Jusdi Warner Executive Director, Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Office Hometown: Judith Gap, Mont. Current City: Chugiak Education: Judith Gap School, K-12 in one building; B.A. in environmental studies, University of Nevada Las Vegas Community Work: Birchwood ABC Advisory Council; Birchwood ABC Parent-Teacher Association; Wilderness First Responder; Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory Council; church; equine education and horsemanship Family: Two amazing sons, Preston (9) and Colton (5) who inspire me every day; childhood friend and loving husband, Elling Warner; stepson, Parker (14), who keeps me on top of my basketball game. What is your favorite place in Alaska and why? Alaska is abundant in diversity of beauty and opportunity which is why I can’t choose. I’m always looking forward to my next Alaska adventure because, true to Alaska, it is likely to be epic! Name the person you respect and why I’ve been very blessed to have had the opportunity to have so many amazing people in my life that have each played an integral role. Though, if I really narrow it down to a foundational level, I grew up in a dedicated logging and ranching family in a small community where hard work was a way of life and I learned quickly that I had to be tough. My mom had high expectations for hard work, my dad - in a family of all girls - expected grit. My oldest sister expected full commitment to academics and my middle sister expected resilience. Together, my family created a foundation where perseverance was the only option. So, I too, assimilated to the culture of work hard, accepting challenges with excitement, and always being gracious and resourceful.
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38 What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Getting outside on horseback with my kiddos. What was your first job? I worked on our ranch as a pretty reliable hand growing up. But, my first real paycheck came from the USFS where I worked on the trail crew at age 16. What has been your most rewarding community service? My passion is very much volunteering my time, horses, barn and home to teach, encourage and mentor a diversity of youth. Through this effort I can help children develop strong work ethic and responsibility, and build their confidence by teaching them how to care for and ride horses. I believe every child should have the opportunity, regardless of whether the family has the means, to experience the confidence and love that comes from working with horses, and appreciate that a little dirt can’t hurt. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling? I am currently the Executive Director of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Office. Working for an organization with a mission as honorable as the Trust’s mission has by far been the most fulfilling. I get to do what I love - responsibly developing natural resources - and couple it with a fiduciary responsibility to generate revenue that serves some of the most vulnerable Alaskans. Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give on maintaining a good worklife balance? Live by my favorite quote. What is your favorite quote? “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, ‘Holy Smokes, what a ride!’”
