rest is “The Sellout” by Paul Beatty. For me, this book redefined American satire. It undercuts its own viciousness with sheer outrageousness and cringe. Several thousand steps below Beatty’s is a book I recommend for very different reasons: it’s one I wrote! “Pluto Cove”, a magical realism novel set in the Gulf of Alaska, came out earlier this year. Support local storytellers!
PRESIDENT ARCTIC ENTRIES
ARRAN FORBES
cause? Recruiting storytellers to Arctic Entries is the most rewarding and challenging aspect of this work. Each show features seven unique storytellers, typically with no background in public speaking. Stage fright is human phobia No. 1, and convincing someone to speak in front of 2,000 people can be a mega-hard sales pitch. But stage fright, unlike other phobias, is a motivating energy. Nervousness brings the whole body into the story, it makes people excel. Our goal is to have every storyteller walk off the stage feeling like a million bucks, having told a story they are proud of. By helping people frame their story, guiding them through jitters, and assuring them that the audience loves the underdog, we have helped over 500 people tell their story, many who first insisted they never, ever would. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? Arctic Entries seeks to build community. Winter Tuesday nights are our standing show time for the sole purpose of drawing people out of their homes and participating in a shared experience. Of course, the pandemic upended that. We dabbled in streaming shows, but without the live element of a packed theater and excited storytellers, the magic did not translate. Last fall we held a few drive-in shows. These were logistically challenging events but the feedback was overwhelming; people were grateful for a reason to leave their homes and honk car horns in raucous applause. But Anchorage winter ended those events. Staging our storytellers in minus-10 degree weather seemed just mean. Pausing our show meant so many losses: loss of financial donation to our community partner, Alaska Seeds of Change, loss of the conversations that start after hundreds of people hear the same story at the same time, a loss of income to downtown on dreary Tuesday nights, and a loss of human connection when screens dominated all interaction. We do not know what the fall will bring (safety comes before all else) but I’m optimistic that these changes have made us more creative and resilient, and with more stories to share than ever before.
What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a 11
NAYABONY GAT
Health Education Coordinator, Southcentral Alaska Area Health Education Center/Alaska Primary Care Association; Peer Leader Navigator Program COORDINATOR, ALASKA LITERACY PROGRAM
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Health Sciences, UA Anchorage Community work: Volunteer for various community-based efforts such as GIFT holiday program through Salvation Army. I have been a mentor for other first generation college students. I do crosscultural projects with Keys to Life and many others. I am willing to help in anyway for anyone who needs assistance or guidance. Family: I have a total of seven siblings, four live in Alaska; William Riek, father Hometown: I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and moved to the U.S with my family when I was very young as refugees. My family is from South Sudan. I grew up across several different states, but spent the past 10 years in Alaska where I went to East Anchorage High School and UAA. I would call the beautiful Alaska my second home! Current city: Anchorage Name the person you most respect and why. Each of the individuals have shaped me into who I am today, they have mentored, inspired, and poured great wisdom both professionally and personally. All have been humble, patient, persistent, and are very passionate about what they support and how they serve. These people I have great respect for, and I am sure I am missing some names: Constance Carlisle, Mari Selle, Linda Shepard, Polly Smith, Rhonda Johnson, Lori Pickett, Travis Hedwig, Tracey Burke, Shirley Mae Staten, Shannon Kuhn, Tania Rowe and TRiO and many others!! And of course, above all are my parents who have always been supportive and have been through tremendous hardships but have been able to persevere.
Favorite quote: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples” — Mother Teresa What was your first job? Program Aide with Camp Fire Alaska 12
What is the book you most often recommend? Nothing comes to mind at the moment. But I would recommend anything written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She also has some amazing TED Talks. The most recent I’ve listened to is “The danger of a single story”. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? My achievement is continuously working with the im-
migrant community in various capacities. Health care for the underserved community is a priority. I have witnessed first-hand the disparities in Health where families with limited English language and financial abilities have not received excellent care or have not had the full ability to achieve health and well-being as they see fit. My achievement is lending my voice to speak out. Guiding and creating pathways for individuals to create more opportunity, diversify the workforce, and most importantly create space for those most impacted by health inequities to co-create solutions. Recently my efforts were concentrated on making sure the immigrant and refugee communities and others facing similar barriers were able to receive COVID information in plain language and increase access to the vaccine. And I am so excited and look forward to the Community Health Worker initiative that has expanded this year. This is strongly done in partnership with the community, and I truly believe in the power of mobilizing the community to work through the challenges faced in health and more broadly day-day life that ultimately impact health. My early involvement with UAA Center for Community Engagement ignited this passion. The work I do has been fulfilling because every day am inspired, I get to empower, and I walk away knowing we are making a difference. While working on my degree in Health science, which is among my achievements and one, I am so honored to having being a first-generation college graduate. This experience became the catalyst to open the portal for a broader scope of how I could make a difference. My achievements are grounded in service to my community.
During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? Like many, a challenge during this pandemic was trying to find a balance and a new way of doing everyday things. Trying to maintain connections to those things and people that remind us of the goals, the things that bring us joy, and that help us to find a way forward. The most heartbreaking things, though not a surprise, were the gaps in services spanning from education, information to housing and food for many in the Anchorage community. Seeing how far we still have to go to make sure that everyone is being served in an equitable way. The pandemic has lead to many losses, but it also has forced us to look at things differently and have those honest and needed discussions on how to address disparities in our city. Ways I have overcome these challenges is having a supportive network and being able to bring diverse voices to the table. And most importantly, recognizing and practicing the importance of disconnecting occasionally.
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What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? I appreciate the urban and wilderness adventures Alaska provides for all of us. Anchorage diversity gives me a place to reach into cultures and different ethnicities. I have an amazing group of women friends from all over the world. We spend our time eating amazing foods and learning about each other’s life journey. This is a rare opportunity for me to learn and grow in the sweetness of these women’s energy. I love exploring the wildness of Alaska and long road trips. I love hiking, camping, and walking along the trails enjoying the beauty of this state.
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PRINCIPAL ENGINEEr prohns llc
Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Minor in Mathematics, Washington State University – Go Cougs! Community work: Supporting the Glacier Peak Institute and their STEM education programs; being a volunteer and Governor-appointed member of the Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission, donating to local non-profits and charities. I’m most passionate about mentoring and providing career advice to younger engineers and students who are interested in pursuing careers in engineering. There is a lot of nuances you learn in the profession that are not shared when you are in college, information I wish someone would have shared with me. Family: My wife Brittany and son Icem are the center of my universe, as well as our dogs Rainier and Maggie. We also have a cat named McCoy, he’s just ‘okay’, but if you have both cats and dogs you probably get that! I have to give a ton of credit to Brittany for supporting my career choices and professional development. When I was considering whether or not to join proHNS as an Owner back in 2016, she pushed me towards doing so and has been my rock ever since. Thanks and love you Britt! Hometown: A beautiful but small timber town called Darrington in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. I graduated from the same high school as my father, his father before him, and same as many other Gladsjo family members encompassing several generations. Current city: Juneau What is your most memorable Alaska experience? “Cabin” trips with the boys. Whether it is hunting, fishing, camping, or just exploring, we always make the most of each experience and our time in the outdoors. The locations change, the accommodations are different, but the “Cabin” is always the same.
michael penn photography
Name the person you most respect and why. There have been a lot of mentors, coworkers, fellow professionals, and others I could choose from, but the one that stands above the rest is my late father Ernie Gladsjo. He too was a small business owner and, along with my mother Carol, instilled a strong work ethic and moral compass in both my brother and I. He also had a knack of knowing when to be friendly and warm, as well as when to be firm and unyielding in his decisions. As I grow older I begin to notice more and more of his mannerisms in my own actions. He was always well respected by his peers and those who knew him, and I can only hope to someday be as well respected as him by my own peers. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Anything involving being active in the outdoors, from the
GARRET KARL GLADSJO, PE
casual after work dog walk at Dredge Lakes, to hunting, fishing, hiking, golfing, rec league softball, disc golf, and more our beautiful surroundings have to offer. Favorite quote: When my father retired, I would often ask him what day he was doing something, and the common response was “Son, every day is Saturday when you’re retired.” I look forward to someday experiencing Saturday seven days a week! What was your first job? Sales clerk and parts stocker for an auto parts store while in high school. What is the book you most often recommend? “Never Split the Difference – Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It”, by Chris Voss What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? Mentoring young engineers and students, providing career advice and sharing knowledge I wish others would have shared with me. I feel that if I can impart even 10% of my knowledge on them, they will be a far better engineer than I by the time they reach my age. If I’m pitching professional peers on getting involved in mentoring, I think the biggest point I try to make is that supporting the next generation is supporting the professional growth and technical skill development of our entire profession, which in turn helps build a better world. Engineers are problem solvers, and both we and the coming generations have lots of world problems to help solve. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. Much like doctors or lawyers who become licensed to practice in their field, obtaining your PE license is a major step forward in the career of an Engineer, and one I think many outside of the profession often fail to recognize the importance of. I know it has really changed the trajectory of my career and I always encourage younger engineers to someday pursue their own PE licensure. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? Just learning to navigate the waters of pandemic-related travel and work restrictions as a small business. In the end, we were fortunate our challenges were much less impactful than many other businesses. 13
AARON HELMERICKS
Senior Director Energy and Mining, GCI LIBERTY
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Computer Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, (Cum Laude) with Mathematics minor Community work: Starting in college I worked for UAF Residence life mentoring and helping students. Since I was a rural kid growing up on a remote homestead, my first year was at the MacLean house helping rural kids from remote villages adjust to the fast pace and different social challenges of college. In my last year at request of Director of Residence life I was moved to Cutler Apartments, it had its own unique challenges being an environment with upper classmen. When I graduated, I had the honor of being inducted into the UAF Resident Assistant Hall of Fame in 2004 for outstanding work in the student community. That early work set the stage for me to want to help people in the community throughout the years from small single events to serving as a board member to provide leadership at local organizations. Family: Autumn Helmericks, wife, from Hoonah. We met and started dating in college; Married 14 years this year. We a have King Charles named Kali and tom cat named Shadow Hometown: I was born in Fairbanks; my parents flew in from our homestead for the hospital then left three days later. I grew up on our homestead (Started in the 1950s) North of the Brooks Range on the Colville River Delta, which is about 60 miles west of what became Prudhoe Bay. Current city: Wasilla
Name the person you most respect and why. My mother Teena Helmericks; she was a polio survivor as a child with long term health effects from that, but she never let life’s challenges get in her way. She lived her adult life in a harsh remote arctic environment, raised 4 boys, homeschooled each of them, taught them value of education (all of whom are college graduates) all the while helping run multiple small businesses with her husband Jim. 14
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? I have a passion for flying, you might say it’s in my blood. My grandfather Harmon “Bud” Helmericks was a well-known Bush pilot and author of about dozen books on life in Alaska. My father Jim followed in his footsteps as a commercial pilot being owner/operator of Golden Plover Air and as a well-known Arctic guide. I love to fly my Piper Super Cub and get away to some random gravel bar to break out my fly-fishing pole. Favorite quote: What can I say… I’m Yoda fan: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” What was your first job? I grew up with my parents running several small businesses so technically my first job started when I was 13 helping our clients with boat operations, flight operation ground control, environmental surveys, etc. My first job outside of that was working for Alaska Clean Seas at Alpine when I was 17 as a first responder. What is the book you most often recommend? “Last of the Bush Pilots” by Harmon Helmericks What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? One organization in the community that I would like to highlight where I’m currently a board member is the Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains, which is to serve our first responders and people in crisis. Their mission in form of emotional support, information, and resources to emergency personnel and to survivors, is unwavering. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? One of the most fulfilling aspects of my professional life has been the opportunities to mentor to team members or peers and helping the development of their personal professional career. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? One of the biggest challenges was moving to work from home during the pandemic and keeping a good work/life balance. At the office, you have that physical separation of work to home life. Thus, I had to learn new best practices, so my work life did not dominate and allow a proper life balance with the family.
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What is your most memorable Alaska experience? I’ve have had many memorable individual Alaska experiences growing up here but what I would focus on is more the early experiences I had growing up in remote Alaska with strong family surrounding me. The sustaining love of the Arctic, the challenges of growing up in that environment (knowledge of outdoors) and survival (skills, hunting) using the food the land provided. It was those years as a kid surrounded by close family while running around 1000+ square miles that molded me into the person I’m today. I’m an outdoorsman, pilot, and multi-generation Alaskan who loves all that Alaska offers and its people.
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Congratulations,
Alisha Hilde! — Top Forty Under 40 —
Your service on the Anchorage School Board benefited our students and moved the District forward in its mission of Educating All Students for Success in Life.
Congratulations Aaron! Leader in Energy & Mining. Technical Expert. Community Mentor. Aaron Helmericks, Sr Director Oil and Gas Program
Top Forty Under 40 #1 with Us!
Top Forty Under 40 awardees not available in all areas, but responsive, solution-oriented service is. See gci.com/business for details.
LAUREN HENDRIX
Director of Marketing and Proposals ASRC Energy Services LLC
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing track, University of Mississippi; Master of Science in Public Relations, Corporate track, Boston University Community work: Hosting and Fundraising for Best Beginnings, an annual fundraising event that provides critical support for Imagination Library in Alaska, which sends a free book each month in the mail to more than 17,500 Alaska children from birth to age 5 across 112 Alaska communities (2016-present); Hosting and Fundraising for Anchorage Senior Activity Center (2015-present); United Way Campaign; American Heart Association AES Heart Walk team; assisting coworkers in raising money for men’s health awareness during Mustache November (Movember); Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family; Donating time to political organizations Family: Not married, no pets, no kids, but I’ve got these awesome people: Homer-boy, local business owner John Hendrix, dad; Southern-belle, domestic engineer, Candace Hendrix, mom; Alaska’s No. 1 poker player in earnings, Adam Hendrix, brother; MIT grad and UAA Computer Science professor, Dr. Sebastian Neumayer, fiancé Hometown: Third-generation Alaskan, but here’s my timeline: Born in Anchorage, 0-2 Homer; 2-11 Anchorage; 11-15 Aberdeen, Scotland; 15-18, The Woodlands, Texas; 18+ Cairo, Egypt; Oxford, Miss.; Boston, Mass.; Kirkland, Wash.; Deimos; Anchorage Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Getting dropped off on an iceberg with my brother, Adam, then Dad and Mom boating away. Oh, and cheechako Sebastian pulling off the Seward highway seven times trying to find a quiet proposal spot during tourist season; we ended up going to Hatcher Pass.
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Playing cards, boating on the open water, and garage sailing with my family. I also love painting oversized artwork. Currently, I’m slowly learning the electric guitar and how to roller skate: aspiring for at the same time. 16
Favorite quote: “I fear the day when people post memes on the internet with quotes I’ve never said.” —Albert Einstein. What was your first job? Ice Cream scooper at Cold Stone Creamery. I got the job by adlibbing, “This ice cream is bananas, b-a-n-an-a-s.” I’d rake in the tips with my off-key singing abilities then I’d go home smelling like waffle cones. It was fabulous. What is the book you most often recommend? “Agatha Raisin” series by M.C. Beaton. Check out the TV show if you don’t want to read. What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? Year after year, Becky Parker and her team at the Anchorage Senior Activity Center work tirelessly to execute a successful garden fundraiser. The committee, the cause, and the event are outstanding. After COVID, we look forward to hosting another event! My pitch: Being involved is all about the people you will work with and the people who will benefit. Look for a team that is passionate and engaged, who pass along the majority of their donations straight to those who benefit. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Since joining ASRC Energy Services, the team has entrusted me to do many things like rebranding the company and revamping our proposals department; support at ASRC has just been incredible. Sorry to put forth a Miss America-like answer, but over time I’ve realized it’s the team I work with that really provides me with fulfillment. Exposure to people specialized in fields other than my own, their trust in me, our collaboration, and the “thank you” at the end of a project really make it worthwhile. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? As a service provider to Alaska producers, safety is AES’ priority. During the pandemic, our essential workers faced unprecedented challenges when their normal commutes were drastically changed. State mandates regarding quarantining and testing, along with varying worksite travel protocols changed the commute for our Slopers. We kept open communications to make sure our workforce found housing during quarantine and had ample testing access. Our clients, local businesses, our workforce, and my coworkers all worked together to be as compliant and as safe as possible. It was a learning experience for all, and everyone persevered to keep America’s most important resource flowing.
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Name the person you most respect and why. I don’t idolize people I don’t know. So I have to name one I know very well: At a time when his friends are starting retirement, Dad is starting a business that is super Alaska-focused and a true passion project: HEX LLC.
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school board coach council of the great city schools
Education: Bachelor’s degree, K-12 Music Ed, West Texas A&M University; master’s in public policy, law and economics, and juris doctor, University of Minnesota Community work: My volunteer work centers on helping kids: teaching Sunday school, teaching band, supporting families and children in foster care, and supporting at-risk families with preventative measures. Family: Jason, husband; Marin (10), Nora (8), Henry (6), children; new puppy (name pending) Hometown: Richardson, Texas Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Birthing and adopting my children Name the person you most respect and why. Dr. Deena Bishop, Anchorage School District Superintendent. Dr. Bishop inspires me and so many others with her dedication to children, personal integrity, and commitment to excellence. She leans into challenges and focuses on collaborative solutions to help kids succeed. And like all great teachers, she is rooted in the belief that everyone can learn, even grown-ups. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Reading Favorite quote: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” —Micah 6:8 What was your first job? Walking doorto-door delivering Avon catalogues for my mom’s elderly Avon lady at age 6.
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What is the book you most often recommend? “All the Light We Cannot See” (Doeer) and “The Nightingale” (Hannah) What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? My most rewarding community service is when I’m able to support families staying together in healthy environments. I like to encourage people that their service to our community doesn’t have to be complicated, impressive sounding, or even tied to an organization. There are
ALISHA HILDE
always opportunities to help others, and it doesn’t have to require a ton of time. Consistency in small things can be a powerful blessing. No organization is going to complain if you faithfully deep-clean their bathrooms once a month. Regularly picking up trash on your evening walk or tutoring a kid in your favorite subject both improve our community. Think about what you’re interested in, and then look for ways to help others participate. Local nonprofits’ social media and Nextdoor are easy ways to get connected. And don’t be afraid to jump into the harder stuff; maybe you move to a smaller house so you have more money to donate or your kids share a room so you can welcome a child in need. Your life and our community will be better off because of your generosity of time and heart. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Adopting SMART goals for the Anchorage School Board to dramatically improve reading, math, and life/ college/career readiness. These goals focus the work of the Board on kids and make it easier for our community to hold the School Board accountable for improving student learning. I am very excited to see the number of children reading on grade level double from 40 percent to 80 percent over the next five years. This will transform our district and create benefits and cost-savings across all sectors of our community for years to come. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemicrelated challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? Pushing to start our phased re-opening of schools was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to work on. But sometimes challenges don’t have perfect ways to manage them. I spoke with a group of rising district leaders during the pandemic, and one of them wanted to know about the decision-making process on school closures. After going through the pandemic, my advice is the same. As leaders, you will face challenges where there aren’t clear answers. You use your experience and all the available information to make the best decision possible. And then you take responsibility for that decision. When you know your values and your “why,” then that guides your steps. 17
MATTHEW HOLTA
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BDO USA
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Education: Bachelor’s degree, Business Administration, Management, University of Alaska Anchorage
is no try.” — Yoda. My wife says that her favorite quote of mine is “why buy one when you can buy two?” That can get very expensive though.
Community work: Youth Mentor for Covenant House Alaska; Panelist for Launch Alaska’s Tech Deployment Track; AEDC Committee Member; Alaska Business Forum Committee Member (Seattle Chamber); Anchorage Chamber Committee Member; RDC Board Member
What was your first job? I guess my official first job was a paper route at 14 or 15. But I would say my first “real” job was working for Far North Landscaping as a lawnmower at 16. I recall how I got the job well…I was still sleeping mid-morning and my dad came downstairs and said the guy across the street asked if I wanted a job. My dad strongly suggested I get up and take the job. I ended up working for Far North for five years or so, running a crew in the summers and plowing snow in the winters and was able to put myself through college, buy my first car, go on vacations, and move in to my first place. Looking back, my dad is probably even more thankful for that job than I am.
Family: Nicole, wife of 14 years; Mabel (9) and Charlie (5), daughters Hometown/Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Growing up we were always camping, hunting, fishing or some other outdoor activity. Every weekend, regardless of weather, we would load up the Buick Skylark and head out…many times I hated it! But the most memorable I would say were the trips out of Whittier on my uncle’s catamaran where we would always end up with some interaction with wildlife. One time this included a pod of killer whales that I was able to “pet” as they passed the boat. If memory serves me right, that was also the trip my dad and uncle got a black bear. When we got back to Whittier and unloaded the hide on the dock, one of those sight seeing tour boats pulled up next to us full of tourists. I can still remember some of their horrified expressions.
What is the book you most often recommend? “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? With the pandemic, one thing I really missed was being able to help out in my daughter’s classroom/ school. I enjoy being in her environment and allowing her to express the pride in her classroom and work. For anyone with kids, it really is a great way to see your child’s sense of ownership in something that is truly theirs in the community. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? I really value the relationships that I have been able to build over the years. Having been in a sales and/or BD type role my entire career, those relationships are the foundation of my professional success. I believe it is important to be genuine, honest, transparent, trustworthy, and respectful with everyone you meet, and approaching the relationship as more than a transaction. This philosophy has led to many people becoming personal friends.
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? With the family its just about anything that my wife conjures up for us to do. There is always some sort of adventure we are going on, a hike, reindeer farm, traveling around Alaska, or going on a vacation somewhere. Other than that, it would be golf with my two best golfing buddies, Aaron and Kurt…the banter between us is pretty intense and from what I am told by others, entertaining.
During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it?I miss the interaction and team building of the office environment, the networking events/luncheons, and the in-person meetings. But working from home has been a positive experience for me as it has given me a new perspective on work/life balance. The ability to step away for even 10 or 15 minutes to interact with my family, do a quick chore around the house or yard, or even just step outside and enjoy a minute of sunshine has been refreshing and giving me some quality time with my family that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Favorite quote: I am not a Star Wars fan at all…but I do like “Do or do not. There 18
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Name the person you most respect and why. So many people come to mind as I wouldn’t be as successful without each of them. But I always go back to my dad growing up. I watched that man get up every morning, regardless if he was sick, tired, just worked an all night call, holidays, weekends…it just didn’t matter. He would get up and go to work to support his family. He never complained, he would just say “That’s what you do. You get up and go to work.”
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Sales and Community Marketing Manager, ALASKA AIRLINES
Education: Bachelor’s degree, International Relations & Spanish, University of Alaska Anchorage (2012) Community work: Alaska Raptor Center Board of Directors (2020-Present); Trend Alaska Fashion Show Committee (2018-Present); Southeast Conference Board of Directors (2017-Present); Ketchikan Visitors Bureau Board of Directors (2016-Present); Travel Juneau Board of Directors (2015-Present); St. Theresa’s Camp Board of Directors (2019-21). Family: Joe and Barbara Hostetler (parents); Jessica Stolp, Cortni Rachlin, and Jarrod Oldham (siblings); seven nieces and nephews who are the light of my life. Hometown/Current city: Anchorage
KC HOSTETLER
state: Utqiagvik to Ketchikan. For many of our designers, it was the first time their collections had ever been on stage; some of them turned a profit for the first time after our show. Supporting their passions and being a part of their success has been deeply rewarding. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? Keeping my distance from those closest to me in these times of uncertainty has been especially challenging. Like so many others, I had to get creative about socializing- book club meetings held outside, drive-by baby showers, socially distanced BBQ’s, etc. I am so glad that we are moving back toward normalcy. I have missed hugs!
What is your most memorable Alaska experience? I have been fortunate to experience many different places and wonders in Alaska. Likely my most memorable experience has been learning to fly. Name the person you most respect and why. My parents. Together, they built a life rich in love and adventures for our entire family. They have been my greatest blessing. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? I love to travel and experience new places. Favorite quote: “…For there is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.”— Amanda Gorman
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What was your first job? I was as a housekeeper and waitress at the Mentasta Lodge in my early teens. What is the book you most often recommend? “The Shadows on the Koyukuk” by Sydney Huntington. Also, poetry by Robert Service. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Probably my most fulfilling project has been the creation of the Trend Alaska Fashion Show. The show is focused on highlighting Alaskan designers and artists on a statewide stage, while raising funds for local non-profits. In our flagship year, we highlighted 14 designers from across the
For there is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.
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HEIDI HUPPERT
CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER COVENANT HOUSE ALASKA
Education: Bachelor’s degree, social work University of Alaska Anchorage Community work: I have been working in one capacity or another with young people experiencing homelessness and commercial sex trafficking and exploitation for nearly 20 years. Family: Paul Huppert (husband), Maddox (German shepherd), and Ripley (mastiff) Hometown/Current city: I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota but moved to Alaska when I was an infant and grew up in Anchorage. What is your most memorable Alaska experience? I think backpacking in southeast Alaska with my best friend, Nicole, was an adventure for the books. Not only were we able to lose ourselves in the rainforests but we encountered wild animals and even wilder people! Name the person you most respect and why. I most respect Alison Kear, CEO of Covenant House Alaska. Not only is she an amazing leader but she is one of the most generous and kind people I have had the honor of knowing. She is a force of nature who will not accept anything less than what is the best for Alaska’s young people. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? I love to travel. People often ask me where I am going next and my response is always, anywhere I haven’t been before. There’s something beautiful about being in a foreign country with no plans and nothing but your backpack and hiking boots that makes you feel tiny, free and grateful.
What was your first job? When I was 14 I did laundry at a hotel. I can fold a fitted sheet like origami now. What is the book you most often recommend? I think that depends more on the person I am recommending the book to than the book itself but lately I have been suggesting “The Boreal Herbal” by Beverly 20
Gray. Foraging season is near! What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? In all the different roles I have had, working with young people will always be the most rewarding. I’ve met a lot of really strong and inspiring young adults. I personally know what it’s like to have experienced homelessness as a teenager. It’s more than not having a safe place to live, it’s about not being about to focus in algebra class because you’re so hungry. It’s about never getting to go to a doctor or dentist. It’s likely your kid goes to school with someone experiencing homelessness or worse. Be kind and raise kind kids. If you want to mentor or volunteer to work with young people there is no shortage of opportunities in this city. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Covenant House Alaska was selected as a city to participate in a demonstration project to help young people experiencing homelessness. At that time I was responsible for building programs that young people identified would be integral in aiding them. My team and I developed two programs, Rapid Rehousing and Permanency Navigation that are unlike anything Covenant House has done before. The success of these program interventions are now being used across many of our other departments, agencies and potentially across the state. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? I was on my honeymoon in Costa Rica last year when the pandemic reached its pinnacle of global awareness. My husband and I made the last fight out of the country before the boarders closed. Personally, that was a little too close for comfort. Professionally, the challenges of all 24-hour shelters and housing services in the country have faced the same tough decisions; decreasing occupancy size for sociallydistanced spacing while providing room for overflow. In Covenant House’s case we are talking about children and young adults. We’ve never been in a place where we’ve had to turn young people away and we are not about to. We have gotten very creative in our usage of space so that services to Anchorage’s most vulnerable are not interrupted. Homelessness does not stop for pandemics.
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Favorite quote: “To say you have no choice is a failure of imagination.” — Captain Jean Luc Picard.
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35 Education: Associate’s Degree, Riverside Community College Community work: I run the non-profit, VIPER, and focus on ending the veteran suicide epidemic through the elimination of its main causes: veteran unemployment, underemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, and a fractured support system. We work to accomplish our mission through pre-employment training, resource networking, outreach, and the inclusion of military spouses in our programs. Family: I have been married to my wife Kathleen Kaiser for 15 years and have two amazing children: my son Kyle (9) and my daughter Kayla (7). Hometown: Born and raised in Sothern California and lived mainly in the Riverside area. Current city: Peters Creek What is your most memorable Alaska experience? I have two that mean the most, one was the experience of jumping into the Donnelly Drop Zone and conducting Arctic Light Infantry Training (you can never forget sleeping in a bag in subzero temperatures); the other would be landing my first halibut on a charter out of Seward. Name the person you most respect and why. It might be cliché, but my father Ed Kaiser. Although we may not always agree, he set the example of putting his family first. The sacrifices he made for me as a child left a lasting impression on me. I have taken those lessons of selflessness and applied them to my personal life as well as my professional career. madmen studios llc
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? My favorite past time is spending time with my family. Teaching my kids to shoot, ride a bike, play sports, going camping and spending quality time with each other is what makes me the happiest
PRESIDENT VIPER TRANSITIONS
KYLE KAISER
What was your first job? My first job was cleaning out milking barns as a kid. Growing up on a farm and placing a value on hard work is something that will stick with me forever. What is the book you most often recommend? “7 Habits Of Highly Effective People.” A Battalion Commander gave it to me when I was cleaning a latrine. I was meticulously cleaning the urinal and he was impressed with my attitude, and my desire to do the little things to the best of my ability. What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? My most rewarding community service has been running VIPER. Knowing that I am a part of a team focused on making the lives of others better is the best feeling in the world. I always encourage others to act on the things they are passionate about. Find your target, identify the tools you have at your disposal to take your target, bring in others who feel like you do, and never quit. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? The most fulfilling achievements are the ones that others think impossible. Every time we launch a new program and bring veterans and military spouses into their new careers is breathe-taking and inspirational. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemicrelated challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? The biggest challenge during the pandemic has been the ability to connect with transitioning veterans. We were forced to rely on the word-of-mouth method for most connections. While being able to utilize virtual tools played a huge role in our success, the face-to-face connection cannot be replaced. The ability to sit down with a transitioning veteran, learn who they are, understand their situation, and develop a plan of action is no small task. It relies on communication and huge amount of trust. The connection that is made being able to look someone in the eye and say “I understand, we have been there, and that is why we are here now” is not something you can truly feel through a screen.
Favorite quote: “If not me then who, if not now then when?” 21
TANYA KAQUATOSH
SENIOR VP OF ADMINISTRATION DOYON LTD.
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Economics, Stanford University; MBA, Arizona State University Community work: Board member, Catholic Schools of Fairbanks; Board Member, Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Family: Steve Kaquatosh, husband; Skye, daughter; two dogs, Honey and Cy Hometown: Born in Fairbanks and grew up in Hughes until I was 8. I consider Hughes, a village along the Koyukuk River, my home. It’s where my Beatus family lives, and the cabin that my late dad built is still there. I return to the Koyukuk River a few times a year. Current city: Fairbanks. What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Well, 75 percent of all my memories are Alaskan, and, one of the most recent memorable experiences was with my daughter Skye in Hughes. A few winters back, my daughter and I went to check beaver traps with my relatives in Hughes. We sat in the back of a basket sled that was pulled by my cousin who was on snowmobile. It was so cold, we were fully dressed in warm clothing, and then cuddled in a sleeping bag. Despite the cold, it was so beautiful to be out on the frozen river with my relatives.
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? My favorite time away from work includes traveling, it’s either halibut fishing in Valdez, or visiting family in Hughes, or to the Midwest to see my husband’s family. When not traveling, my days are filled by taking walks with my dog Honey or going to the gym with friends. Favorite quote: “La’ga’danthlaa.” During a time of grief, I asked
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my paternal Grandma Sophie Beatus how to say, “go forward and live a good life” in Denaakk’e, or something similar since there is no direct translation. She said “La’ga’danthlaa” – which means to keep moving forward. I always think of this when faced with challenges. What was your first job? My first job, where I earned a real paycheck, was a receptionist at Interior Regional Housing Authority. What is the book you most often recommend? “Shadows on the Koyukuk” and “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” are both my favorites. “Shadows on the Koyukuk” is a story about resilience, and includes some of my great-grandparents who weathered some amazing challenges in life. When I read it, I am always inspired. And the second book so beautifully tells us about the strength of a woman during childbirth. What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? In the Native community, community service is not always volunteering for a traditional non-profit. Often times, it’s about helping each other, especially during tough times. For example, in Hughes, when someone passes, the young men in the village volunteer their time, and will dig a grave, even when it’s 50 below out. Therefore, my most rewarding community service is helping to prepare a memorial potlatch for my late relatives. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? One of my favorite projects I’ve worked on is a utility rate case for Doyon Utilities. Putting together a rate case is a long and strategic process, and to actually go through the process, was very challenging. I felt fulfilled upon completion, and when new rates for our company were adopted. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? I enjoyed more time at home with my husband, daughter and our dogs. I also re-connected with college friends via Zoom, so that was a positive outcome. Professionally, by navigating this new territory and managing the fears and concerns of our employees (including my own), and continuously communicating our efforts for a safe response to our employees, was challenging.
Thankfully, we have a great team at Doyon and in the last year, our team diligently worked together to research, assess and make sound decisions based on the information we had available. As a result, I feel like our employees, and our company have faired well in the last year, and I’m truly thankful for that.
TODD PARIS/PARIS PHOTOGRAPHICS
Name the person you most respect and why. My late grandma Bertha Moses was such a beautiful and intelligent person. She spoke three languages, Denaakk’e (Koyukon), Inupiaq and English, all fluently and eloquently. Her and my late Grandpa Johnson also ran their own store in Allakaket; after her passing and preparing for her Memorial Potlatch, I found her handwritten financial statements for their business. I learned, she had taken an accounting class and was their best student. She was also a former volunteer health aide for many years, she had learned about medical care from a textbook that her father Oscar Nictune had gifted her. Grandma was also the best cook and could sew, bead, or knit anything. She had 25 grandchildren, and I remember one year she gave all the girls sweaters that she had sewed and another year had made us all quilts. What an amazing woman Grandma was, I will always admire her gentle, beautiful, generous, intelligent, and loving way.
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Juneau District Attorney Alaska Department of Law
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Justice Studies and a minor in English, summa cum laude, Arizona State University; Juris doctor, cum laude, Seattle University School of Law Community work: I enjoy working with the youth in my community, including by going to the local high schools and presenting to the graduating senior classes, participating in the DARE graduations for the elementary schools, and coaching youth basketball and softball. Family: Dominic Branson (partner); Carl (the famous Great Dane) Hometown/Current city: Juneau What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Since I was born and raised in Alaska, I have many great memories of growing up and living here, but my most memorable Alaska experience was a road trip I took with my family when I was about 10 years old. We drove from Skagway to Washington State via the Alaska Highway. There are many reasons why it is my most memorable experience, but it was also the trip when my family gave me my nickname and a trip we still get a good laugh talking about, almost 30 years later. Name the person you most respect and why. The person I respect most was the predecessor to my current position, James Scott. For the four years James was the Juneau District Attorney and my supervisor, he battled stage four cancer. During that same time, he tried serious and important cases while also receiving treatment for his cancer. I vividly remember that on one occasion while he was trying a sexual assault case and was also going through cancer treatment, he was incredibly ill, but carried on nevertheless. His courage, unfailing opportunism, and refusal to give in to self-pity was inspiring. And even through it all, James was caring and compassionate, always taking the time to acknowledge and lift the spirits of those around him. When James left his position as the District Attorney and I took over, James left handwritten post-it notes in my office and in the drawers to my desk, including words of wisdom and encouragement. Although James has since passed away, he continues to be the person I respect most.
MICHAEL PENN PHOTOGRAPHY
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? My favorite pastime outside of work is touring Southeast Alaska on our boat and visiting other communities in the area. Favorite quote: “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” — Winston Churchill
ANGIE KEMP
What was your first job? I was a receptionist with Robertson, Monagle and Eastaugh, a local law firm. What is the book you most often recommend? Anything Harry Potter. What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? I have coached youth softball and basketball in Juneau since high school including with programs such as the Gastineau Channel Little League, HoopTime basketball, Midnight Suns softball, and the first Thunder Mountain High School woman’s basketball team. There is nothing more rewarding than feeling like you have contributed (even in some small measure) to the development of our young people. When I’m encouraging someone else to get involved in this cause, I often use the example of an inspiring moment I shared with a young lady who I coached in basketball. Her upbringing was challenging (more so than the other young ladies), and she had never been out of Southeast Alaska. I took the team to a tournament out of state and although we lost terribly, my favorite memory of that trip was when that same young lady exclaimed to me while we were exploring the city “look coach! This place is amazing! I’ve never seen anything like this before.” It was clear to me in that moment how much of an impact that experience had on her, and how grateful I was to be able to share the moment with her. I still see the young ladies I coached in the community who have grown and developed into strong and successful women, and nothing makes me more proud. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? The most rewarding achievement in my professional life was when I was selected as the first female District Attorney for Juneau. It is an honor and an incredibly humbling responsibility to serve the community where I was born and raised. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? The biggest challenge this past year was the suspension of criminal jury trials and the impact the suspension had on the lives of the victims in the cases we prosecute. For many, it has meant putting on hold a chapter in their lives that may have represented the worst moment of their lives. Communication has been the greatest tool in our toolkits to working through these challenging times. By being open, honest, and available, I believe we have found a way navigate these unprecedented times.
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CONGRATULATIONS KC! You’re a shining example of our core values: own safety, do the right thing, be kind-hearted, deliver performance and be remarkable at work and in our communities. We’re proud to have you in the Alaska Airlines family.
To all the Top Forty Under 40, including John Aġnaqłuk Lincoln of NANA, congratulations! We look forward to following your paths to success.
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VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES ODOM CORP./COCA-COLA BOTTLING OF ALASKA
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Natural Sciences with minors in Biology, Psychology, University of Alaska Anchorage Community work: Love INC., Habitat for Humanity Anchorage, Special Olympics Alaska, Asian American Professionals Association Family: Doug John, husband; two dogs Sasha and Mattis. Hometown: Anchorage and Honolulu Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Working in the tourism industry for 10 years, I’ve been afforded some of the coolest Alaska experiences and all very memorable! However, going to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge and ocean kayaking for three days was magical. Losing yourself in nature and glaciers does wonders for your soul. Name the person you most respect and why. As cliché as it sounds, I cannot name just one person. The saying goes “it takes a village to raise a child” and truly my life has been a compilation of many strong, kind and loving people that have raised me to become who I am today. Thank you to all of my friends and family. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Crosscountry skiing. Although I am new to it, the sport has changed the way I look at Alaskan life in the wintertime. It’s quickly become my go-to worknight activity.
madmen studios llc
Favorite quote: “Friends are the family one finds along the way” + “There’s more than one way to skin a cat” What was your first job? Laser Tag! What is the book you most often recommend? I don’t recommend the book to people often, but one of the most moving I’ve ever read was “Man’s Search for Meaning”.
LESSIE KINCAID
get involved in a cause? Albeit short lived, being a Special Olympics snowboarding coach was the most rewarding experience. Every athlete was more talented than me at the sport, which made for a fun time, but the conversations during the lift up the hill were the most memorable. Engaging locally is a core value of our team at Odom and I encourage all leaders and staff members to give back locally, whether time, talents or treasures. We have unified athletes, volunteers, committee, and board members of various organizations across Alaska. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Safely and successfully managing a team through COVID was one of the most challenging and rewarding achievements of my career. I’m incredibly proud of our company, CCBAK leadership team and associates in how well we navigated a pandemic with grace. Everyone was incredibly nimble, communicative, thoughtful and dedicated. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemicrelated challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? The challenge of the unknown and the ever-changing landscape as the pandemic progressed. As a leader people look to you for the answers and we were literally creating and adjusting battle plans daily. The things that helped were transparent and frequent communication, emphasizing an environment of openness and being empathetic to every situation and pivoting where necessary.
Friends are the family one finds along the way.
What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to 25
CARLENE LIESCH
LEAD INSTRUCTOR ALASKA EXCEL
Education: Associate’s of applied science, Paramedicine; EMT-1, ETT Instructor, CPR First Aid Instructor Community work: I have traveled to villages to certify community members in CPR and First Aid, I have done community events through Alaska EXCEL to promote healthy activities and arts and crafts. I work currently with students from different villages virtually to teach a variety of Introductory courses to the Medical Field as well as a Yup’ik Values and Language course that I designed Family: Luke Liesch, husband; Ruth and Andrew Liskey, parents; Heather Edwards, Jeffery and Nathan Liskey, siblings Hometown: Born in Bethel and raised in Tuluksak Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? My most memorable Alaska experience was when my family and I went moose hunting in the fall and our motor broke down and wouldn’t run so we had to float down river (all 6 of us) in a 16-foot lund with 100 pounds of meat. We kept a good attitude and stopped to make a camp fire when we got cold, then continued to drift down river back home. We survived because of our survival instincts and because we were together. It took us a day of floating to reach home. Name the person you most respect and why. The person I most respected and adored was my grandpa, he was the most humble person I knew. He had so much wisdom and he shared it with everyone he knew. He loved all his grandchildren and he always made sure we knew. He help raise me and shape me into the person I am today. He will be dearly missed.
Favorite quote: “You can’t have the power without the process.” That resonates with me because hard work is what it takes, not necessarily to have power but to be successful. It is so much more rewarding to work for what you want rather than to be handed out something that you didn’t work for. What was your first job? My first job when I moved to Anchorage in 2014 was a temporary receptionist, I would be on-call 26
and go to companies that needed me to answer phone calls, greet people who came into the office, and take messages for employees. My first job with Alaska EXCEL when I first started was a cook’s helper. Then I went through the training program to become an instructor. What is the book you most often recommend? I don’t usually recommend books because no one asks, but the book I would recommend is “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? My most rewarding community service is my job at Alaska EXCEL, representing my communities and being a role model to the younger students who are watching, it is a testimony to them to see me in the position I am in, it tells them they they can do it too. They are not limited to what the world tells them they are. My pitch is, come to Alaska EXCEL, we will help you find out all the awesome opportunities that are at your finger tip. You can be anything you want. It isn’t limited to college; it’s the workforce, military, trade school, and apprenticeships. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? One of the greatest achievements has been obtaining my Instructor certifications to teach Emergency Trauma Technician and CPR and First Aid. When I was in high school I was a shy quiet person, I didn’t picture my life as being a teacher, I attended ETT training through EXCEL and barely passed because of my poor communication skills, when they took us to Fairbanks to tour different fire and EMS services/training I fell in love with the Paramedic Program at UAF (I was a junior in high school) I decided that I was going to attend UAF to obtain my AAS in Paramedics. Having gone through the medical training I went to training to obtain my instructor certifications in ETT and CPR and First Aid. Now I can teach the programs that I went through in high school. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? The most challenging was not being able to serve students in house on our facility at APU. In the passed students came into town and we worked with them face to face to work towards accomplishing their goals and introducing them to trades. This year we had to adapt and teach virtually, creating course content was challenging for me because I haven’t taught virtually before. That was a challenge I had to overcome. Also not being able to travel back to the communities to teach First Aid and CPR and beading.
madmen studios llc
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? My favorite hobbies in the summer are focused around physical health, I enjoy the outdoors, hiking and biking, berry picking, and fishing. In the winter months I still focus on healthy activities but I bead, I make bracelts, earrings, sun cathers, and barrettes. I have been beading since I was in sixth grade; my mother taught me.
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40 (MAY 5)
VICE PRESIDENT, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS NANA REGIONAL CORPoration
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Stanford University Community work: State Representative, State of Alaska; Chairman, Maniilaq Association; Board Member, Alaska Federation of Natives; Councilman, Native Village of Kotzebue Family: Molly Lincoln and our children Emily (5) and Kavik (2) Hometown/Current city: Kotzebue What is your most memorable Alaska experience? My sister and I bought an airplane together, and some of my most memorable Alaska experiences are using it to visit friends, deliver care packages, and help friends and family get to hunting trips and social gatherings throughout our region. Our parents were proud of us for working hard to afford and pilot our own aircraft. Our dad would park his fourwheeler next to the gravel runway to watch us land after our trips. The challenge and adventure of flying, the social connectedness of our villages, and working hard together as a family are all very Alaskan to me. Name the person you most respect and why. Aliitchak (Hannah Gallahorn). Aliitchak was an elder and my age group’s first Iñupiaq teacher in elementary school. She made a powerful impression on us when we were young. We all looked forward to learning Iñupiaq words, songs, stories, and crafts from her. Aliitchak was a great teacher and one of the kindest and most loving people I have ever met. She personified our Iñupiat Ilitqusiat. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? My new covid hobby is playing the piano. I also enjoy boating and anything outdoors or with my kids. Favorite quote: “Put it on the table.” madmen studios llc
What was your first job? Cashier at Hanson Trading Company in Kotzebue What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? My most rewarding community service has been serving on our Tribal council and representing the council on the Maniilaq board of directors. Other council members and board
JOHN LINCOLN
members helped me grow as a person and as a leader, we worked well together through many challenges, and we made meaningful improvements to the quality of care and service to our region. When encouraging people to get involved in a cause, I emphasize how enjoyable and meaningful the experience will be for them. It is more fun and impactful to be in the mix than criticizing things from outside. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? My most fulfilling professional experiences have come from encouraging direct reports to take on new challenges, helping them succeed, then celebrating their success with them. It is especially rewarding when team members succeed with projects that push the boundaries of what they thought they were capable of. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemicrelated challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? Arctic winters are made bearable, even enjoyable, by time with friends and family. This year was especially hard due to pandemic related isolation. I relied heavily on my work, hobbies, and time with family to stay as positive and healthy as I could.
My most rewarding community service has been serving on our Tribal council and representing the council on the Maniilaq board of directors. 27
CHRISTINA ELAINE LOVE
Senior Specialist, Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
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Education: Professional higher education specialized in education and training with a focus on intersectionality and the oppression of marginalized populations; NCPRSS, CPSS, CRC, CGF
smiling stars and hear far off the call of a bird or the howl of the loon: this is the poetry of life, the joy of an untamed existence, which cannot come too often or too soon.
Community work: Volunteer Advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; volunteer peer specialist and recovery coach; Vice President of the Executive Board for Haven House Juneau; Executive Board member of Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP); founder and former chair for Juneau’s Recovery Coach Advisory board, & Juneau’s Recovery Community. I am also a volunteer Chaplin for our local correctional center where I did advocacy prior to covid. I hope to return to the prison as soon as I can.
Name the person you most respect and why. My grandmother Betty McCallister. We are not blood related which makes our bond even stronger because it is born from choice. She brought my mother into her home and off the street when I was very young. She loved every child that ever crossed her path. She taught me that love and gratitude are the ingredients for a magical and full life. She saved me as a baby and as an adult. While I was homeless and, in my addiction, she brought me home one last time before her death. I survived my disease of addiction while her illness of cancer took her life. Today I live life fully because I owe everything I am and everything I have to her kindness great love.
Family: I have a brilliant and joyful 7-year-old daughter, Emma. I also have a wonderful partner who is a hilarious and famous comedian named Jon Dore. Hometown: My family is from Egegik in the Bristol Bay Region. I was born in Fairbanks on the ancestral and unceded traditional territories of the lower Tanana Dene Peoples and the Dena’ina Peoples. I was raised in Chitina which is home to the Ahtna. Current city: I currently live on (Lingít Aaní), the ancestral homelands of the Áak’w and Taakhu Kwáan of the Tlingit Nation here in Juneau.
What is the book you most often recommend? Anything by Maya Angelou: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” and her numerous poetry and essay collections. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? The liberation of education. Education has been so freeing to me and I want to share that freedom with as many people as possible. I love sharing the science of addiction. Addiction is a progressive, chronic, and sometimes fatal brain disease BUT recovery is possible and should always be the expected outcome. It is important for Alaskans to understand why so many Alaska Native people struggle with addiction and other adverse experiences. I also love to answer the hard questions that are the most important for all Alaskans to ask and answer. Q: Why does Alaska have the highest rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, suicide, and substance use? Q: Why are Alaska Native woman being beaten, murdered, and stollen at some of the highest rates in the nation and the world? The questions and answers are connected. Our nations history and legacy of violence laid the groundwork for the injustices that we see today. Taking land is a violent act, forcing a culture to assimilate is brutal. All these issues are intertwined. Especially trauma and substance use because trauma is the underlying cause to using substances. Learning the science of addiction and the truth about who Alaska Native people are has set me free from internalized oppression and made me See LOVE, Page 50
MICHAEL PENN PHOTOGRAPHY
What is your most memorable Alaska experience? The land calls to me. Growing up in Chitina I was chased by a bear three times, caught in an avalanche, fell through a frozen lake, had a standoff with a bull moose, and essentially lived outside year-round. My family has been on this land for thousands of years. Growing up my mother would say the trees and rivers know a name for us that we cannot remember. Of the thousands of stories that are memorable and fun to share it is the simplicity and peace of Alaska’s majesty that is most memorable and speaks to my soul. It is written in my bones and part of who I am… Waking up on a gloriously bright morning, songbirds in the trees, a tent pitched across from one of Alaska’s many perfect blue-green-tranquil lakes. Campfire breakfast, where the light of morning rests in the trees. The gentle breeze blows the smell of the wet earth and leaves all around me. The smell of the wind is on my skin. Then I go to the creek and freshen my face with the cold water and yell out exuberantly to the birds and bears. This is the very joy of living. I can feel my entire body excited to be alive and full of peace. When I lay down to sleep, I look up through the trees above to the black sky and the flashing 28
What was your first job? Filleting salmon on the Copper River.
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Founder/Creative Director Fairbanks Brand Studio
Community work: I love Fairbanks. Everything I have done professionally has tied back to the greater good of my community. I have volunteered on numerous committees and served as Vice President of the Tanana Valley State Fair for 6 years. My main focus tends to be around building community through the arts and to bring a positive awareness to Downtown Fairbanks. Family: Sally, wife; Lovelyn (6), Monroe (5), and Sol (2), children Hometown/Current City: Fairbanks What is your most memorable Alaska experience? So many amazing memories to choose from in my almost 40 years, but one that stands out is flying to Bettles in February for a client project and being the only guest at the Bettles Lodge for two nights. There was beauty in the stillness and isolation that I’ll never forget. Alaska has an amazing way of making you look at yourself introspectively in ways that never seemed possible. Being surrounded by the natural beauty of the wilderness around you brings me so much joy and inspiration while making me feel small, but not insignificant. Being in Alaska makes me realize the impact one person can have on the world around them.
Isaiah Mangum
Favorite quote: “Let’s rock ‘n’ roll.” — my dad What was your first job? Newspaper route What is the book you most often recommend? “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. Perhaps a little obvious, but I find that when I am unsure where to start or how to move forward with a project, finding the “Why” as the foundational touchpoint always shows me the way forward. What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? Often, I find that I don’t need a pitch to get others involved in my community. Fairbanks is blessed to be filled with passionate, kind, driven people that would do anything for their Golden Heart City.
TODD PARIS/PARIS PHOTOGRAPHICS
Name the person you most respect and why. I most respect my wife, Dr. Sally Mangum. In the 15 years of knowing her she continued to achieve her goals while always supporting mine. Sally is truly my partner in life and I wouldn’t be who I am today without her. I am constantly in awe that this strong and independent woman who has dedicated her life to medicine and motherhood, saves space to entertain my (oftentimes) crazy creative endeavors. I’m a pretty lucky guy.
In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Expanding my creative agency of one (me) into the current team at Fairbanks Brand Studio has been the most fulfilling. Leading a dynamic and talented team that has the same vision, passion and commitment to the Golden Heart City is an honor.
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? I enjoy traveling, but it’s hard for me to separate work and home life because they are so interwoven. I find myself bringing things from my travels into my work and my work into my travels. I think that all things are connected and being in a creative field, connecting things that are often unconnected helps me gain perspective of the world at large. Traveling brings me perspective while making me appreciate my community around me. I need to travel to broaden my worldview and by proxy, my community.
During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? A big part of our business is our community space, VENUE. We were unable to host private events, have art shows or concerts for over a year... While this was challenging for sure, we stayed busy with client projects and adopted a digital first approach to our offerings. Having a strong community of local supporters has helped us stay open and optimistic that brighter days are ahead!
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RYAN MUSPRATT
VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, PETRO STAR INC.
Education: BBA Accounting, Management & Organizations, University of Alaska Fairbanks Community work: Special Olympics Alaska; UAF School of Management Advisory Boards; Founder of the Dr. Cary Keller Scholarship through the University of Alaska Foundation; Big Brothers Big Sisters Family: Jenna (wife); Most of the rest of my family is in Canada Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Having the fortune of playing Division I hockey at UAF. Name the person you most respect and why. Personally, my Dad. He taught me the value of hard work. The guy worked two jobs so I (and my brothers) could play hockey and without hockey I would have never made it to Alaska. Professionally, I have had several amazing mentors/bosses in my career. Brent Renfrew, Butch Lincoln, Matt Waldon, Charlie Kozak and Doug Chapados are five that stick out in my mind. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Fishing Favorite quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” – Wayne Gretzky
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the community; can’t get much better than that. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? A few that stick out are getting my CPA license, all of the major projects that I was involved in at Arctic Slope Regional Corp. and most recently getting to help manage a profit center for ASRC, Petro Star, where our earnings translate to directly to dividends for ASRC’s shareholders. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemicrelated challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? I will choose personally here…getting married in the middle of a pandemic and having to significantly downsize the wedding and change venues from Hawaii to Alaska at the last minute.
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.
What was your first job? Ever, a laborer in a lumberyard in Calgary; Professionally, KPMG Anchorage
What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? Hands down it has been Special Olympics Alaska. It is a great organization and it uses sport to connect 30
madmen studios llc
What is the book you most often recommend? Not a book, but I often find myself sharing good Bloomberg Businessweek articles.
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YOUTH SERVICES COORDINATOR ANCHORAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Education: Bachelor’s degree, English-Linguistics, Arizona State University; Master’s of Library Science, Emporia State University, Kansas Community work: Alaska Common Ground, former board member; St. John’s United Methodist Church, handbell choir (current); Girl Scouts of Alaska, troop leader Family: David Nicolai, husband; Annabelle (7) and Rose (4), daughters; Hobbes and Jane Austen, cats Hometown: Born in Lubbock, Texas; grew up in Overland Park, Kansas. Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? When I was managing the Mountain View Library, a new member of our community came in looking for books. It was her first time in a library in the United States. Every single item she brought up to the desk and asked me how much it was. I kept explaining it was all free. We were both in tears by the time she left. To me it speaks a lot about our community that is diverse, rich in resources to share, and welcoming to new people. A more classic Alaskan experience is the time I was in a white water raft full of military officers and literal mountain climbers and the only person who didn’t fall out of the raft was the children’s librarian (me).
madmen studios llc
Name the person you most respect and why. I suspect you want a living person as answer, but I have been surrounded by so many amazing mentors and examples of professionalism and service to community that I could not choose just one. Since I was a child, I have counted Elizabeth Blackwell, first female doctor, as one of my heroes. She studied far more than was required to be the best in her field and then dedicated much of career to treating women and children in poor neighborhoods. From her I learned to study and work hardest to be the best but that who you choose to serve in your career is as important as any accolade. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? I knit and crochet. You can almost always find a project tucked in my bag and if I have a free moment, I’ll pull it out, pop in my headphones for my audio book, and start knitting.
Favorite quote: “Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” — Michelle Obama What was your first job? My first job was babysitting, but my first job with a W-2, was shelving books at my local library!
ELIZABETH MOREAU NICOLAI
What is the book you most often recommend? I think it is really unfair to ask a librarian to recommend only one book! For families and children, I recommend a picture book “The Rabbit Listened” by Cori Doerrfeld. It is a great story about letting people experience their emotions and supporting them when things don’t go well. For adult fiction, I recommend “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel which is beautifully written and a fascinating post-apocalypse novel. For adult non-fiction, I recommend “1491” by Charles C. Mann which helped me reshape how I see history. What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? The most rewarding work I do are things that unite the community. Too much is focused on divisions. But when I worked with groups like Alaska Common Ground, community councils, and children’s book drives, it is easy to see the things that we agree on. When you put people in a room together, let them talk, and really listen, we can learn so much. My pitch for you: Small projects can make the biggest impacts. Helping a five-year-old be ready to enter kindergarten by supplying their family with books and their caregivers with early education tips is less expensive than credit recovery programs for high schoolers who are on the verge of failing out. And if you do the first, you often don’t need the second. If we want high schoolers who graduate ready to enter workforce or higher education, we need five year olds who enter school ready to learn. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? When Anchorage Public Library answered the White House’s call to connect public libraries and public schools, we didn’t know what a big task it would be. But both are organizations have their own policies and systems. After three years of work and negotiations, we launched cards for all. Now every year at school registration, every caregiver is asked if they want their student to have a library card. 92 percent of them say yes and nearly 40,000 students annually start the school year with a public library card and access to even more resources to succeed.
During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? In librarianship, we are able to look at other libraries for best practices. We can see what has succeeded and failed and learn from others. However, this year we had to invent a new way to be a library: to connect people with books and resources, to delivery programs, to serve our communities. Every time I touched base with another librarian, they were creating the same things as we were at the same time. We were all inventing on the fly with no one’s previous experience to guide us. Simultaneously, I took on homeschooling for the first time. It was a lot of brand new things to learn to do and to create at once. I did it with the help of an amazing team at work and an amazing support system (partner, parents, in-laws) at home. I also did it by letting myself and everyone else around me fail and learn so that we could adapt and be better. 31
JOSH NORUM
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Alaska Fairbanks (2011) Community work: Alaska Trucking Association; Alaska Moving Association; Iron Dog; Spruce Tree Montessori School; Fairbanks Youth Soccer Association Family: Jayme Norum, wife; Owen (7) and Leo (5), children Hometown/Current city: Fairbanks What is your most memorable Alaska experience? I raced the Iron Dog snowmachine race for four years and my most memorable experience was in 2016 when my racing partner, Jason Gundersen, and I took fourth place and were awarded top rookies. The challenging week we spent racing the trail from Anchorage to Nome to Fairbanks will always be something I cherish. Name the person you most respect and why. I have great respect and admiration for both of my parents, Dave and Debbie. Their ability to set an example of hard work both professionally and in one’s personal life is the reason I have been successful. They taught me that nothing worth having comes easy. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? I enjoy spending the summers in the boat and winters on a snowmachine at our cabin on the river with my family. I am very lucky I have ability to share my passion for the outdoors with my wife and kids.
What was your first job? I started washing tractor/trailers when I was 12 years old as a shop hand at Sourdough Express. I then went into business with a friend at 16 years old, we founded Fairbanks Lawn King. My former business partner, Addison Turnbough, is celebrating 18 years in business this summer! What is the book you most often recommend? “One Minute Manager” – Short, simple concepts that 32
can be applied at small or large organizations across all levels. What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? I enjoy being involved with the activities my kids are interested in. Running, soccer and swimming have been big hits lately, but I believe that being very involved with your kids lives is one of the best things you can do for your community to develop the next generation. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? I enjoy building teams within the organizations I have worked. I try to help improve every member of our team to succeed at achieving their individual goals, whether that be personal or professional, while also building a high functioning work family that achieves our company goals. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemicrelated challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? We are an essential business in the transportation sector servicing all types of customers from the Department of Defense to small grocery stores and mail. Our biggest challenge was to juggle the safety and productivity of our employees while also still giving our customers the outstanding service they deserve. Every employee at Sourdough stepped up to accomplish our objective and I am extremely proud to be a part of such a dedicated group.
Push the gas and hold on!
MADMEN STUDIOS LLC
Favorite quote: “Push the gas and hold on!” — Leo Norum
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Director of Operations SOURDOUGH EXPRESS
What is your Purpose? Find Passion in Your Work
We are looking for passionate and motivated individuals to join our team here in Fairbanks. We have job openings in a variety of career fields including health services, natural resources, administration, information technology, security and more.
APPLY ONLINE AT: www.tananachiefs.org/careers
and to all the 2021 Top Forty under 40
SHERON PATRICK
CONSULTANT AVOLTA
Education: Graduated high school then joined the Marine Corps Community work: Chair, Young Professionals Group, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce; President, Anchorage Chapter, Alaska Travel Industry Association; Board of Directors, Alaska State Fair; Board of Directors, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors, Visit Anchorage; Co-Executive Director, “Alaska’s Got Talent” competition, Fur Rendezvous; Past president of SKAL Club 289, International Tourism Club Family: Two cats, Avocado and Taco Cat; Paschal, parakeet Hometown: Fourth generation born and raised in Palmer Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Having been here my entire life I don’t know how to choose only one. However, the magic and beauty that is Seldovia should be experienced by everyone! My grandparents lived there for decades so I grew up going every summer, it was the highlight of my year. It never ceases to amaze me how charming and gorgeous this small little Alaskan town is! Name the person you most respect and why. My parents. My father worked in construction and my mom was a homemaker to my five siblings and myself. They worked tirelessly and sacrificed to give us a wonderful life filled with love. One day, if I’m half the parent they have been to all of us I will feel a tremendous sense of pride. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? ANYTHING OUTDOORS! Camping, snowboarding, skiing, biking, hunting, fishing, just being out in this beautiful state we live in, in any season or time of year fills my cup! (And obviously FUN SOCKS!)
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community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? I have a HUGE love for sharing our state with others, so tourism has been very rewarding but also my involvement with the Young Professionals has definitely made me feel like I’m making a difference. I’ve had lots of amazing mentors over the years, especially early in my career. I remember them giving of their time and resources for my professional development and growth which hugely impacted me. I greatly enjoy doing the same to the next generation of leaders. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? These past two years on the board for the Young Professionals Group has really made me feel like I’m making a difference for the future. To help foster growth and development in another for their success is tremendously fulfilling. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemicrelated challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? What hasn’t been a challenge?! I am a very, very social person so being home all the time was hard. We are used to our home’s being a sanctuary to retreat to at the end of a long day, but when you are home 24/7 it can feel like a prison.
Favorite quote: “You can’t build a reputation on what you say you’re going to do.” — Henry Ford
What is the book you most often recommend? “Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey What has been your most rewarding 34
Really leaning on my friends and family last year to fill that social void has been a wonderful blessing.
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What was your first job? Farm worker/laborer at Bushes Bunches in Palmer
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DISTRICT ADVISOr FIRST COMMAND
Education: Nikiski Junior Senior High School (2005); U.S. Military Academy, West Point, Computer Science (2010) Community work: Association of the United States Army; Alaska Peace Officers Association; JBER and Eielson Spouses Clubs; JBER Chiefs Group; the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation, and many others. I am also proud to support the West Point Wrestling Club, Project Sanctuary, and the Chris Walden House of Hope which assists Alaskans in need during addiction recovery. Family: My Father, Roy, moved to Alaska in 1968, is a three-tour Vietnam Veteran, quintessential outdoorsman, and my hero. My mother, Eve, was born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines, and is a true inspiration in my life. Her faith in God has always been a beacon for me in the face of adversity. I’m extremely grateful for my parents. My brother, Nigel, and sister, Heather, are both incredibly talented artists and inspiringly unique. They’re way cooler than me! Hometown: I grew up in Nikiski on the Kenai Peninsula and am so proud of that. For most people, the road ends at the Kenai River. However, the North Road, is full of the some of the most genuine people on Earth. I am very thankful for the coaches, teachers, and parents that helped raise me. Notably, I’d like to thank my wrestling coaches: Greg Marhenke, Steve Gillaspie, Gus Wik, and Abe Porter. Their belief in me was everything. Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? I have so many great memories! On that sticks out to me is from my time in the Army while stationed in Okinawa. After a long day, I had a supervisor in the Army ask, “Why did you ever leave Alaska?” The question caught me off-guard. He followed with, “It just seems like people up there have it figured out.” It’s true; we have the most amazing community and playground in the world. I am blessed to have had broad experiences over the last 15 years. I’m excited to give back to Alaska while continuing to learn and grow. madmen studios llc
Name the person you most respect and why. I would like to say Roy Penhale again, but I know that is because he taught me what respect is. I appreciate all people and recognize we all have unique experiences and upbringing. I’d say what I admire most is authenticity and people who treat others the way they want to be treated. I truly respect our Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families; they take an oath to put other’s needs ahead of their own and those who have, have a bond unlike any other. What is your favorite pastime or
LANCE PENHALE
hobby away from work? I’m all over the place these days! However, I think it’s still all about surfing! I started while I was doing an internship in college. It was so hard at first and has pushed me to grow as a person and an athlete. The people I have met along the way and the experience of riding waves itself are defining to my life. Aloha! Favorite quote: “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” – Albert Einstein What was your first job? Ocean Beauty Seafood in many roles. I started on the day I turned 16. I have some fond memories of dark times with good friends. I still hold on to that I never clocked more than 100 hours in a week; my best was 96. What is the book you most often recommend? “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? Last March, I volunteered for a Project Sanctuary retreat, an organization that aims to heal PTSD veterans and their families through recreation and family counseling. It was a very humbling and rewarding experience. I remember one of my mentors, Kathy Skillington, responding to me on an issue, “If you’re not going to get involved, you can’t complain.” I believe strongly in Ghandi’s, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Honestly, it’s right now, as a District Advisor for First Command. We have an incredible mission of coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security and I’m honored to do that. I believe the achievements and compounding opportunities that I have experienced have all led me to this point in my life and it’s been amazing! I have grown significantly as a businessperson and leader since assuming my role; I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by my First Command Family in Alaska and beyond. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? My first email to the team was literally, “Please do not come into the offices until further notice.” We overcame incredible adversity in 2020: regulation changes to the financial services industry, COVID Protocols, virtual engagement, leadership transitions, a few small earthquakes, etc. Despite the challenges, our incredible advisors and staff were able to improve our key performance metrics by five times in 2020! Simply, teamwork makes the dreamwork. This is the way. 35
MICHAEL ROVITO
DEPUTY DIRECTOR ALASKA POWER ASSOCIATION
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism, University of Cincinnati (2006)
ing. These books took on more meaning to me after visiting some of the places in the far North as part of my job with Alaska Power Association.
Community work: My family and I enjoy taking part in Palmer Clean Up Days. It’s important to us that we help keep the town we call home looking nice not only for its residents but for visitors too.
In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? My work advocating on behalf of APA’s electric utility members with the state and federal governments has been very fulfilling. Communicating the goals and needs of a statewide industry to lawmakers and policy makers is an interesting and timeless challenge. While it can often take some time to move things along in the legislative process, even small accomplishments are exhilarating.
Family: Candace, wife; Joplin and Jolie, daughters; Maple is our whip smart miniature Australian Shepard. Hometown: Blue Ash, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. Current city: Palmer What is your most memorable Alaska experience? There are so many. I remember a few years ago visiting Chena Hot Springs in the fall. On the way back to Fairbanks, it was perfectly clear and through the trees on Chena Hot Springs Road we could see Denali, framed by trees with fall leaves, way off in the distance. It was a stunningly beautiful sight, and one that exemplified what it means to live in Alaska. Name the person you most respect and why? I respect people who are willing to change their minds after considering new information or another viewpoint. It can take a lot of courage to change your mind, and I respect people who give that a chance. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? I love to be outdoors with my family. Hiking and mountain biking are two of our favorite activites. Our kids are so fortunate to grow up with all Alaska has to offer. Nature photography is a passion. The benefit of living in Alaska is it isn’t hard to find something beautiful to photograph. Favorite quote: “It is better to remain silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.” — Abraham Lincoln
What is the book you most often recommend? I really enjoy reading books by Seth Kantner, and I’d recommend all his work. His writing on life in the Arctic and the challenge of a changing Alaska is fascinat36
I really enjoy reading books by Seth Kantner and I’d recommend all his work. His writing on life in the Arctic and the challenge of a changing Alaska is fascinating.
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What was your first job? My first job was at McDonald’s when I was 15 years old. I started at the cash register and drive-thru windows, then, when I turned 16, I was moved into the food prep area. It was a fun job, and I spent almost every paycheck buying CDs (and not the financial instrument kind).
During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? I’m someone who thrives on interacting with others and being social. Missing out on opportunities to interact in-person with friends and colleagues has been draining. Video calls have helped bridge the gap, but nothing replaces being there with people and the unknown connections that can arise.
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Community Relations Program Manager TOTE MARITIME ALASKA
MILENA SEVIGNY
Education: Bachelor’s degree with Honors, Hospitality & Tourism Management; Bournemouth University
those credit for their hard work and believes strongly in giving back to the community. She will do ANYTHING she sets her mind to.
Community work: Board Member, Food Bank of Alaska; Alaska Food Coalition, active member advocating to end hunger in Alaska; Mat-Su Seed Library, Founder; First Book, BookWaves Alaska Project Lead
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Anything that has to do with increasing food security. I’m a home gardener and grow a majority of the produce our family eats, plus more to donate to the community. I preserve our own food (canning about 500 jars a year of vegetables, fish, moose/caribou, bone broth) and teach others to do the same.
Family: Daniel Sevigny, husband; Orion (8), son; Siersha (2), daughter Hometown: Houston, Texas Current city: Wasilla What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Dip netting on the Kenai River for salmon and then learning from a Native Alaskan elder how to process salmon with an ulu and preserve it for winter. Name the person you most respect and why. Grace Greene. She is an incredibly gifted woman: clever, generous, light-hearted, and hard working. She lights up any room with her witty humor and charm, but at the same time possesses a no-nonsense attitude to get things done. She always gives
Favorite quote: “I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep” – Robert Frost What was your first job? When I was 16 I worked as an Admin Assistant at Samedan Oil Company in Houston, Texas, where my dad worked. My first responsibility was calling the folks who worked in the oil field to get daily reports on production. What is the book you most often recommend? “The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph” by Ryan Holiday What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? I founded the Mat-Su Seed Library. The mission is to increase food security in Alaska One Seed at A Time. During COVID, many seeds were out of stock. Seeds you buy in the stores are often hybrid, meaning you can’t save the seeds for next year. I wanted to offer a FREE program where people could order open-pollinated seeds that grow in our climate and most importantly, you can save the seeds for the next year. Members gain access to free gardening & seed saving classes increasing the number of home gardeners and food security for their family and their community.
madmen studios llc
In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? I am the Project Lead for BookWaves Alaska, an initiative to transport 30,000 books to children in rural Alaska. With the challenging logistics of getting goods the “last mile” to villages off the road system, these communities can get overlooked for donation distributions. I’ve been able to leverage my networks and expertise in the transportation and logistics Industry and volunteer countless hours coordinating details to get these books our to our kids who need them most. Since most of the youth in the villages we are working with are Native Alaskan, we offer books such as “Molly of Denali” and “Inuit Thought of It” where their people are represented. Youth are OUR future. Providing them with brand new books helps spark their imagination and interest in learning. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? Homeschooling our 8-year-old son and babysitting my 2-year-old daughter all while working from home. I have had to manage expectations professionally and make sure it is understood that I can’t work regular office hours. I do what it takes to get the job done, but it may require working late nights or very early mornings. 37
NATASHA SINGH
GENERAL COUNSEL TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE
Education: North Pole High; Dartmouth College; University of Washington School of Law Community work: Alaska Native Justice Center Board; Native Peoples Action Board; Alaska Legal Services Board; Stevens Village Tribal Court Judge Family: Drew Olson, husband; Conan (11), Tiger (7), Isaac (1), children; and Fiona (1-year-old French Bulldog); Valerie Matthew and the late Steven Matthew, grandparents; Renee and Karm Singh, parents Hometown/Current city: Fairbanks
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in their lifetime must turn that privilege into a blessing with the adoption of a child that seeks safety. Do it as a duty to your people and in return you will be loved and love endlessly. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Contributing to a dynamic strategic plan that seeks to advocate for Alaska Native hunting and fishing and our traditional lifestyle. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? Online shopping addiction replaced with Tiktok addiction.
What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Preparing for and attending potlatch. A time where our people honor a particular event or person through ceremony, which reaffirms our values of sharing, responsibility to family and tribe, respect for land, waters and creation, and hard work. Name the person you most respect and why: My mother, despite systematic racism and oppression, she obtained her master’s degree in Education, had a successful teaching career and taught her daughters self-respect. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Making and raising children. Favorite quote: “You’re not a boss until everyone at your table eats.” — Rick Ross
What is the book you most often recommend? “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? To foster and adopt children in need. As a means to community wellness, Alaska Natives that are provided any kind of privilege 38
TODD PARIS/PARIS PHOTOGRAPHICS
What was your first job? Housekeeper, Fountainhead
You’re not a boss until everyone at your table eats. — Rick Ross
CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Milena Sevigny, our Community Relations Program Manager, and all of the 2021 Top Forty Under 40 honorees. Thank you for your dedication, contributions and commitment to Alaska.
Northbound 800.426.0074 Southbound 800.234.8683
TOTEMARITIME.COM #TOTEAK
SHARITY SOMMER
FORMER PROGRAM OFFICER , RASMUSON FOUNDATION; CURRENT STUDENT AT UAA
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Education: Bachelor’s degree, International Studies, UAA
late grandpa Sidney Huntington as told to Jim Rearden
Community work: Board member, Facing Foster Care in Alaska
What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? Facing Foster Care in Alaska (FFCA) is a youth-led organization, which I currently serve on the governance board of. Amanda Metivier, co-founder and board member, is one of the most dynamic and charismatic individuals I know. Her and a group of youth formerly in foster care, and youth involved today, have built FFCA into a nationally known nonprofit. The youth continually inspire me. FFCA advocates on behalf of youth at the state and national levels, teaches leadership and life skills, and is a safety net for youth throughout the state. The pandemic has been particularly challenging for current and former youth in foster care. FFCA staff and supporters have provided critical support during this time.
Family: Michael Bourdukofsky, husband; Betty Huntington and the late Lee Sommer, parents; the late Sidney and Angela Huntington, grandparents Hometown: Fairbanks and Galena Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? As a little girl, at my grandparent’s fish camp, mostly with my cousin Missy exploring Dainty Island, where the camp sits in the middle of the Yukon River. Name the person you most respect and why. Of the many people I respect, one person I admire tremendously is my late grandma Angela. She still regularly inspires me. She became an orphan at a young age, learned English as a second language with Denaakk’e being her first, received formal schooling to the second grade, survived tuberculosis twice as a young mother alone in a sanatorium separated from her children, and unfortunately, lived longer than some of them. In Huslia, she learned midwifery and helped deliver a generation of babies. After moving to Galena, she became one of the first health aides, which at the time was unpaid, volunteer work. Throughout her life, she continued to love to smile, laugh, and have fun.
Favorite quote: “Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.” – Maya Angelou What was your first job? Housekeeper, age 14 What is the book you most often recommend? “Shadows on the Koyukuk”, by my 40
During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? This makes me feel quite millennial, but the pandemic gave me the motivation to further explore my passions, follow my heart, and ultimately decide to pursue a long-held goal of a graduate degree and a shift my career path to dietetics and nutrition with a focus in public health.
MADMEN STUDIOS LLC
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? One of my favorite pastimes is arthouse Mondays at Bear Tooth. Documentaries and independent films are my favorite. As a hobby, I love to join local running and triathlon races, not because I’m competitive, but I love the joy of coming together as a community to complete a healthy challenge, often for a cause.
In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Becoming a program officer at Rasmuson Foundation provided an incredible opportunity to work with and learn from leaders, including my colleagues, across the state dedicated to their communities and causes. I loved visiting different parts of Alaska, especially rural areas. To highlight two wonderful projects, it was an honor to work with Suzi Pearson, executive director of Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis, and her staff and board, to expand the only domestic violence shelter in our state’s largest city as well as with Bill Oberly, executive director of the Alaska Innocence Project on two small grants, one to expand their work in rural Alaska. Oberly and the AKIP were instrumental in helping free the Fairbanks Four. I was a middle schooler in Fairbanks when the police arrested the four boys. Their wrongful conviction and imprisonment had a strong impact on me as an Alaska Native person. It meant a lot to play a tiny part in advocating for the Alaska Innocence Project to continue helping others whose freedoms have been taken away. Rasmuson Foundation awarded a $1 million grant to AWAIC for their latest expansion, which expanded capacity, including to all genders. Suzi is a humble leader with a tireless work ethic to decrease domestic violence in Alaska. It was a privilege to do the best I could to support AWAIC’s work.
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Family Physician and Medical Director of Adult Medicine Tanana Valley Clinic, Foundation Health Partners
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks; University of Washington Medical School Community work: Medical advisor to Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. Member of State Medical Advisory Committee to Alaska Association of Student Activities. Family: Brian Stoltz, husband; Griffin (6), Mac (4), Charley (1.5), children; and an old French bulldog, Mojo.
DR. CLAIRE STOLTZ
predictable chaos. Navigating the needs of our kids for socialization, exercise, education and structure was much more challenging over the last year. I feel fortunate that we have a support system through family and friends who could step in to provide many of those critical developmental needs, which in turn enriched our kids lives in ways we never anticipated. I’m so humbly grateful for my husband, my parents, my siblings, close network of friends, and our educators for being creative and kind and resilient over the last year.
Hometown/Current city: Fairbanks What is your most memorable Alaska experience? Last minute girls dip-netting trips to Chitina and limiting out in two hours (twice done while pregnant). Name the person you most respect and why. Dr. Anne Zink brings compassion, brains and clarity to virtually every public interaction I have witnessed her in. #annezinkforpresident What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Spending time with family (skiing, fishing, playing) and exercising without my children interrupting Favorite quote: “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” — Mary Anne Radmacher What was your first job? Reffing soccer games for FYSA and gift shop girl at Riverboat Discovery What is the book you most often recommend? Anything escapist
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice saying ‘I will try again tomorrow.’
TODD PARIS/PARIS PHOTOGRAPHICS
What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? Helping to stand up the drive thru COVID testing for Fairbanks. There were so many unknowns in the early days of COVID and it gave a focus to our rapidly evolving medical world. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? As mentioned before, medicine as we practiced it changed immediately but once the basics were in place, it became a source of consistency in my life. Going to work everyday brought 41
MIRANDA STRONG
COUNSEL TO THE FIRM LANE POWELL
Education: Juris Doctor, University of Washington School of Law; Master of Public Administration, University of Alaska Southeast; Bachelor’s degree, Philosophy Track: Law, University of Alaska Anchorage Community work: Alaska Network on Domestic Violence; UAA Meritorious Service Award Committee, Community Member; Women for a Better Tomorrow; Roger’s Park Parent Teacher Association Backpack Buddies Program with the Alaska Food Bank Family: J.J. (9), and Calvin (6), sons Hometown: Address on birth certificate is Mile 16.8 Kenai Spur Highway in Nikiski, grew up in Kenai and Soldotna Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? My most memorable Alaska experience is clam digging in Clam Gulch as a kid and how good fried clams and clam chowder tasted after all the time processing clams with my aunt and mom. Name the person you most respect and why. I most respect my uncle, Gary Eoff, who had moved out of the house and was working full time before finishing high school. He worked his way up to management on the North Slope for ConocoPhillips; won the first Iron Dog (while wearing glasses!), and is kind, soft-spoken, and honest. He always encouraged me to pursue higher education and was instrumental in me becoming the first person in our family to graduate from college. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? I love gardening, cooking — especially grilling — cross-country skiing, and biking.
What was your first job? I was in a scholarship pageant and the director, Carey Foster, owned a construction company, North Star Paving & Construction. I had a great time working there as a pilot-car driver, scalehouse operator, and flagger. What is the book you most often recommend? I love memoirs and my favorite is “Shadows on the Koyukuk” by Sidney Huntington. What has been your most rewarding 42
community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? My most rewarding community service has been working with the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual and my pitch to get others involved is that we have an immense need (50 percent of Alaskan women have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or both) and an immense opportunity to make a difference in future generations of Alaskans. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Helping clients strategize their way to solutions is fulfilling. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? As an extrovert, my biggest pandemic-related challenge has been going without large gatherings of people. I’ve tried to spend more time socializing with small groups in nature and have been listening to more podcasts but I miss the inspiration and learning that comes with conferences and other big groups of people.
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Favorite quote: “Replace fear with curiosity.” — Steven Spielberg
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Manager of Programs & Communication, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce; DIRECTOR, Young Professionals Group
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Journalism and Public Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising, University of Alaska Anchorage (2007); Bachelor’s degree, Graphic Design, Full Sail University (2019) Community work: Currently, I’m the Vice President of AIGA Alaska, the professional association for design. I’ve been serving on the board since 2016. I’ve also been a member of advisory committees at the UAA Department of Journalism and Public Communications, and the Anchorage School District’s Career Technical Education program. Family: 10-year-old daughter LilyAnn (my little mini me), and boyfriend Carlos Pereira Jr (local artist), and old-man dog Monty (he’s 15!). My grandmother is Clare Swan who received an AFN President’s Award for Elder of the Year in 2009, and the CITC Early Learning Center is named after her. She’s an amazing woman who has done a lot for the Kenai Peninsula and our state. Hometown: I was born in Valparaiso, Indiana. Lived in Illinois until I was six before moving to Kenai in 1989 and graduated from Kenai Central High School in 2001. My dad grew up in Alaska and lived in Seward during the ’64 earthquake. Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? I’m a late bloomer when it comes to hiking and in 2019 my boyfriend, Carlos, led me on my first overnight pack hike to Upper Reed Lake. There was sunshine, rain, and boisterous thunder at the top of the mountain (so cool!). It was an amazing experience and since then we have hiked many trails. We plan to hike Kesugi this summer.
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Name the person you most respect and why. My late mother-inlaw (former, now divorced), Vicky Kelly. Vicky had her first fight with cancer back in 1994. She survived and spent the following years living an active and healthy lifestyle, while throwing and attending parties, and traveling. She was always living life to the fullest. In 2007, her cancer returned. She and her husband moved to Colorado to escape the dark winters and to be near long-time friends and yet again, she beat cancer. Her final fight with cancer started in late 2015. Over the months she tried all kinds of procedures and drugs. She never let any of that slow her down. But finally, she decided no more… her quality of life was more important. She had let go of the drugs and treatments and was going to go as long as her body allowed her to. Sadly, it ended up being much quicker than we all expected. Even in her final days she was cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. While in hospice care at Providence, she
TOSHA JEAN SWAN
allowed her family to post funny videos of her half-awake trying to floss her teeth. During her sponge baths she allowed her kids to make funny hairstyles. She even started a Facebook group called “Vicky’s Long Walk” calling it her “Wake while she’s awake” and invited all of her family and friends to post photos and share memories. It’s really heartwarming to see the number of people that Vicky touched in her lifetime. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader. She taught me that no matter what is going on in your life, you can still enjoy yourself and choose to be happy. Don’t wait for that special occasion to take that vacation, have that fancy dinner, or buy the expensive shoes. The special occasion is being alive. None of us know how much time we have. Vicky was not only my mother-in-law for over 10 years, she was my mentor and friend. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? TRAVEL. I love to get out and see the world. I’ve been to Spain, London, Australia, and to every state west of the Mississippi. We just took my daughter to Hawaii back in February, and I’ll be traveling back to Illinois this month, and Texas next month. My bucket list consists of Italy, Greece, New Zealand, Fiji and more! Favorite quote: “Life is 10 percent what happens to and 90 percent how you respond to it.” What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? So far, my favorite community service experience was when our Young Professionals Group adopted a precinct for the 2020 election last fall. It was actually really fun and heartwarming to meet people from various walks of life. From the little ones who couldn’t wait to get mom or dad’s sticker, the 18-year-olds getting to vote for the first time, the families coming in to vote together, to the sweetest seniors thanking us for volunteering. I look forward to doing that again (minus the pandemic). Shout out to the YPG Vice-Chair, Tana Skye Nevada, and Community Service Chair, Katie Cole. They both put in 16+ hour days for both the primary and general elections. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? The most fulfilling achievement for me came while working at Alaska Life Publishing, the publishers of the Alaska Bride & Groom, ALASKA HOME, and Alaska Parent magazines. After graduating at UAA, and after my summer internship at the Red Cross of Alaska, I started as an editorial assistant in 2007. It was fast-paced and introduced me to a lot of Anchorage business owners. Over the nearly 9 years I worked there I gained experiSee SWAN, Page 50
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BBNC is proud to see Senior Director of Corporate Compliance and Associate General Counsel Renée Wardlaw named one of Alaska’s 2021 Top Forty Under 40. A leader at BBNC and champion of
serving our community, Renée embodies our commitments to our values and our shareholders every day.
Our employees like Renée are another reason we are always more than a corporation.
CONGRATULATIONS, RENÉE!
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COLLECTIVE VOICES COMMUNITY COMMITMENT BRISTOL BAY NATIVE
CHAMPION C U LT U R E C E L E B R AT I O N S COURAGE
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CO-LEAD, COVID VACCINE TASK FORCE, STATE OF ALASKA
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Psychology; bachelor’s degree, Nursing; Doctorate of Nursing Practice; currently enrolled in Johns Hopkins’ MBA program. Community work: Former Peace Corps Volunteer and continue to serve on medical mission teams globally including Haiti, Indonesia, Panama, and Nepal Family: Dennis, husband; children Walker (6), Blythe (4) and Rose (1.5), children Hometown: Born in Valdez and grew up in Anchorage Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? One of my earliest childhood dreams was to climb Mt. McKinley. I held onto that dream and in 2011 set out on a Denali expedition. I spent three challenging and exhilarating weeks on the mountain facing snowstorms, avalanches and a helicopter rescue of a teammate. Ultimately, I made it home safely with stories to last me a lifetime. Name the person you most respect and why. Ruth Bader Ginsberg for breaking the mold and forging a path forward for women.
TESSA WALKER LINDERMAN In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Leading the Alaska Vaccine Task Force has been the most unbelievably challenging and undeniably the most rewarding experience of my professional career. I will never forget the moment I first saw the plane carrying the COVID vaccine to Alaska; it still gives me chills any time I see the photo. The endless hours of planning, allocating, and distributing vaccine have all been worth it as we have watched Alaska’s COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths decline drastically. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? One of the hardest things about the pandemic was my kids not being able to see their grandma, who they absolutely adore, for over a year. So many plans changed and trips cancelled as we navigated the desire to see family while calculating health and safety risks. We ultimately decided to wait till we were all vaccinated before “Nana” flew up for a visit. It was the most joyous reunion.
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Running on the Coastal Trail. Favorite quote: “She turned her can’ts into cans and her dreams into plans.” What was your first job? Sales clerk at Grizzly Gifts in downtown Anchorage
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What is the book you most often recommend? “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver
She turned her can’ts into cans and her dreams into plans.
What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? Working as a Peace Corps volunteer in Turkmenistan. When encouraging others to join the Peace Corps, I always say that it was both the best and worst time of my life, but ultimately you will never regret spending two years of your life focused on helping those most in need. 45
BRYCE JACOB WARD Education: Lathrop High School; Associate’s degree, Business, University of Alaska Fairbanks Community work: I am a big supporter of the Boy Scouts and the scouting program and try to support in any way I can as well as helping with our local church. Family: Rachel Ward, wife; Kipton (6) and Kade (3), children Hometown/Current city: Fairbanks What is your most memorable Alaska experience? I have many favorite memories growing up in Alaska, specifically my time in the Boy Scouts learning character and leadership traits that have defined me to this day. My most memorable experience however was not with the Scouts but with my father and scoutmaster building a cabin in a remote location while being featured on an Alaskan reality show.
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? I really enjoy building houses and cabins, spending time outside and camping. Favorite quote: “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it.” — Henry Ford 46
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What was your first job? I have always had an entrepreneurial drive and spirit. When I was in high school I had small jobs mowing lawns, selling firewood and doing handyman tasks. After I graduated from high school my first job as an employee was for a local construction company, Lakloey Inc as a yard hand. What is the book you most often recommend? Anything written by Brandon Sanderson What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? I am extremely fortunate to serve my community every day as the mayor. Serving in this capacity has been a life changing experienced filled with lessons learned the hard way. I often get asked why I got involved in local government, and the story is not super special but speaks to the message I share when encouraging other to serve their community. The punch line is this, “how can you expect someone else to do something you yourself are not willing to do?” If it means enough to you, make it happen. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? While I was the North Pole City Mayor I was part of the negotiations for the buildout of the North Pole Utility water system to service the greater North Pole area due to groundwater contamination. This project brought clean water to hundreds of households. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? The biggest pandemic related challenge has been ensuring the safety of our employees and the residents that we serve in the Fairbanks North Star Borough all while balancing the rights and freedoms outlined in our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Creating policies and safety protocols based on guidance that changed sometimes daily was extremely frustrating. Doing all of this while also going through cancer treatment and trying to keep my family safe was sometimes overwhelming.
TODD PARIS/PARIS PHOTOGRAPHICS
Name the person you most respect and why. President Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln faced many challenges in his life, from repeated failures running for office to failures in business, but he never gave up. When I was younger, I would often get discouraged when my efforts resulted in a failure and my mother would remind me of the perseverance of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln’s perseverance and dedication to the protection of our inalienable rights outlined in the Constitution and declared through the Bill of Rights have always provided me a bearing, a North Star to ensure my own motives were true to these principles. Lincoln also had a way of drawing his opposition together to achieve a greater common good.
MAYOR FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH
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Senior Director of Corporate Compliance & Associate General Counsel, BRISTOL BAY NATIVE CORPORATION
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History, Stony Brook University; Juris Doctorate, American University Washington College of Law; and Masters of Business Administration, American University Kogod School of Business Community work: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Alaska Alumnae Chapter; Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc., Anchorage Chapter; Rasmuson Foundation, Black in Alaska Committee; and Anchorage Association of Women Lawyers Family: Allen, husband; Reagan (3), daughter; and a wonderful family who cheers me on Hometown: Mount Vernon, New York, Jamaica, and West Indies Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? My husband and I lived in Juneau for our first few years in Alaska. Juneau is spectacular, with amazing views and beautiful trails. While hiking up Mount Roberts, my husband and I got stuck in the snow. We did not own snow boots or snow pants, so you can imagine our fear. After about 15 minutes, a fellow hiker spotted us and spent considerable time digging us out. He was kind, gracious, and helpful. This memory always reminds me that my favorite thing about Alaska is its people.
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Name the person you most respect and why. I most respect my mother, Jennifer Wallace. My mother was born in Jamaica, West Indies, and immigrated to the United States at 24 to join (and marry) my father. She is brilliant, hard-working, and kind. Her commitment to her faith, family, and friends has never wavered, and she has shown me the importance of putting God first. For as long as I can remember, my mother has always shared life lessons in patois. My favorite Jamaican life lesson is, “Hog say,’de first dutty water mi ketch, mi wash,” which translates to, “Make use of the first opportunities that comes your way.” What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? I love to read. Whether it is a LinkedIn article or historical text, I constantly read, gather, and share information.
Renée WARDLAW
the game properly, you’d better know every rule.” — Barbara Jordan; and “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” — Shirley Chisholm What was your first job? I worked as a receptionist at a modeling agency. I enjoyed working on photo shoots, recruiting new talent, and meeting new people. What is the book you most often recommend? “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? When I was 18, I joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the largest AfricanAmerican sorority in the world. When I moved to Alaska, I continued my work with my sorority by serving in several capacities, including President (2018-20). I am proud of my sorority’s partnership with the Anchorage School District. I served as the Chair of the Delta Academy at Clark Middle School, an empowerment and educational resource program for middle school girls. I am also proud of my sorority’s fundraising efforts. My sorority’s annual gala raises money to benefit ASD high school seniors. I encourage everyone to pick an organization that aligns with their core values; that way, your community service will never seem like work. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? I am most fulfilled by BBNC’s Annual Leadership & Compliance Conference, where BBNC promotes leadership, compliance, and ethics in the workplace. I am proud of BBNC’s Executive Team’s long-standing commitment to excellence and am honored they partner with me to bring this event to fruition. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? During the past year, I have missed my family. With an extensive network of loved ones worldwide, it has been difficult not to see them. To overcome this challenge, I intentionally connect with at least one of my loved ones every day. Whether it is 4:30 a.m. or 11:30 p.m., I hope my loved ones know they can count on me.
Favorite quote: “If you’re going to play 47
VARINA ZINNO
Senior Geologist, Lands & Natural Resource Department CALISTA CORPORATION
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Geological Sciences, University of Oregon; master’s degree, Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University (Montreal, Canada) Community work: Youth Science Outreach to show youth role models of people like myself who love working in STEM. Various efforts such as speaking at Girl Scouts “Women in STEM” events, Alaska Resource Education events, and at schools and Geology Clubs with students of all ages. Also, I volunteer with the Alaska Miners Association in several capacities, including advocating for prospectors and Prospector Development in Alaska. Family: Bruno Zinno, husband; Lovett and Barbara, parents; Chandra, sister; and a wonderful extended family. Hometown: Born in Westchester County, New York, and mostly raised in Danbury, Connecticut Current city: Anchorage What is your most memorable Alaska experience? In my career as a mineral exploration geologist I have had so many incredible experiences it is hard to choose one in particular. Working night shift on the summer solstice at Red Dog Mine in the Arctic for my first job in Alaska and seeing the sun never set, just briefly hide behind the closest mountain range while circling the horizon, was an early memorable experience. Name the person you most respect and why. My parents: both very hard workers who live vibrant, adventurous lives and raised my sister and me with good values and independent, problem solver mentalities. They demonstrated how to be kind, supportive people who are assertive as needed while being courteous and diplomatic, providing a background which informed my foundation for leadership and life.
Favorite quote: “This is the real secret of life: to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.” — Alan Watts What was your first job? Babysitting in the neighborhood at 11 years old and stayed busy ever since. My first job in my field (aside from lab work) was core logging at a gold exploration bush camp in Northwest Ontario. 48
What is the book you most often recommend? Lately, “The Polar Adventures of a Rich American Dame-A life of Louise Arner Boyd.” This recent book by Joanna Kafarowski is about my second cousin four times removed. Boyd was the first known female polar explorer and a big inspiration of mine. This book is one of few notes of recognition of her important, pioneering exploration work. What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause? Speaking at my alma mater to Geological Sciences undergraduate students about how amazing working in geosciences is, and seeing them take suggestions to heart, has been one of my most rewarding community service experiences. Especially when it led them to get jobs in the field. The pitch: it’s important for students to interact with professionals to get exposure to different career paths within their field of study. Women in STEM are still generally underrepresented in the geoscience and mining work force despite showing up in very representative proportions in college and graduate programs. Mentorship opportunities are lacking. These are all motivating, compelling factors to support youth by engaging to be positive influences to students and seek mentor opportunities with new professionals. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? Writing my first two qualifying technical reports ever for my new employer within the first two months hire was intimidating at first. Once both were completed on time and within budget, and accepted with high reviews from the Securities Exchange Commission; it was very satisfying. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? Starting my current role one month before the pandemic was declared and beginning “work from home” since it was harder to meet and get to know my new co-workers and grow into the new role. By being present in the video meetings, reaching out when needed, and renewed engagement in my volunteer activities and professional organization, I overcame the disconnect and isolation many have experienced from “work from home” the best I could.
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What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Playing music solo or with my family and friends. I am also a trained jeweler and metalsmith and enjoy creating in my studio.
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Director of Technology ASRC Energy Services
Education: Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, McGill University Community work: Founder and Captain, Alaska Oilfield Movember Team; Repeat guest lecturer, Alaska Resource Education; Panelist, Launch Alaska; Volunteer DJ. Family: Michal Fairburn (mother), Tom Zsolt (father), Jessie Zsolt (sister) Hometown: Mount Albert, Ontario, Canada Current city:
Anchorage
What is your most memorable Alaska e xperience? As if I could pick one!
Eating maktak in Utqiagvik. Driving on ice roads for the first time. Dipnetting the Kenai. Waking up next to Matanuska Glacier. Listening to hummingbirds in Surprise Cove. Name the person you most respect and why. Winston Churchill, a deeply flawed
man who fought tirelessly and saved the world as we know it. He admitted when he was wrong, put his country first, and brought endless wit.
What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Sailing
in Prince William Sound… although Latin dancing, DJing house music, and mentoring startups with Launch Alaska are close contenders. Favorite quote: “History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.” — Winston Churchill What was your first job? Very first? Cooking burg-
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ers at Dairy Queen. I rocked a sweet visor.
What is the book you most often recommend?
“The Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle What has been your most rewarding community service, and what is your pitch when you are seeking others to get involved in a cause?
LIAM ZSOLT
In 2019, the Alaska Oilfield Movember Team was the only Alaska team in top 100 in the world. We were raising money for prostate cancer (among others) and a member of our team was a prostate cancer survivor. We fought hard that year, but we also had a lot of fun, grew awesome mustaches, made hilarious videos, and hosted cool events. That’s usually how I get people engaged: “Come join the party! It’s fun here and we’re doing it for a great cause.” I like that about Movember, because it’s set up to access people who would not normally be plugged into charitable giving. Many of the people on our team had never been involved in philanthropy before. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? This year, my team
and I are commercializing a novel mobile soil remediation system that we have been developing for two years. The tech is exciting for a few reasons. It can tackle contamination anywhere in Alaska. It’s a totally outof-the-box take on traditional cleanup methods. It’s electrically driven and carries the lowest emissions intensity of approved soil cleanup methods. It’s an Alaska technology for an Alaska problem. And we’ve already proven it can treat PFAS, making it the first permitted mobile PFAS treatment system in the US. I’m super proud to lead a team that is innovating in this way. Look out for us cleaning up Alaska in 2021 and beyond! During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? I can’t overstate what a hard year
2020 was in Alaska’s oil and gas sector. As demand for oil fell apart, the unprecedented drop in activity sent shockwaves through the industry. But we couldn’t give up; our hundreds of employees still needed to get to the field, and make sure the oil got safely down the pipeline. We had to keep them safe and healthy in the middle of a global pandemic, without disrupting operations.
This was a massive team effort for our whole company, involving new processes, hotels, health checks, and embracing remote work. My piece of the puzzle had to do with leveraging technology to keep people out of harm’s way. One example is our heads-up display; we used a hardhat mounted augmented reality platform to provide tech support to people in the field, saving the need to fly in additional technicians and lowering virus transmission risk. 49
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proud to be who I am. During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? The pandemic made many services close or change the way people interface with them; however, domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness, and substance use never stopped. It got a lot worse for many people in unimaginable ways. We lost a lot of people this year. There are many of us who made the hard choice to risk our health because so many people did/do not have the option to “stay home.” Together we worked hard to create the kind of community that can weather a long and hard storm. A lot of that work is centered in strong, healthy, authentic, relationships that thrive from reciprocity. When you are paying attention in life you laugh and cry a lot.
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service isn’t necessarily a cause in which to be involved, but is instead a part of our everyday, ordinary lives. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? As a pediatric anesthesiologist, I love having the opportunity to connect with children before we take them to the operating room for surgery. It’s rewarding to spend a few moments with them and turn an experience that could be rather frightening, into a game of “I spy” or “pop the balloon” or singing games. It’s very rewarding when they are able to calmly separate from their parents and fall to sleep peacefully. As a physician leader, I have enjoyed developing relationships with my physician colleagues in other specialties. And finding ways to connect people with different strengths and talents to work together on a common goal. During the pandemic, we had “Physician Champions” working on everything from PPE coordination to hospital surge planning to statewide triage efforts.
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ence in editing and writing stories, styling photo shoots, ad sales, ad design and layout design, event management, and website design. I had no idea how to run a bridal fair or home show, but I took it on, figured it out, and perfected it. I then started two more bridal fairs in the Mat-Su and Kenai Peninsula. I had no idea where to start with website design but with one college course in HTML & CSS at UAA, and I was able to figure it out and over the years got better and better. Looking back at this job, I’m proud of myself for not shying away from the unknown and making the commitment to learn something new. I’m very grateful to Alaska Life Publishing for giving me the time to learn, and for the amazing professional experience. It definitely set me up for success for my current position at the Anchorage Chamber.
zoom meetings, and hospital level virtual gatherings in an effort to help each other sort through the information and distribute it widely. Finding ways to connect physicians in each area of Alaska, and across the United States, was challenging and also very rewarding. Similarly, a lot of energy was spent fighting the spread of mis-information and misunderstanding when it came to COVID-related medical information. We, as a medical community, were learning so much in such a short period of time. It could be challenging to keep all team members up to speed on the most recent recommendations. As Chief of Staff, I worked to draft a weekly (and sometimes more frequent) memo to the medical staff as a source of concise, bulleted information on hospital policies, most recent medical recommendations, and state mandates. Ultimately the memo was shared even outside the hospital community as a concise source of information related to the topics physicians needed to hear.
During the past year, what has been your biggest pandemic-related challenge either personally or professionally and how have you worked to overcome it? The medical response to the coronavirus necessitated constant vigilance regarding the latest information and recommendations about disease spread, characteristics, treatments, prevention, outcomes, and complications. It was a huge amount of information to absorb, to decipher which evidence was best, to determine which sources of information were most accurate, and to share that information with individuals who most needed to hear it. Medical professionals were able to connect over social media, via nationwide teleconferences, via state
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