Top Forty under 40 - 2018 by Anchorage Daily News

Each year the Alaska Journal of Commerce honors the talent and outstanding efforts of individual Alaskans in their professions and in their community involvement. We take great pleasure in presenting the 2018 300 West 31st Avenue • Anchorage, AK 99503 p 907-257-4200 • f 907-279-8170 alaskajournal.com alaskajournal alaskajournal President & CEO RYAN BINKLEY Publisher

ANDY PENNINGTON Executive Editor

DAVID HULEN

dhulen@adn.com

EDITORIAL Managing Editor

ANDREW JENSEN

(907) 257-4271 editor@alaskajournal.com Reporters

ORN AND RAISED IN ALASKA, John Sims graduated from Chugiak High School in 1996 and Hillsdale College in Michigan in 2001. Mr. Sims received his MBA from University of Alaska Anchorage in 2009.

PRESIDENT • ENSTAR NATURAL GAS CO. 2013 TOP FORTY UNDER 40

He began his career at ENSTAR in 2005 in the business development and public affairs department. He took on leadership roles as Director and Vice President in the business development, customer service, and human resources departments before being named President. Mr. Sims currently resides in Eagle River with his wife, Kai Binkley Sims, and their three children. He also served as President of the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on various for profit and non-profit organization boards.

5 Thomas Azzarella 7 Paul Baril 8 Lee Colin Baxter 9 Shawn A. Bernard 10 Chris Block 11 Erik Boltman 12 Nicole Borromeo 13 Jamey Bradbury 14 Lisa Genevieve Caldeira 15 Benjamin Crawford 16 Jason Custer 17 Grayson Davey 18 Cara Durr 19 Jackson Fox 20 Kyle Gray 22 Brad Hillwig 23 André Curninza Horton 24 Tasha Hotch 25 Dr. Genevieve John, DC 26 Jennine Jordan 27 Katie Koester

28 29 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

Justin Christopher Libby Enzina Marrari Yuliya McDaniel Joy Merriner Laci Michaud Jason Motyka Keri Nutter Gracia M. O’Connell Jennifer Richcreek Genevieve Schok Jr. Charlie Sears Trevor A. Shaw Desiré Shepler Jessica Smith Angie Tallant Angela “Saaralaaq” Totemoff Lindsey Vaughan Jennifer Waller Becky Windt Pearson

ELWOOD BREHMER

elwood.brehmer@alaskajournal.com

NAOMI KLOUDA

naomi.klouda@alaskajournal.com

ART Creative Director

JOSHUA GENUINO Senior Graphic Designer

CATHY RHODES

SALES Ad Director

JADA NOWLING

(907) 257-4268 jada.nowling@alaskajournal.com Advertising Consultants

RYAN ESTRADA

(907) 257-4270 ryan.estrada@alaskajournal.com

KEN HANNI

(907) 257-4269 kenneth.hanni@alaskajournal.com

LEGAL NOTICES

(907) 257-4268 legals@alaskajournal.com

CIRCULATION COVER PHOTO: Michael Dinneen Photography Denali Visions 3000 Corp. CFO Jason Motyka

ROGER WEINFURTER rweinfurter@adn.com

If not you, then who? If not now, then when? SILVER SPONSOR

KEYNOTE SPONSOR

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

CENTERPIECE SPONSOR WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? The beach at Camp K on Kenai Lake (formerly Camp Kushtaka) in Cooper Landing. As the camp director, I would wake up early and walk down to beach feeling the cool gravel crunch under my feet and hearing the loons call in the distance to watch the sunrise over the mountain at 6 am. The reflection off the beautiful glacial blue waters of Kenai Lake was sublime. Within an hour of my morning retreat at the beach you could hear the wakening energy of campers rising ready for another unforgettable day of summer camp in Alaska.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Hiking out to Mendenhall Glacier with a buddy in early May on a beautiful sunny afternoon in Juneau. You could smell the cotton wood tree buds opening and watch the leaves emerging. To my surprise, once at the glacier we were able to walk at least a football field deep into an ice cave and wound up under four stories of ancient ice. The way the light made the ice glow at the end of the cave was unforgettable. 4c w gradient

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY.

2 spot color

Becky Judd, my friend and mentor. Becky has spent most of her professional and personal life advocating for youth in Alaska. She is one of those people that just gets it when it comes to connecting with youth.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Black and white solid

There is no better way of spending an afternoon then gardening and digging in the dirt.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

Life is too short not to have fun, so stop taking yourself so seriously, put on your favorite glitter jacket and change the world one smile at a time.

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 2011, I had the opportunity to coordinate and launch Alaska’s first lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and ally youth summit. It was an amazing experience to bring together youth from all around the state to enhance their leadership skills and build community. I will never forget at the end of the summit dropping one youth off at the airport and her telling me that this summit saved her from committing suicide. It was the first time she felt unconditionally loved and accepted for who she was, and that she wasn’t alone. We all have the ability to save a life, it just takes opening our hearts and minds.

WHAT ARE THE RECENT ADVANCES IN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING YOU FEEL ARE MOST SIGNIFICANT? The Alaska Legislature is currently considering creating an afterschool programs service fund to support the prevention of youth substance abuse in Alaska. If this legislation passes, it would be a major win for Alaska’s children, teens, and families during out-of-school time.

DIRECTOR OF THE ALASKA AFTERSCHOOL NETWORK ALASKA CHILDREN’S TRUST

EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, environmental science, State University of New York at Plattsburgh (2005); White-RileyPeterson Policy Fellow, Riley Institute at Furman University (2016); Certificate in nonprofit management, Foraker Group (2016); Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of American Ambassador Program, CADCA (2011) COMMUNITY WORK I volunteer and fundraise for multiple LGBT organizations here in Alaska. After 35 years of being a little brother I am finally becoming a Big Brother for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. FAMILY I have an amazingly supportive family. My parents, Joe and Kathy, have always been there for me and being the youngest of five siblings meant there was someone around to play with. My Alaskan family consists of incredible friends and my pet chicken named Joan Rivers. She the greatest chicken ever! HOMETOWN Buffalo, NY CURRENT CITY Anchorage

Newspaper boy at 8 years old. Black and white gradient

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “Walter the Farting Dog.” It’s an instant hit with overnight campers at summer camp, especially rowdy boy cabins!

Reverse

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Paul ul Baril, AIA Architect

Do it with passion or not at all.

We appreciate your exceptional leadership, architectural expertise, personal integrity, and your commitment to the city of Anchorage

In any of Alaska’s mountains because of the breathtaking beauty and the deep peacefulness you can feel while looking into the vastness surrounding you. Mountains are humbling, in a good way, as they help you gain perspective on life.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE?

The Hilton Anchorage is proud of our Director of Sales Chris Block for all he does for the hotel and within the Anchorage community!

My first time on a snow machine and getting to explore the backcountry of Alaska. 1231 Gambell Street, Suite 400 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 T: (907) 349-1425; F: (907) 349-1325 www.nvisionarchitecture.com

Congratulations

Thomas Azzarella

Our mission is to bring people together through design to build better communities.

Congratulations to our Associate Lee Baxter on being selected as a “Top Forty Under 40” honoree by the Alaska Journal of Commerce. We are proud of your accomplishments in the law and in the community.

Thank you for helping kids reach new heights.

Together we are preventing child abuse and neglect.

Lee C. Baxter Anchorage, AK 907.263.6313 lee.baxter@hklaw.com

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. My wife Chelsie, because she is pure and tenacious while being the most caring and thoughtful person I know as she always puts others before herself.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Giving back to my community through architecture is a true passion for me both at work and away from work. I also, am a big sports and NFL fan (Go Miami Dolphins!), I enjoy snow machining, and I enjoy golfing.

EDUCATION Bachelor’s and master’s degrees, architecture, University of Idaho

I am still trying to figure this one out as I do tend to work a lot. However, always try to remember to focus on the important things in life and live every day to the fullest.

COMMUNITY WORK Association 4 Learning Environments Alaska Chapter, current member and serving on the board as 2018 past president; American Institute of Architects Alaska Chapter, current member, state government network representative, and College Scholarship Committee chair; Rotary International (Anchorage Downtown Rotary Club), current member, serves on the Speaker Committee; and the United Way 90by2020 Committee.

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 with The Downtown Soup Kitchen Hope Center and Special Olympics Alaska to develop their new facilities and help them grow their programs for the community. The pitch to get involved is simple, “care about your community”.

Giving on Gambell: In 2017, at Nvision we started an annual community outreach program in the Fairview neighborhood, where our office is located. We call it “Giving on Gambell” and its purpose is to raise awareness of social issues in our community and to show kindness to people in need. We achieve both by soliciting donations from other firms, colleagues, and friends in our industry for the purchasing of supplies for care packages that our Nvision team prepare and distribute.

WHAT WAS THE KEY TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOAL OF OWNING NVISION AFTER STARTING WITH THE FIRM AT AGE 17? The key is to set goals, but never stop when you achieve those goals and always set new ones. To get to where I am today, multiple goals were set along the way while also having the support of those around me, especially my wife and God. I believe staying focused, being passionate, having faith, and never stop learning/observing are the fundamentals for achieving goals.

Covenant House Sleep Out: Young Professional Edition. I joined the Covenant House Sleep Out movement, and as a leader within our community, I have volunteered to be the chair for the 2018 event and help lead the participants and fundraising efforts.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? At the age of 14, bussing tables and washing dishes at Carlos’ Mexican Restaurant.

www.hklaw.com

OWNER/PRESIDENT & PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT NVISION ARCHITECTURE, INC.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY?

Congratulations Chris!

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “The Death and Life of Great American Cities”, by Jane Jacobs.

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

CONGRATULATIONS

FAMILY Married to the love of my life Chelsie and we have an adorable golden retriever named Denali. HOMETOWN Born in Los Angeles and spent my early childhood years there, but then finished growing up in Anchorage after moving up here with mother and sister at 10 years old. CURRENT CITY Anchorage

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Fly fishing for steelhead trout in Southeast Alaska.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY?

33 ASSOCIATE HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, Montana State University; juris doctor, University of Montana COMMUNITY WORK United Way of Anchorage; Downtown Rotary District 5010; Holland & Knight’s 911 Day of Service FAMILY Colin and Mary Ann Baxter, parents; Colleen Baxter Ballard and Ann Baxter sisters; Lady, Brittany Spaniel dog HOMETOWN Born in Sheridan, Wyoming, and raised in Anchorage. CURRENT CITY Anchorage

Cooper Landing because it has always been my base camp for fun. I spent my childhood skipping rocks, performing impromptu salmon necropsies, baiting hooks, collecting unique rocks and driftwood (the beaver-chewed ones are particularly desirable), eating fire-cooked meals with my family, and exploring the woods at my family’s cabin on the shores of Kenai Lake. Nothing has changed. Now, on every free weekend I have, you will find me near Cooper Landing somewhere on the Kenai Peninsula.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? That is tough but I would have to go with a weeklong backpacking trip through the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park with three of my friends. We started the trip in McCarthy and were then dropped off by bush plane at a remote glacier valley. We went a total of 45 miles through rough terrain. We forded three rivers, bush-wacked through dense alder, walked across glaciers, across the top of thousand foot scree cliffs, camped underneath a hanging glacier, and saw abundant wildlife. At the end we were picked up by bush plane. No other trip (anywhere) has come close to the grandeur of that trip.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY? My father, for three reasons. First, because he overcame and sacrificed so much in his life in order to provide a better life for his family. My father grew up on the border of Montana and North Dakota at the tail end of the Great Depression. His family did not have running water for much of his childhood and did not have electricity until he was 18. After the Army, he worked construction jobs and ate one meal a day to save money for college. He moved to Alaska for job opportunities in 1965, and became a school teacher and eventually superintendent of schools. His sacrifices allowed my siblings and me to grow up not having to face the hardships he faced. Second, because he is the most quotable person in my life. In a single sentence, my father can explain why people act the way they do, why an event occurred, or why there is trouble on the horizon. Third, his appropriate brutal honesty has helped me move past things that are not important or out of my control.

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? National Park Service’s Youth Conservation Corps. I was hired to help a doctoral student complete his thesis on the diets of ancient Alaska Natives, by sorting and cataloguing shells, sticks, rocks and other debris taken from midden heaps found in Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “Crime and Punishment” by Dostoevsky. I also recommend the Harry Potter series a lot.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Multi-tasking is not real. Put down the phone and social media and focus on your work while you are there. It is amazing the things you can get done — allowing you to go home at a reasonable hour to spend time with friends and loved ones — when you put away the distractions.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE? While I have done a lot of rewarding community service with non-profits in Anchorage, the most rewarding work I have done is to represent indigent clients in court cases. (continued on page 49)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? McCarthy/Kennicott, the wilderness, it’s rugged spirit, and the erie history it make my favorite place in Alaska. While many people have reservations with the lengthy journey, I make an effort to visit multiple times each summer. Not many other places can you climb a glacier, hike and explore remnants of mines, white water raft, and enjoy the live music dancing in the streets. When visitors come visit from out of state, I make it a priority to get them to check it out.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Stepping out of a plane in Adak finding a town that once had a population of 6,000 now only has 300. I was able to explore the natural beauty and some of the abandoned buildings. I’m still mesmerized by the erie allure.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? I live for traveling. My motto is work hard, play harder. I work my tail off to plan for my next adventure around the world. My most recent trips have been Cuba, Peru, and Thailand. I find it true that traveling opens up the mind because of the sights, tastes, and experiences.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? At the age of 14, my parents would drop me off at the soccer fields to be a referee. I would be spend the entire day outside in the sun or rain. I saved all the money that I made for years to pay for my adventures abroad in Ireland and Europe during college.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND?

Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions. And this has strained our bonds of understanding and common purpose. — George W. Bush

“Scaredy Squirrel” by Mélanie Watt. Change can certainly be scary but the risks are worth the possibility of new adventure. And “Zen Shorts” by Jon J Muth. The opportunity to share stories can help center and refocus our lives as well as those around us.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

The work-life balance changes throughout a life. As a new educator, I focused on “work”; I dedicated significant time to professional responsibilities and growth. My priorities are now shifting to a focus on “life”; I’m dedicating time and energy to those who mean the most to me, while still integrating my professional responsibilities. As my priorities shift, I find I’m guided by an essay titled Most Emergencies Aren’t. Being a product of digital age, I’m obsessed with technology, rather technology seems to dictate my life. This essay outlines boundaries and how to be present in the moment with yourself, and those you enjoy.

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 tell people I work in special education, I am often thanked and told that it takes “a certain person” to do this daunting task. While I take pride in that comment, I believe that it is the responsibility of a community to inspire each and every individual and support them to be the best they can be. We must strive to make this world better for everyone and we each play a role.

HOW IS ALASKA DOING IN THE AREA OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND WHAT ARE THE MAJOR AREAS WE NEED TO IMPROVE? Education, let alone special education are complex systems. There are many stakeholders who have their own opinions, all with elements of validity. Early intervention and literacy are critical and need to be supported and addressed. The state, nation, and society need to make this a priority. While rearing a child is a responsibility of parents, it takes a village to provide robust early intervention and make positive impacts. Additionally, sustainable family-school partnerships need to be developed. In budget uncertainty, this can be a challenge. I encourage families to communicate with their children's educators and show appreciation through words and action.

34 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ELEMENTARY SPECIAL EDUCATION • ANCHORAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT OWNER/OPERATOR BERNARD PIX BOOTH ADJUNCT PROFESSOR UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE EDUCATION Educational leadership and superintendent endorsement, University of Alaska Southeast; bachelor’s degree, psychology/special education and elementary education, Grand Valley State University COMMUNITY WORK President-elect for Alaska’s Council of Administrators of Special Education; ATLA- Assistive Technology of Alaska, board of directors; Leadership Anchorage! Cohort 21; Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference, Planning Committee FAMILY Edmar Carrillo, husband; Titus Rupert, future instafamous therapy pig (@Titusinablanket); and some backyard chicken ladies HOMETOWN Canton, Michigan, transplanted to Alaska in 2008. CURRENT CITY Anchorage

Good luck and don’t f#@k it up! — RuPaul’s Drag Race MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY?

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING • ANCHORAGE HILTON FOUNDER & AFFILIATE MANAGER • CROSSFIT OVERCOME ALASKA WARRIORS HOCKEY CO-FOUNDER AND ALTERNATE CAPTAIN EDUCATION Master of business administration, Alaska Pacific University (2011); bachelor’s of business administration, management, (Summa Cum Laude, 2009); Alaska Pacific University; associate’s degree, restaurant, hotel and fitness management, Community College of the Air Force (2005) COMMUNITY WORK CrossFit Overcome, founder and affiliate manager; Alaska Warriors Hockey, co-founder and alternate captain; AEDC Live.Work.Play. Steering Committee member; Challenge Alaska, board member and volunteer (sled hockey, special hockey, PSIA Level 1 Snowboard Instructor); Armed Services YMCA of Alaska, board member; Special Olympics Alaska, coach (Snowboarding and Golf) FAMILY Jessica Marabate, girlfriend; and 3 pups: Medea, Nuka and Bentley HOMETOWN Born in Rock Island, Illinois; grew up in Enon Ohio. I joined the Air Force in 1999 and my first duty station was Elmendorf Air Force Base. Anchorage has been my home since November of 1999. CURRENT CITY Anchorage

The state of Alaska offers Disabled Veterans a state camping pass. Jessica and I like to pick a spot on the map and explore. I think my favorite campground is Stariski, about five miles north of Anchor Point. It has only 13 spots and sits on top a bluff. The views are amazing.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? My good friend JT Thurston owns Stillpoint Lodge in Halibut Cove. For a couple of years he had asked us to come down and check the lodge out. Last year for my birthday JT flew up and picked us up and took us down to the lodge. Spending a couple of days there was amazing.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. I respect my parents the most. When I was 7 years old my dad lost his job and they had to sell everything and we moved to Ohio in our travel trailer. We lived out of the travel trailer for about a year but my mom and dad made every day a vacation. I had no idea the stress they both had during that time. I honestly do not know two stronger and more devoted people to their community.

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 always felt the most rewarded in working with athletes with disabilities. Over the past year we have been working with the ARC of Anchorage on developing their own style of CrossFit. Each week I get to see them progress in strength, ability and I have seen tremendous growth in social and behavioral skills.

HOW DID YOUR OWN PHYSICAL CHALLENGES INSPIRE YOU TO FOUND CROSSFIT OVERCOME? When I transferred into the Alaska Air National Guard in 2006 the Air Force did a full body scan on me and realized that I had a large section of my back that had degenerative arthritis and they decided that it was severe enough to rate me 30 percent disabled through the VA. The rating was just low enough that I could still be a member of the guard and I was so busy that I didn’t really think about it all too much. (continued on page 49)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK?

I bagged groceries and pushed carts at Meijers.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard” by Chip Heath

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? I am very lucky to be able

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? Airborne. You just can’t really experience Alaska until you see it from above. It’s breathtaking.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Kassandra and I moved to Alaska with just our two cars, a trailer full of belongings, resumes, and $10,000 in the bank. We worked three jobs each in those first years in Alaska. All it took was some time on the weekend to see our new “backyard” to make it worth it, though. We’re extremely proud to call ourselves Alaskans now, especially because it took so much work to earn our place here.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY: My mom, Heidi Boltman. My dad basically bailed on us when I was just 9 years old. I still to this day don’t know how my mom managed to hold it together as a special education teacher for severely disabled kids all while raising three kids on her own.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK?

Snowboarding, playing hockey and getting out on the fattire bike are huge for me. I also love chasing the northern lights and taking photos.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

to do the things that I truly love. I love Alaska and being in the tourism industry I get to sell Alaska for a living. I stay busy with my work and my nonprofit work but I hardly ever feel drained by either. The moment where I feel like I am doing too much is when it is time for me take a trip or a break away.

I feel like I’m broken — like I don’t fit together anymore. Like there’s no more room for me in the world or something. Like I’ve overstayed my welcome here on Earth, and everyone’s trying to give me hints about that constantly. Like I should just check out.

I’m an avid bush pilot. I wanted to be a bush pilot as a kid but we didn’t have the money for flight school so I joined the Air Force in the hopes that I could start my flying career there. Unfortunately, that just wasn’t in the cards for me and I ended up as an Air Battle Manager on the E-3 AWACS. I got my pilots license in 2010 and in 2015, I finally put together enough money to buy my own airplane. It’s a 1953 Super Cub and I’ve been having an absolute blast flying all over Alaska.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My very first job was installing sprinkler systems. It was grueling, hot, and dirty work in the heat of the Colorado sun but I still kinda miss the callouses on my hands from days spent digging trenches. Work completed with your hands is so satisfying.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki

Work-life balance can be made especially hard when you work with your spouse. Entrepreneurship was one of the greatest personal challenges in my life and can be enormously stressful. Property management is by no means a low stress field either. You have to learn how to make sure that stress doesn’t come home with you and know how to leave work at work or you’ll drive each other mad. When you are first building a business there seems to be no end to the to-do’s but as the business matures and employees can be hired to help, that burden begins to lift. I have to make myself step away from the business for periods of time. Ironically, this is when Kassandra and I have made some of our best decisions for the business! It allowed us to focus and clear our minds.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE? We teach free classes to starter real estate investors at our club “The Landlord’s Almanac.” We got our start the same way and it’s rewarding to give back. If I can save beginners from some of the hardest learned lessons, then I’m happy.

YOU’VE PROBABLY TOLD THE STORY MANY TIMES, BUT PLEASE DESCRIBE THE SCENE AND YOUR QUICK DECISION TO ACT WHEN A SMALL PLANE CRASHED IN ANCHORAGE’S FAIRVIEW NEIGHBORHOOD. The plane hit so close it literally shook the truck. I just did what I hope anyone would do for me if that happened to me. It’s hard to think back to that fondly when my uniform was so bloody afterwards I had to put it in the bathtub when I got home. The adrenaline was pumping so hard I had bruises I couldn’t account for later. It wasn’t until I saw pictures of the event that I really knew what happened. Adrenaline is a hell of a drug. Fortunately, with the help of fellow Alaskans, we were able to get everyone out who survived the impact. It was really inspiring to see people come together to help each other in a crisis despite the huge risk of death.

— Matthew Quick

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

CO-OWNER/SALES MANAGER REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LAST FRONTIER EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, natural resources recreation and tourism, Colorado State University; Commission as an Air Force Officer, Air Force ROTC, Colorado State University COMMUNITY WORK Our company was awarded the “Landlord of the Year” by the Veterans Administration HUD-VASH homeless veterans program. Our company has had a lot of success taking properties struggling to find good tenants and worked hand-in-hand with the VA to put deserving homeless vets into apartments. It’s been great for the VA, our company, the property owners, and most importantly for the veterans themselves. FAMILY My business partner and broker is also my wife, Kassandra Taggart. I absolutely could not have started this business without her. She’s probably the smartest person I know and I’m lucky she married me. HOMETOWN Colorado CURRENT CITY Anchorage

Fast is fine, but accuracy is final – Wyatt Earp

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? Bristol Bay. The land and people are one of a kind.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE?

VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL ALASKA FEDERATION OF NATIVES

Spending three days on the Kvichak River at Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY.

EDUCATION Mt. Edgecumbe High School (1998); University of Alaska Anchorage (2003); University of Washington School of Law (2007).

My mom. We lost my 14-year-old brother, Gavin, 11 months ago to a tragic accident. The darkness took her to the gates of hell, where started down to the devil before fighting her way back. I love you, mom.

COMMUNITY WORK Justice Not Politics Alaska (founding board member); MTNT, Ltd. (former chairman/current secretary and treasurer); Color of Justice (mentor); Alaska Commission on Post Secondary Education (mentor)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Packing our camper and hitting the highway.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Babysitting my three younger siblings while my parents worked our commercial set net site in Ugashik.

FAMILY Emmanuel, husband; Kellan, son, 6; Kaia, daughter, 3, son Kopono, born March 12

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND?

HOMETOWN McGrath

“Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey

CURRENT CITY Anchorage

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Schedule quarterly get-a-ways (or staycations).

— Don Harris (my Papa)

Negotiating the Alaska Tribal Child Welfare Compact. No sales pitch was necessary: being on the cutting edge of law and policy sells itself.

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Rome wasn’t build in a day, but then again I wasn’t on that job.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE?

WHAT WAS THE EFFORT LIKE TO HELP CRAFT THE LANDMARK AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE AND ITS TRIBES FOR CHILDREN’S WELFARE? Heavy. Everyone in the room appreciated and understood the task at hand, state and tribal leaders and officials alike. We had a small window, and little precedent, to change the life outcomes for Alaskan children and families. That said, nothing is impossible when the right people come together for the right reasons.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Reading, hiking, running, biking.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? Honestly, although there are more amazing landscapes and more challenging environments and more remote spots in Alaska than this, my answer is: the Anchorage trail system. I’ve logged hundreds of hours running on the Chester Creek, Campbell Creek, and Tony Knowles Coastal Trails. I’ve dodged dozens of moose, slipped into meditative states, struggled through cramps, and had epiphanies along these trails. Following them, I’ve learned the city of Anchorage — its texture, its people, its landscapes and neighborhoods. I’ve made friends and I’ve found solitude on these trails. And while there are more exciting places to run and hike in Alaska, the trails are always right there, just a few blocks from my home, waiting for me.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? A few Thanksgivings back, I snowshoed out to the Juneau Lake Cabin on the Resurrection Pass trail with a group of friends. It was an incredibly cold long weekend, and we crammed as much wood into the stove as we could; its sides glowed orange through the night. One of our crew had hiked out with a kettle and several pounds of crab legs in his pack, so on Thanksgiving we feasted like kings. Afterward, we went down to the frozen lake and skated around in our boots. The sky was clear — no aurora, but so many stars, it made you dizzy to look at them — and underfoot, the lake thrummed and creaked with our movements. I had a warm belly, I was surrounded by friends, and all I could see in every direction was snowcovered mountains and trees. I don’t know why, exactly, that moment has stuck with me, but it represents what Alaska is to me: friends, coziness in a cold climate, and the restoration your soul can find in nature.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? I had a few waitressing jobs in high school, but my first job out of college was working at an amateur dinner theater/children’s birthday party entertainment company. I dressed up like Cookie Monster, the Little Mermaid, or Elmo and twisted balloons into animals and swords for little kids hopped up on birthday cake.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? Lately, I’ve been recommending “Red Clocks” by Leni Zumas, which tells the story of five different women living in a not-too-distant future U.S. where abortion has been completely outlawed. Politics aside, each woman is painted so vividly and each story is so engrossing, I lost an entire day to this novel because I just couldn’t stop reading.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Whatever it is that you’re most passionate about, make the room for it. In my case, it’s writing, so that comes first — I get up very early every morning to write for two hours before I go to my day job, so I make sure it gets done.

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 very first day as an AmeriCorps disaster response volunteer was September 11, 2001; my first morning at the Red Cross, where I was volunteering, I watched the planes crash into the World Trade Center, and then I started what

I really respect my friend and colleague at Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Kelly Hurd. She’s accomplished a lot — she was a Top 40 honoree herself — but along the way, she’s also made sure to lift up the other people, especially women, around her. She’s been a mentor for a long time, and it’s really due to her that I have a job that I not only like, but which makes me feel like the work I do actually does some good in the world. (continued on page 49)

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

WRITER • author of THE WILD INSIDE COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST COOK INLET TRIBAL COUNCIL EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, Southern Illinois University; master’s degree, fiction, University of North Carolina-Greensboro COMMUNITY WORK volunteer at Anchorage running events; AmeriCorps volunteer (American Red Cross of Alaska); Disaster Action Team responder for American Red Cross of Alaska; writer for American Red Cross of Alaska’s Real Heroes Breakfast fundraiser; editor, Alaska Quarterly Review; Dining for Women contributor/ speaker; Peace Corps. FAMILY Jim and Kit Bradbury, parents; Dr. Noisewater and Pill, cats HOMETOWN Bunker Hill, Illinois CURRENT CITY Anchorage

The best reason to write something down is to change it. — Jean Thompson

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? Homer is my favorite spot to frolic around outside, be in awe of how beautiful the world is, and eat delicious locally grown food.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR BROTHER FRANCIS SHELTER EDUCATION Academy of Mt. St. Ursula (2003); bachelor’s degree, anthropology and Latin American, Latino and Caribbean studies, Dartmouth College (2007); Nonprofit Management Certificate, The Foraker Group (2016) COMMUNITY WORK Volunteer with Dartmouth College Fund; Standing Together Against Rape; Story Works Alaska; and the Food Bank of Alaska. FAMILY My local family includes Casey Carpenter and Huxley, the world’s cutest corgi mix puppy. HOMETOWN Guaico, Sangre Grande, Trinidad & Tobago, and New York City CURRENT CITY Anchorage

Everybody has a calling. And your real job in life is to figure out as soon as possible what that is, who you were meant to be, and to begin to honor that in the best way possible for yourself. — Oprah Winfrey

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? One of my most memorable Alaska experiences was waking up on a beach in Prince William Sound during a kayaking and camping trip with friends. The unspoiled beauty of the area was in full effect that weekend. And being able to pick and immediately eat all the salmonberries I wanted was an added bonus.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. Over the last six years, the people who work for and support Catholic Social Services have my respect. From the agency’s staff, its leadership team, the Board of Trustees, volunteers like Brother Francis Shelter Advisory Council and the donors who bring the shelter everything from much-needed funds, towels and sometimes pies. I have never felt more apart of a team. And it is the team assembled at Brother Francis Shelter who has my upmost respect. They work tirelessly to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable and tough clients of the agency. I am often in awe of them. They are empathetic and conscientious. They meet every challenge with open eyes and hearts. I have learned a lot from everyone and they helped me become the leader I am today.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME AWAY FROM WORK? Dinner and a movie at Bear Tooth.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? At 15, I worked at Camp Welmet in Putnam Valley, NY, as a camp counselor responsible for ensuring fifteen 9 year old boys had the best summer of their lives filled with ga-ga, tennis, arts & craft and more. It was as fun as it sounds.

“Nineteen Eighty-Four” by George Orwell

If you don’t do it this year, you will be one year older when you do. — Warren Miller

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? First know that “work-life balance” is a fallacy, as balance evokes a static state and life is always in constant flux. Therefore, be prepared to make a lot of adjustments and corrections. Staying nimble in how you approach what life has to offer, both good and bad, will help in maintaining your personal notion of balance. Last, treat yourself with the care and compassion you might only show others. Prioritize your sanity and learn to meditate.

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 volunteered with Story Works Alaska during a college essay-writing workshop. They all come with varying levels of completed college essays and as readers our goal is to ask questions and offer suggestions. During this process, volunteers get a brief window into the lives of the high schoolers from all around Anchorage. So many of the students have faced great challenges during their young lives. It’s inspiring to see the resilience in each of them. My advice to others when looking to get involved with a cause is to know what you’re passionate about and look for opportunities that align with it even if those opportunities seem unlikely.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE IMPACT ON YOUR CLIENTS FROM IMPROVING ACCESS TO MEDICAL SERVICES AT THE BROTHER FRANCIS SHELTER? As a result of having on-site a clinic run by Southcentral Foundation and a medical respite program the impact on guests of Brother Francis Shelter has been greater access to services that are tailored to their needs. Whether you are occupying a bed in medical respite or seeking medical services at the clinic the priority is on that individual’s wellness in a trauma-informed way. We are not asking the individual to fit into our service delivery model; the services are being tailored to them.

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? I grew up on the park boundary of the Chugach State Park, so that holds a special place in my heart. It’s amazing to have a backyard that’s almost 500,000 acres!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Last summer, my wife and a few friends traversed the Alaska Peninsula from Port Heiden via the Aniakchak Crater by foot and with packrafts. The wildlife, the changing landscapes, and physical challenge made it a spectacular trip.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. There is a special group of people that I respect and appreciate. That is my staff at Accurate Vision Clinic. Without them, I would not be where I am today. They are the foundation of the practice and help to provide the excellent care our patients have come to expect.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Exploring Alaska. Whether that is running the ridges of the Chugach, steelhead fishing in Southeast, backcountry skiing Turnagain Pass, mountain biking the singletrack at Kincaid, or walking our dog on the Chester Creek trail.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My first “real” job was as a stocker at Nordstroms during summers in high school.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? I’ve most recently recommended “Good Food, Great Medicine” by M. Hassel. I think it offers a good, evidenced based approach on how the quality of the food we eat affects the quality of our health. Many of today’s health problems (hypertension, diabetes, etc) stem simply from poor diet. This book gave me knowledge to make better decisions about my own diet and live a healthier life.

For me this is very important. As a business owner, there are times when you will wake up in the middle of the night with an idea that you need to write down. You can never really get away from work, but I feel that it’s necessary to “turn it off” at times. This can simply be while going for a run or bike, or for longer times while taking a vacation. If I am heading out for a fun trip, I’ll allocate time on the flights to do work, but when I get to my destination I leave my computer in my bag and have fun.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE? You have to make it fun! If you are enthusiastic about an activity, that will allow others to be excited about it as well.

OWNER/ OPTOMETRIST ACCURATE VISION CLINIC EDUCATION Service High School (2001); Bachelor’s degree, biochemistry, University of Nevada, Reno (2005); Doctor of Optometry, Illinois College of Optometry (2010) COMMUNITY WORK Big Brothers Big Sisters, member since 2013; Alaska Optometric Association, president elect, 2018, FAMILY Rachel Crawford, wife; expecting first child September 2018; Wrigley, Australian shepherd HOMETOWN/CURRENT CITY Anchorage

WHAT LED YOU INTO THE FIELD OF OPTOMETRY AND WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT IT? Watching a child putting on their first pair of glasses and seeing their world in a new way. It doesn’t get much better than that! I love optometry because it allows you to build lifelong relationships with your patients. And it is more than just vision. Our eyes are the windows into our health. There is so much you can discover when doing an eye exam. Not only are we evaluating the eye for ocular diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts, but we can also find complications of systemic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension.

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? Ketchikan; it has an ideal mix of fishing, hiking, hunting, rural living, and modern convenience, in a beautiful location with easy access to larger cities like Seattle, Anchorage, and Juneau.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR • ALASKA POWER & TELEPHONE CO.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE?

EDUCATION Rural development certification, Zambia Forestry College; bachelor’s degree, art history, University of Delaware; selfdirected learning, MOOCs, etc.

While I would like to say halibut fishing, or fly fishing trips along the Naha river system, in reality, my most memorable Alaska experience was being rescued by the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad after a winter hike gone wrong.

COMMUNITY WORK Alaska Chamber, board member; Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce; and Renewable Energy Alaska Project; First City Rotary Club member; Southeast Conference Energy and Timber committees

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY.

FAMILY Margaret Custer, wife; Victoria Custer, daughter, 1 ½ HOMETOWN Newark, Delaware

Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself. 16

— William Faulkner

HALL ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

CURRENT CITY Ketchikan

It is vital to respect everyone equally at all times. Everyone has their own story, full of accomplishments, strengths, and failures, and is equally deserving of respect. Showing equal respect is better for building lasting, effective relationships, and ultimately gets more done. I have a strong admiration for “Fitzcarraldo”, in the Werner Herzog film of the same name. At the film’s apex, he raises a 320-ton steam ship over a mountain in order to access a rubber-rich area of the Peruvian Amazon, to make enough money to realize his dream of building an opera house in the jungle. To film the scene, Herzog actually raised the ship over the mountain, without special effects. Fitzcarraldo and Herzog are both monuments to persistence, and the achievement of seemingly improbable dreams.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Reading, learning, and writing. I need to always feel like I am working on something.

Inbreeding corn plants to produce genetically modified seed strains resistant to stalk rot diseases, and assisting my father in editing a journal collecting anthropological abstracts.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY?

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND?

Birchwood Shooting and Recreation Park. This is where I train for Olympic Trap.

Alaska book: “Striking it Rich” by Patricia Roppel. Non-Alaska book: “The Recognitions” by William Gaddis.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE?

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Attempting to live a life in which you compartmentalize work and life doesn’t cure dissatisfaction, and is a sign you are on the wrong path. Your work, life, and creativity are intertwined at all times.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, Serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia. My primary assignment was teaching integrated agriculture/aquaculture techniques. However, my favorite project was teaching daily Hung Gar kung fu classes combined with HIV prevention education, which attracted the teenage males who were most at risk for contracting and transmitting HIV. For most of my students, this was the only access they had to condoms, and accurate information about HIV in a part of the world where rates were as high as 30 percent.

...AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE? People must connect with opportunities that empower them to exceed at being themselves — applying their talents and interests in exciting ways which provide access to feelings of success and progress. (continued on page 49)

Tok Management Area. This is where I went on a successful sheep hunt with my dad when I was 12 years old. It was a difficult and challenging experience, and was the most beautiful place I have ever seen. There was a mile long mountain bowl where you could experience all 4 seasons from winter at the bottom to summer at the top.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. Vincent Hancock. He is an Olympic skeet shooter and has served as an inspiration and role model to me. After meeting him in person, I liked him even more and he encourages me to keep pushing myself and working towards achieving my goals. He is a cool mellow guy who shoots really well.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Bunker trap shooting

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Alaska Paracord Designs. I started when I was 11 and made into a business when I was 12.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND?

He took his 11-year-old daughter on a short trip down the river. The boat’s motor stopped on their way to Skwentna. They couldn’t get it started or get the anchor to catch before a tree sweeper caught the console and flipped the boat. Both were able to swim safely to an island, but they lost all their gear and some of the clothes they were wearing. It began to rain and the temperatures fell into the high 40s. They spent three nights out alone in the cold and rainy weather. On the third day, a former caretaker happened upon them and rescued them. He took them to another lodge where they could get assistance, warm up and called for a pickup. My dad flew out and picked them up and brought them back to Anchorage for a visit to the hospital. They were hypothermic and scared, but alive. All the way back in the plane, Dave kept saying “If only I could have made a fire.” At the time, I was only making paracord bracelets that you could find at your local gas station, but after this accident, I rethought what they could be used for. That is why all of the products today hold the main purpose of containing everything you need to start a fire. The key to growing the business was controlling the material costs, which allowed me to be able to expand the selling wholesale and outsourcing the labor component allowed me to scale the business. Prior to doing these two things, I was making everything myself and selling it direct at markets and on my website. That business model was not scalable or sustainable.

Constantly innovate. Your first invention is not likely the final one. Take what you have to market and see how buyers respond and then take feedback and make it better and better until you have something that is big enough to make a sustainable business out of.

Exploit your age as long as you can. I have had a lot of success selling direct at shows by getting people to stop and talk to me by asking them a simple question to get them to come to my booth. I found if I could engage them, I was likely to make the sale.

It’s not the what. It’s the why. Selling isn’t about the features of your product, it’s more about what your product can do to fill a need or solve a problem of the buyer.

YOUR MOM, LORI, WAS A TOP 40 WINNER IN 2010 WHICH MAKES YOU THE FIRST PARENT-CHILD COMBINATION TO EARN THE AWARD. HOW HAS HER EXAMPLE HELPED YOU ACHIEVE YOUR EARLY SUCCESS IN BUSINESS AND ACADEMICS?

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR PARACORD DESIGNS? In 2012, our friend Dave, a hunting guide and outdoorsman, was care taking the lodge that our family co-owned on the Talachulitna River.

EDUCATION Junior, AnaFreshman, Alaska Pacific University COMMUNITY WORK Present in classrooms about entrepreneurship and wilderness safety. Through South High, I volunteered to do video production and live stream Iron Dog in 2016. Helped raise funds to build Alaska’s first Olympic Bunker trap range, which I use to train. FAMILY Trent Davey, father, Alaska Airlines captain; Lori Davey, mother, GCI Vice President Enterprise Markets; Barrett, 2-year-old labradoodle HOMETOWN/CURRENT CITY Anchorage

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS?

I only read books for school and none of them are ones I would recommend.

She has been my mentor and helped me create a business and get the support in the times I needed it. There has also been a huge amount of support through the entrepreneur community who encouraged me to pursue my business.

PRESIDENT/CEO ALASKA PARACORD DESIGN

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

later I feel compelled to share the good news with other book snobs!

I suppose I’m biased, but Talkeetna. Aside from the fact that it’s home to family and friends, it’s just a fun and charming place. I mean, we have a cat for a mayor!

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT FOOD BANK OF ALASKA

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Through my job, I have been lucky to travel to many interesting and beautiful places around the state. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit St. Lawrence Island, and it was incredible. I don’t have a bucket list per se, but it felt like a bucket list destination.

EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, English literature, University of Alaska Anchorage; master’s degree, international studies, University of Wyoming COMMUNITY WORK Anchorage Women’s Commission; Alaska Food Policy Council Board Member

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. My mom is an incredible woman – generous, selfless, resourceful, and fun. She gives me unconditional love and support, and always puts her children first in everything. Now that I’m a mother, my respect and appreciation for her just continue to grow. She is my role model!

FAMILY Larry Holmgren, husband; Quinten Holmgren, son, 18 months HOMETOWN Talkeetna CURRENT CITY Anchorage

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK?

— African Proverb

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

I love traveling, especially internationally, and do it as often as my bank account lets me. I strongly believe that traveling and experiencing different cultures teach us tolerance and broadens our perspective. I’m so excited to share my love of travel with my son. I’m happy to report he’s already got a few stamps in his passport!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Stocking shelves and pricing items at Three Rivers Tesoro.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? The Harry Potter series. Initially I didn’t understanding why I, as an adult, would want to read a kid’s book. I have my husband to thank for gently forcing me to read the series, and multiple readings

One thing I’ve learned is that a successful work-life balance doesn’t necessarily mean that these things are always evenly divided. There will be periods where work takes priority, and times when your personal life does. Reminding myself of this helps me feel less stressed during the busy work times, and less guilty during times when I need to pay more attention to myself and my family. Also, use those vacation days!

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’m fortunate to love my job and feel passionate about the issue of hunger. Hunger is one of those issues that typically resonates with most people, but I always make a point to share the many ways people can fight hunger, whether its donating, advocating, volunteering, or something else. Even small actions can have a big impact.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR SERVICE WITH FEEDING AMERICA AND WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO SHARE WITH THAT ORGANIZATION ON MEETING CHALLENGES OF FOOD SECURITY IN REMOTE, RURAL AREAS? Food Bank of Alaska is a member of Feeding America, and they are a huge support to us, providing leadership and guidance on many aspects of our work. While we have some unique challenges — for example, we are the only food bank in the country that distributes food by plane — it is so valuable to be able to share those challenges and brainstorm solutions with others in the network. Ending hunger is going to take all of us working together, sharing good ideas and putting forth creative solutions.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? Nunivak Island…beautiful sandy beaches, volcanoes. and fossilized rainforest plants galore. Oh, and muskox from the Ice Age! It’s like being in a different world.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Hunting mountain goat on Kodiak Island in 2008…I shot a nice billy, which fell 500 feet down the mountain, and I took five steps and fell 300 feet down the mountain and shattered my leg. The Coast Guard rescued me in a helicopter and I spent seven days in the ICU and surgery. During my long recovery I tried online dating and met a woman in Wyoming that I would eventually marry. We named our daughter Oriah, which means “From the Mountain.”

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. My parents, because they gave me a wonderful childhood filled with opportunities and experiences, and served as a model to aspire to in the pursuit and growth of my career.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Hunting

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Newspaper delivery, Anchorage Daily News

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen, 1987

Don’t take your free time for granted. Work hard so you can play hard, and focus on filling your free time with experiences that make lasting memories.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FAIRBANKS METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STREAM CLEANUP DAY EVENT AND HOW HAS IT GROWN OVER THE YEARS? There are two waterways that travel through Fairbanks’ urban core – the Chena River and Noyes Slough. Trash gets into both of these waterways from urban activities, but Noyes Slough is of particular concern because it has 13 beaver damns over its 5.5-mile length, which prohibits trash from being flushed out. The good thing, however, is it provides an opportunity for residents to pull out the trash. The annual cleanup of the slough was started by a nonprofit group called the Noyes Slough Action Committee, which later disassembled and formed the Tanana Valley Watershed Association (TVWA) with a greater focus on watershed health. As a member of TVWA and working at the City of Fairbanks (with many resources at my disposal) from 2008 to 2016, I was able to begin organizing and hosting an Annual Stream Cleanup Day event focused on both Noyes Slough and the Chena River. I modeled my efforts after the Annual Roadside Cleanup Day event held throughout Alaska, and with the help of many local and state agency partners make it a successful annual event. Every year this event continues to pull a large number of volunteers and averages 1,000 lbs of trash removal from the Noyes Slough and Chena River through City Limits. The community really looks forward to it every year.

EDUCATION Master’s degree, natural resources management; bachelor’s degrees, wildlife biology, fisheries; associate’s degree, renewable resources; certification, drafting technology COMMUNITY WORK 2008 to 2016: Primary organizer and host of the Annual Fairbanks Stream Cleanup Day and Storm Drain Art Events FAMILY Tahnee, wife; Oriah, daughter, 4; Iris & Zeke, two 13-year-old dogs HOMETOWN Born in Santa Maria, California, but moved to Anchorage at age 7 and stayed through high school. Moved to Fairbanks in 1999 for college at UAF and have stayed ever since CURRENT CITY Fairbanks

PARIS PHOTOGRAPHICS

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY?

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

If it’s worth doing once, it’s worth doing twice. — Mike Brady, an old friend and true Wyoming cowboy

message. Making close calls would occasionally result in a parent becoming angry. These subsequent conversations taught me that lesson.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? LOAN OFFICER/ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT • FIRST NATIONAL BANK ALASKA EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, retailing and consumer sciences, minor in general business and music, University of Arizona COMMUNITY WORK Chairman of Haines Economic Development Corp.; President of the Haines Chamber of Commerce; Chilkat Center for the Arts; Big Brother Big Sisters; Lynn Canal Counseling; Served on hiring committees for the Haines Borough FAMILY Jerry and Joyce Gray, parents, Eric and Allie Gray, brother and sister-in-law HOMETOWN Memphis, Tennessee CURRENT CITY Fairbanks

Although I have only been there a handful of times, I will pick Alyeska. Snowboarding is one of my favorite things to do and Alyeska is a great mountain to ride.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? There are so many to choose from, but hiking Wolverine Peak certainly sticks out. It was December of 2011 and my second week in the State. A friend and I took to the trail and were astounded by the natural beauty and starry sky that evening. It was my first winter hike ever and first mountain summited in Alaska.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. The person I most respect would be my father, Jerry Gray. For teaching me that there is no substitute for hard work and discipline; that these can exceed natural talent in many situations. And that luck is when preparation and opportunity meet. Both of my parents have shown me support and provided me the platform to get where I am today.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Music. I’ve been active in bands and gigged periodically throughout my life. The bond that forms between members of a group can truly be special. Sometimes while playing together, a unique musical connection can form that is only known to those who have experienced it. This is referred to as “the pocket”.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My first job was a baseball umpire. Here I learned an important lesson: the delivery can be more important than the

JOHN HAGEN PHOTOGRAPHY

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Work hard, play hard. A great deal of fulfillment can come from the intrinsic rewards of professional success, but life is a string of memories. Don’t forget to have some unforgettable experiences.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE? It’s hard to select one single event or cause as the most rewarding, but anything that has involved helping people has been gratifying. I find that stressing the impact an organization has on the community can help persuade people to become involved. I also look for community service that may be a challenge and contribute to my personal growth.

WHAT LED YOU TO HELP FOUND THE HAINES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. AND WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR THE ORGANIZATION SO FAR?

Alaska’s future is built on conndence Kyle Gray’s ability to work with fellow Alaskans and help them navigate complex nancial decisions makes a telling diﬀerence in their success. Kyle is a shining example of Alaska’s strength and leadership. He demonstrates First National Bank Alaska’s commitment to provide customers with the convenience, service and value they deserve. First National congratulates Kyle and each member of the 2018 Top Forty Under 40 class. We know we can count on you to build a bright future for the state.

Kyle Gray

NMLS# 980429

Assistant Vice President/ Loan Oﬃcer

The HEDC was birthed in the Haines Chamber of Commerce and took many hands to get it up and running. My commitment to the success of the community was the underlying reason to form the Development Corp. Many of the leaders in Haines are my friends just as much as colleagues and I’m happy to see Haines become the best place to live and work for those who are there. I believe the HEDC can create that path.

Security is mostly a superstition. Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all. — Helen Keller

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WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? Right now… “Creativity, Inc.” written by Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, PRODUCTION, & COMMUNITY OUTREACH • KTUU TV

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? Hiking on a warm sunny day in the Chugach Mountains — especially if my favorite people are there too! There’s nothing quite like the grandeur of Alaska’s open spaces to keep things in perspective.

EDUCATION MBA, University of Alaska Anchorage; bachelor’s degree, Centre College COMMUNITY WORK Partnerships and work with Makea-Wish, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Native Youth Olympics, Arthritis Foundation and Food Bank of Alaska.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE?

FAMILY Victoria Hillwig, wife

Either visiting Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park to see brown bears up close … or being chased by a moose in Kincaid Park! Spending time in the great community of Barrow in full darkness and full daylight was pretty incredible too.

HOMETOWN Born in Columbia, South Carolina; Grew up in Richmond, Kentucky

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. There are so many people I respect and admire for different reasons. But I most respect my wife Victoria for her work ethic, diligence and determination. Anything I’ve ever accomplished has been because someone else has believed in me more than I believed in myself — and that almost always starts with Victoria.

CURRENT CITY Anchorage

— Centre College motto

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Learning is the light of the mind.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Anything outdoors: Hiking, running, biking, soccer, skiing/ snowboarding. If stuck indoors, I’m a movie junkie.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Working at a snack bar at a country club in Kentucky. Our “boss” often took naps on top of the freezer. I’m proud to say I never picked up that habit!

Unplug, step away and take time to think. Some of the best and most creative ideas happen when your mind is quiet.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE? Part of our mission at Channel 2 is to be an involved community partner, so I’m fortunate that I get to work with many highly dedicated and passionate community groups. Our work with the annual Make a Wish mileage drive is among the most fulfilling because we can see our efforts making a difference for kids and families who need it. Also, supporting the Native Youth Olympics is really rewarding, especially when we see how well those young athletes represent their values and communities. My pitch is invariably some version of “it will be fun, rewarding and you’ll be glad you did it!” So far, I haven’t been proven wrong on that I don’t think!

THIS MAY BE LIKE ASKING ‘WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE CHILD,’ BUT WHAT SHOW OR SERIES THAT YOU’VE WORKED ON ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Developing and producing an eight-part docu-series on the Barrow Whalers football team for NFL Network is a show I’m incredibly proud of. Even more important than making a great show, we wanted it to make a positive impact for the athletes, coaches and community. Based on feedback from viewers, Barrow community members and the team we felt we were successful in doing that. I’m also really proud of the promotional and commercial work we do each day on the business side of KTUU. I’m lucky to work with some talented folks who are never short on great ideas.

the boat trailer started on fire and by the time we came out on the Portage side the fire trucks had to put the fire out. I guess…they are called lake boats for good reason.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? Kennicott/McCarthy. It reminds me of the promise of Alaska. Kennicott was responsible for more than 20 percent of the copper for munitions in the world wars and put Alaska on the map. Without Alaska, the Guggenheims and J.P. Morgan would have never been. While our culture is one legacy we all share as Alaskans, Kennicott is an illustration of our hardiness and can-do independent attitude that makes us who we are. Alaska is a foundry.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? I went camping with seven close friends. We took a “lake boat” 16 miles out into Prince William Sound to Pigot Bay. We pulled the boat on the beach and climbed inland and set up camp in a “grassy meadow”, so we thought. At 2 am, I woke up on a cot, in water, in my tent. We had set up camp in a seasonal glacial mangrove, that really only fills up with water during the mighty Alaskan spring tide. We all had to move camp by hauling all our belongings in our tent at 2 am, which by then was in knee deep water. We lost firearms, clothing, provisions, and the keg floated away. At 3 am when we resettled to high ground and recovered from our “beverage induced” hysteria, I walked out to the beach. There was no boat in sight. Realizing the tide took the boat away based on what we thought was a failed anchorage, some of us just started taking refuge in the now recovered keg (chilled adequately) while the rest of us set out with headlamps to find the boat. By 5 am we still could not find the boat even going two miles in each direction. At 5:03 am one of my friends who was taken refuge with the keg stumbled over and said, “Andre…we are not stranded…I peed on the boat on accident. It is over there, up in the woods. You people should have just had a beer like us. I reckon when the tide comes in again, we can pull it out of the woods? You’re gonna need a beer because that is a big boat.” I decided to get the satphone out and call my wife. As I am dialing, the same friend who peed on the boat walks over in just boxers (because all our clothes were wet) and said, “Is that a sat phone? I took a picture of it and put it on Instagram just now…”. We did make it back out. Unfortunately, on the way back trough the Whittier tunnel the hubs of

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY: That is a tough one, as I have several people I deeply admire, respect, and look up to. Most recently I have been hanging out with my dad a lot more. It isn’t like I don’t hang out with him already, but I find my present season of life being a dad myself something unique to understand what my dad went through when he was my age. As unique as the challenges of parenting are, that whole metaphor of “standing on the shoulders of giants” is illustrated in my dad’s life, and how he has allowed me to be successful by letting me stand on his shoulders. Being a biracial American is nothing like what life was life for my dad. His character is unparalled and he is always selflessly looking out for everyone else’s well being. I wonder “how I made it” or “how I survived this long” or “how I turned out this way” and it is evidence in my parents love, guidance, and sacrifices to get me where I am today. (continued on page 49)

ENTREPRENEUR/PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT • HAKA COMPANY BUSINESS ADVISOR • ALASKA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER EDUCATION Baccalaureate, marketing and management; MBA-entrepreneurialism COMMUNITY WORK Volunteer photographer, Covenant House Alaska; board member, LoveAlaska; board member, Credit Union 1; Winter Snowsports Volunteer, Booster, and Advocate (APU, National Winter Activity Center) FAMILY Tara Horton, wife; Caedra (7) and Aarya (4), daughters; golden retriever (83); five chickens HOMETOWN Providence Hospital 7 pounds, 3 ounces. Born and Raised — Los Anchorage CURRENT CITY Anchorage

Vulnerability is the best measure of courage. — Brene Brown

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

(Born Feb. 27, 1978)

PROGRAM MANAGER ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUM EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, technical management COMMUNITY WORK Volunteer with Mountain View Community Council, Neighborworks Alaska, Budget Advisory Commission, Anchorage Tribes Tlingit and Haida Indians of Alaska, Johnson O’Malley Committee, Mountain View Boys and Girls Club, Multi-Cultural Education Concerns Advisory Committee, Step-Up AK, William Tyson PTA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, Food Bank of Alaska, Habitat for Humanity, Alaska Native Professional Association, Special Olympics of Alaska, I know I can, College and Career Panel, Junior Achievement, and Voter Registrar. FAMILY Patrick, son (14); beautiful husky/lab mix named Bella who is almost 2. HOMETOWN Klukwan CURRENT CITY Anchorage

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? Near any river, because I grew up next to the Chilkat River, and hearing the water has a very calming effect, and I love the smell.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? I was trap shooting in Juneau, preparing for duck hunting season, and I had hit all of my targets. At that time I was the only female out at the shotgun club, and all the men came over to ask me how long I’ve been shooting for. It was the best feeling ever, because I told them I had started earlier that week.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. My maternal great-grandmother, Mary King. She was always very supportive of anything that I wanted to try, and encouraged me to not be afraid even if I didn’t know how to do something. I appreciated it then, but as an adult I have learned more about her, and the powerful things she was able to accomplish. She spoke in Tlingit and broken English, and shared stories of how things have changed over the years about our tribe, about the church, and about racism. The thought that was put into her words as she spoke commanded attention. She was a true matriarch for my family, and I miss her since she has passed. I do feel fortunate that she was able to meet my son before she did.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? If I am not out volunteering, I enjoy team sports, or having people over to my house for a BBQ, for the last several years I have been inviting not just family and friends, but my neighbors as well, by creating flyers and walking the neighborhood.

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

Babysitting was my first job, however, I let people know that my first job where I paid taxes was working for my village in the summers. I did all kinds of odd jobs from cutting grass, and cleaning the playground, cleaning homes for elders, weeding gardens, and picking up large rocks from our dirt roads.

There was a summer program that would hire high schoolers to work as apprentices with the Alaska State Park Rangers. I worked in my hometown of Delta Junction during the summertime while in high school and would help with overall park maintenance.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “They Shoot Canoes, Doth They?” by Patrick F. McManus. It’s a great introduction into clean humor as it relates to camping, hunting, and fishing. My favorite story is “My First Deer”

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Not to over-commit yourself, as you start new activities make small commitments for shorter periods of time. Also if you know you will have a large stretch of a crazy schedule, to make a reward for yourself at the end of that schedule. My example is when I was going to school, working, managing a softball team, my son’s soccer team’s team mom, and my other volunteering commitments as outlined in my community work, we went on vacation when I was done with classes.

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 bringing teams together to accomplish a goal. I often hear people say that they would like to chat with me to learn more about how to get more involved with the community. I say that’s great, I will be helping out at XYZ event as a volunteer, you can come, and we can chat and volunteer together….see what I did there.

AS A LONGTIME MOUNTAIN VIEW RESIDENT IN ANCHORAGE, HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVE RECENTLY AND WHAT EFFORTS DO YOU THINK HAVE BEEN MOST SUCCESSFUL? I have lived all over the Mountain View neighborhood, from an efficiency apartment, to apartments, and a house. I saw the neighborhood change as the entry points changed, when the bowling alley closed that was a loss to the community. But in the last 10 years we have seen more local management of properties, and single family homes being developed. Neighbors have been taking pride in their property, and doing more things outside. I (continued on page 50)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY?

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND?

Mentasta Lake. I love the drive to Mentasta and how it is surrounded by the mountains and lakes and rivers. It is where my dad and his family were raised and we would always go there to visit our grandmother (Katie John) before she passed in 2013. Now I am able to share this beautiful place with my own daughter.

The most recent book I read was “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg. I was given this book by a good friend and have recommended it to several of my friends. As I pursue new opportunities in my career, a take away that I got from this book is that “careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder”

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE?

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

Coming home. When I was 17, I left Alaska for college in San Diego. I then went on to chiropractic school in Los Angeles. I spent a total of 16 years living outside of Alaska while I went to school and worked in between. I would say my most memorable experience has always been coming home, whether for holiday break or summer breaks or just to visit. In 2011, I had an opportunity to take a job in Anchorage working for our people in the healthcare field. This has been an amazing journey, full circle and coming home to serve the Alaska Native people has been most memorable to me. It has taught me a lot more about who I am and how I (we) can make a huge difference in such a big state.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY? I have great admiration for my Grandmother Katie John. She was a hard worker and provided for her family, including 14 children and 6 adopted children. She lived off the land and alongside my grandfather taught her children and grandchildren the customary and traditional ways of our people. Later in her life, she took on the State of Alaska in a court case that is known as the Katie John case that would protect and preserve the subsistence way of life for her descendants and all Alaska Natives. Last year when our daughter was born, we gave her my grandmother’s name. It is our tradition to potlach in our honor of her name and we plan on doing that this coming summer.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? I really enjoy yoga. I haven’t had the time since the birth of my daughter last year to do it on a regular basis but when I do practice I feel grounded and balance.

It is important to have a good support group. For me, my support in the work-life balance is my husband. He has been a great listener and knows when I am overstressed with work/school/life, etc. There have been times I have wanted to go after opportunities but due to my other responsibilities, he has given me sound advice and reminded me to be patient. If you don’t have a partner who supports your career-life endeavors, then surrounding yourself with a good support group. I have a group of close friends who are encouraging, supportive, listen to me when I need to vent, etc. They also give me advice and we uplift each other.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE? After my grandmother passed in 2013, my father, Fred John Jr., really wanted to do something to honor her legacy and to educate the people of Alaska about our way of life (customary and traditional). He told us that they used to walk from their villages to trade commodities, or to visit another village. He told us that he wanted

SENIOR CHIROPRACTOR SOUTHCENTRAL FOUNDATION EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, exercise science, Point Loma Nazarene University (2000); master’s of public administration-policy analysis, University of Alaska Anchorage (2017); doctor of chiropractic, Southern California University of Health Sciences (2007) COMMUNITY WORK Committee lead organizer for Walk for Tsucde (2014, 2015, 2017); Wilson4Alaska State House campaign (2014); Health Alaska Native Foundation Ravens Ball volunteer (2014); First Alaskans Institute Smokehouse Gala volunteer (2013); AWAIC volunteer (2013) FAMILY Haven M. Harris, husband, (2017 Forty Under 40 member); Katie John-Harris, daughter (1 year) HOMETOWN I grew up in Delta Junction and my home village is Mentasta Lake CURRENT CITY Anchorage

Be the change you wish to see in the world

(continued on page 50) MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Make time for your family – remember what is truly important. You don’t have to sit on every committee or outside function, especially if you have a young family.

VICE PRESIDENT/ETHICS COMPLIANCE OFFICER GANA-A’YOO LTD. EDUCATION Project Management, Colorado State University (2016); Alaska Native Executive Leadership Program, Alaska Pacific University (2015); master’s degrees, public policy and dispute resolution, Pepperdine University (2009); Bachelor’s degree, Spanish/Portuguese concentration and Latin American studies with minor American Indian Studies, University of Arizona (2006) FAMILY Eric Jordan, husband; Citlali Elias, daughter; Jayce Jordan, son HOMETOWN Anchorage. My family originally comes from Unalakleet CURRENT CITY Anchorage

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? A nice place to go and de-plug from the world is Unalakleet. Last summer my grandma patiently taught me how to correctly cut fish. I also like to pick berries while there.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Visiting Newtok in 2010 opened my eyes to a community forced to use honey buckets. I did a housing analysis there for the Denali Commission as an intern. I saw firsthand the detrimental effects of not having adequate plumbing, leading to long-term respiratory diseases. Third world conditions are in Alaska; I think sometimes we forget this.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. My mom, Ella Anagick. Despite strong headwinds, she was the first of several family members who graduated from Stanford, then she attended law school, and became the first Alaska Native woman admitted to the Alaska Bar.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE? Serving on the Arctic Athabaskan Council as the business representative to the AEC is rewarding because I get to see first-hand how different nation-states do business in the Arctic. I also observe diplomacy and statesmanship at its finest at the governance and annual meetings. It is important to get involved with organizations wherein your passion lies. Spend time on fostering relationships to advance your career and get out of your comfort zone too.

HOW CAN WE MAKE SURE THAT AS THE ARCTIC IS DEVELOPED THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS WILL FLOW TO THE ARCTIC’S LONGEST RESIDENTS? By requiring fair and equitable practices for resource development that spreads the wealth to all residents and Alaska Native Corporation shareholders and descendants.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Spending time with my kids and hubby, traveling with them, beading, doing yoga and watching Dateline/48 hours.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Babysitter, raking leaves, tutoring small children. First “real” job was ice cream scooper at Baskin Robbins

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? I like the book, “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down.” It is a great read on cultural perspectives and values.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? Homer, but are you surprised? I love the sense of place here. Plus, it is big sky country — expansive night skies framed by mountains and ocean.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? In Alaska you are never more than 10 minutes from adventure. One February day started with me wearing a suit presenting a bill to the House Finance Committee to overhaul the retirement system, was followed by a Mount Roberts hike that became a harrowing icy descent in the dark and concluded in a Juneau pub watching a local production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. You really can experience it all in Alaska.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. For my master’s thesis I interviewed women in high-level politics in Chile including then Head of the Senate Isabell Allende and Minster of Defense Michelle Bachelet who continued on to serve two terms as president. These women were able to navigate power and influence in a very masculine culture without losing their femininity. I have a tremendous respect for female leaders who mentor how to gracefully balance being a mother, wife and daughter and hold elected office.

Leadership is a team sport, cultivate your team well. My husband Doug is my Most Valuable Player; he offers unwavering support, fiercely protects family time and manages to get me and our kindergartener out the door in the morning on time.

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 experiences have been representing Rotary International in Venezuela, Chile, Russia, Taiwan and China promoting goodwill and peace through one-to-one connections. Once people have shared a meal, laughter and tears without a word of shared language, they are hooked. I draw from those experiences when convincing a family to host a Russian journalist for the week or a teen to travel abroad with Rotary Youth Exchange.

AS A CITY MANAGER WHAT STRATEGIES HAVE YOU DEVELOPED TO HAVE POSITIVE INTERACTIONS WITH ALL STAKEHOLDERS? Listen carefully with an open mind. Ask questions to fully understand where people are coming from. And a sense of humor is critical! Laughter is an important part of connecting with people and maintaining perspective when problems seem overwhelming.

MANAGER • CITY OF HOMER EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, government and Latin American studies, Smith College; master’s degree, political science, Pontific Catholic University of Chile; current master of public administration student, University of Alaska Southeast COMMUNITY WORK My time serving with the dedicated volunteers, entrepreneurs and public servants on different boards over the years – Homer Chamber of Commerce, Kachemak Bay Rotary Club, Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District and the Alaska Municipal Management Association — reminds me of all the good in the world and keeps me smiling. FAMILY Doug, husband; Willym (4) and Gus (6), children HOMETOWN/CURRENT CITY Homer

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK?

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

Although finding free time is tough with a demanding job and two young kids, I jump at any opportunity to gather the family and explore the great Alaskan outdoors. It replenishes my soul.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My first job, when I was 16, was waking up at 3:30 am to make lunches for halibut charter trips for six hours, followed by deck handing on a water taxi for another eight.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? Any piece of good fiction – losing yourself in a well-told story opens the mind to all the possibilities (and maybe happy endings) out there.

Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity. — Oprah Winfrey

— Dalai Lama

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

TAZ TALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Go out on a limb… after all, that is where the fruit is.

OWNER/DENTIST THE LIBBY GROUP

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY?

CAPTAIN • f/v BONZAI

The Alaska Mountain Range. It’s full of endless summer and winter adventures.

EDUCATION Grace Christian School; Walla Walla (Wash.) College; Loma Linda (Calif.) University School of Dentistry

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Meeting my “than to be wife”, Katie, at a Christmas party in Anchorage while on Christmas break from Dental School.

COMMUNITY WORK Partnered with the World Health Dental Organization to offer dental services and mentor future dentists on a service-learning trip in rural Kenya (2017); Additional dental service learning trips of the past included serving the communities in Nepal, Fiji, Mexico, Kenya, Bangladesh, Peru; Helped fundraise $21,299 for the Smiles for Life Foundation and Healthy Futures of Alaska (2017); Donated local dental services and assisted in organization of Alaska’s Mission of Mercy events; Sponsor of services and participant in Anchorage’s Donated Dental Services Program, a Dental Lifeline Network; Sponsor of Olympic hopeful and local athlete David Norris (2016-present); guest speaker and educator of dental health at King Career Center, Alaska Business Week, Alaska Junior Academy and Mountain View Elementary; Sponsorship of a new bike for the Anchorage GRIT program, Girls Riding into Tomorrow (2017); Gold Level Sponsor of Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center (2016, 2017); Financial and volunteer support for pre-season ski movie premiers to benefit Alaska Avalanche education and Challenge Alaska (2017)

HOMETOWN Dillingham CURRENT CITY Anchorage

My dad, Jim Libby, and my high school basketball coach, Nate Davis. They’ve taught me to do the right thing when nobody’s watching. That hard work is extremely fun and rewarding. And that any goal is achievable when you believe in yourself and in others!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Skiing big Alaskan mountains, surfing big Alaskan waves, racing bikes, flying and camping in Alaska, and running in the mountains.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My first job was working the commercial set-net sites as a child on Ekuk Beach.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

FAMILY Katie Ronsse Libby, wife; first baby Libby due April 1; Bentley, chocolate lab

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? It’s a commitment everyday that one must choose. Growing up we have sports, music lessons, school, etc. to help us define

a “win.” In work and in business… we must continually define a “win” everyday for ourselves and our teams. It’s a constant decision to stay balanced. If you don’t define it, “it” will define you.

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 community service recently was to take a dental team to the Masai Dental Clinic in Southwestern Kenya. It is a full functioning dental/health clinic that serves the people of the Masai Mara. It is run by an international board of volunteers who employ an amazing local full-time team. The doctors and teams are volunteer and come from all over the world to experience the people and culture in this part of Africa. My pitch? Ask people, “Who wants to make a difference?”

WHAT BENEFITS HAVE YOU SEEN FROM GETTING YOUR EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN COMMUNITY SERVICE? Experiencing community service with my team is very empowering. Watching them go from helper to “stakeholder” is incredibly powerful. When we do good within the community as a team our perspective and focus is calibrated to what is really important. Team members’ lives are changed as they appreciate all that we have to be grateful for.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? There are so many. I love Skagway. I think it is stunning and magical. The way the mountains bleed into the city is breathtaking and makes you feel super connected to the land and place. There’s a spot off the Old Seward Highway looking out onto Turnagain Arm. There’s a bluff that has a single tree atop of rock. Over the years, the tree has become a skeleton of what it once was, but it’s still an amazingly still and quiet place, where, if you’re lucky, you can see whales breaching. There’s also this intersection of the Old Seward Highway ( I think near Portage), where you’d turn left to go to Anchorage on your way back from Homer. If you pull over and look forward there is a mountain scape unlike one I’ve seen before: two mountains, adjacent to each other, appearing like they exist in different seasons; one green, one snow crested (depending on time of year). It makes me think of change and growth and the similarities in our differences, that we can walk side by side while honoring the differences between us. And, of course, my most favorite place in Alaska is in the company of my dear friends laughing so hard my stomach aches and tears stream down my face.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? TOUGH ONE! Again, so many! The time my friend Amy and I got lost on our way to McCarthy, and almost got eaten by a bear living in an abandoned gas station, drove off the road after (my) seeing a porcupine for the first time in real life, and ended up in Valdez where we were stunned by Bridal Veil Falls and decided to have an amazing fun night exploring the city! Also, there was a time in Whittier. It involved an old rusty RV, choreographed dance moves, a gold lamé body suit, and sparklers.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. My father, Frank Marrari. He came to this country with nothing and created a successful career and business for himself. He sacrificed so much of his own life to make one for his family. He is dedicated, accepting, and loyal and he would do just about anything for the people he loves. We are so different but we are connected by our love for each other. He also tells amazing jokes that make me laugh harder than anything else in this world.

I absolutely love to dance. I’m an artist, so though it is not a pastime or a hobby, I love to work on my art outside of work; it’s still work, just a different kind. Collaborating with other artists is just divine. I love to spend time with my friends, laugh a lot, and travel. Yoga helps me stay centered and I love volunteering in my community.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? It was a volunteer job. I cleaned out horse stables and took care of race horses. I’d bathe them, give them fresh hay and feed, and take them out to pasture. Once I lost control of a horse and it was very scary. It also did not smell great.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “Daring Greatly,” by the amazing Brene Brown. Also, “The Goats,” by Brock Cole; it’s a young adult, coming of age, novel and when I first read it as an adolescent it made me feel connected to something bigger.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Give yourself the permission to say “No.” Take time off for self-care. That it’s OK to lay on the ground for an extended period of time if you need to. Make sure you are doing the things that feed your identity and give you a sense of purpose beyond your work life. Connect with others and make time to see people face to face. Listen to your body when it tells you to take a break, and then take the break.

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 feel fortunate to find rewards in much of what I do. I often

ARTIST CURATOR OF PUBLIC ART MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE EDUCATION Master’s Degree, installation art, New York University COMMUNITY WORK Board of Directors of Momentum Dance Collective; vice chair of Anchorage Now Task Force; volunteer, Bean’s Café; Art Coordinator, Middle Way Café; Adjunct Professor of Art, University of Alaska Anchorage; (past: Board of Directors International Gallery of Contemporary Art, Chair of IGCA Art Block Party,) FAMILY My birth family: Parents Frank and Connie Marrari; brother Rocco Marrari. My friend family: Amy Devereux, Solveig Pederson, Keren Lowell, Will Koeppen, Meghan Hughes, Becky Kendall, Nicholette and Matt Eley, and Ivan Molesky HOMETOWN Chicago CURRENT CITY Anchorage

I am a feminist because I was born a woman.

(continued on page 50) MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. — Dr. Seuss WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY?

CONGRATULATIONS! BSNC congratulates shareholder Jennine Jordan on being selected as an awardee of the Alaska Journal of Commerce’s Top Forty Under 40!

Beluga Point along Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet. Not just because it has simply stunning views, but also because my husband proposed to me there 16 years ago.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Building my life here and sharing my memories with kids.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. My mother. She set up a great example for me in life. I am inspired by her accomplishments and have benefited from her mentorship.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? I love to spend time with my family doing fun things. We like going sledding, skiing, movies, eating ice cream, or simply staying home. My kids are growing way too fast! I also love to work out. I always try to do at least a couple of running races during the summer time in Alaska.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR • BP (EXPLORATION) ALASKA

My first job was with the Northern Forum, a non-profit, international organization comprised of members from eight northern countries working towards improving lives of people from those countries. At the time, the Northern Forum had an office in Anchorage, and I was their Business Coordinator.

EDUCATION MBA, Alaska Pacific University; master’s degree, economics, Far Eastern Federal University (Vladivostok, Russia); bachelor’s degree, business administration, University of Maryland; Business Planning Teaching certificate, Yale School of Management

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? One of my favorite books is “The Financier” by Theodore Dreiser. It is a story of an enormously successful person who is both skilled and resilient in the marketplace during the 19th century.

COMMUNITY WORK In 2016, I joined the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska where I continue to serve today as vice chairman. I also support BBBS Finance and Fund Development Committees. That year I also became a co-lead for BP Working Parents Business Resource Group for Alaska. Our mission is to support BP families, working parents, and parents-to-be providing family oriented education throughout the year.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Take one day at a time and only stress about things that you have control over. As much as you try to plan everything in advance, things change and you just have to embrace the change.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE?

Our largest annual event is Bring Your Child to Work Day. In 2017, we had more than 60 employees’ kids attending the event with an educational focus on safety awareness. We are starting to think about 2018 event that will be focused on STEM activities.

Serving on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters. There are always going to be children out there who need your help. My pitch for people is to please match my financial contribution to this very worthy cause. Please remember that you may be supporting the development of the future leadership of Alaska.

Congratulations, Yuliya! Making BP Team Alaska proud. 30

FAMILY Matt McDaniel, husband; Marcus, son (9); Sophia, daughter (7). We don’t have pets yet, but my kids are actively lobbying to get one!

AS SOMEONE DEEPLY INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION TAX ISSUE, HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS BOTH FOR BP AND ALASKA UNDER THE CURRENT SYSTEM? The current oil tax structure under Senate Bill 21 is working. New fields are coming online and more years are being added to the existing fields including Prudhoe Bay and Kuparuk. Prudhoe Bay achieved its third year of no decline in oil production, 280,000 barrels per day. Changes in production tax policy will have a direct impact on investment climate. We need to maintain our positive momentum that we have today.

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Yuliya McDaniel Business Development Advisor BP Alaska

For almost two years, I also supported dance activities for the Underground Dance Company informal board to help with the dance studio activities, logistics, events, etc.

HOMETOWN I was born in Surgut (western part of Siberia, Russia). Shortly after my birth my parents relocated to Vladivostok (eastern part of Russia) where I grew up and attended the Far Eastern Federal University. I moved to Alaska when I was 20 and have been here since then. CURRENT CITY Anchorage

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

The top of a mountain. Most any mountain, really, as long as it the type that a nonmountaineering person such as I am can hike it. The quiet is deafening, giving you a real chance to reflect and think. The breeze in your face blows all anxiety away. The views are always humbling, putting everything in perspective. The hike itself gets your blood flowing, and you are almost always guaranteed an adventure along the way.

ASSURANCE PARTNER BDO USA, LLP EDUCATION Bachleor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude, economics major/education minor, Wellesley College

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE?

COMMUNITY WORK Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, board of directors, Executive Committee; Clear Water Church, volunteer; Lions Running Club, co-founder and coach; various other nonprofit activities and opportunities as they come up

My first visit to Alaska was more than 20 years ago, and it is by far my most memorable. The sheer majesty of the landscape. The grandeur. The expanse. Add to that a four wheeler, guns owned and carried by “normal” people, a fishing rod, an adventurous attitude, and a lot of mud, and you can imagine that Alaska made an impression on me.

FAMILY Married for 17 years to the love of my life, Luke Merriner; Colton (11), Cate (9), Austin (8), children HOMETOWN Orleans, Massachusetts

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY.

CURRENT CITY Anchorage

The person in my life I most respect is my husband, Luke. He is intelligent, unassuming, sacrificial, witty and steady. He has given up much to contribute to my success, without seeking praise or reward. He leads and serves our family without grumbling, even during busy season. He is always my advocate, encourager, champion and best friend.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? I enjoy writing and reading, especially when done on the beach. MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Change your clothes, not your plans.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? I was a dental assistant for my father at his practice. I learned quickly that I didn’t want to look in other people’s mouths for a living.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “Good to Great” for business. The Bible for life and business.

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 passion is to see others thrive, not just survive. This plays out in every aspect of every day: in how I serve, mentor and develop my staff into the next generation of CPAs in Alaska; in how I disciple and discipline my children; in how I encourage my friends; in how I work with my clients to help keep their finances stable and healthy. We should feel rewarded in this work every single day, as every new day is a chance to serve someone and help them succeed. That is the pitch: a chance to be part of something bigger, something impactful, something life changing. If we are pursuing a community service for another reason, it won’t be attractive in the end.

HOW DID YOU DEVELOP YOUR APPROACH TO EXPLAINING ACCOUNTING COMPLEXITIES TO LAY AUDIENCES, AND WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED ABOUT WORKING WITH RURAL AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS? The people in Alaska are incredible — incredibly diverse, incredibly passionate, incredibly talented. This is what I love about working with organizations all over Alaska: I meet amazing people who are doing amazing things. What great opportunity we have here because of the people! When I meet with my clients, my goal is always to make sure I’m meeting them where they are and addressing items that they view as priorities. While not everyone with whom I speak has an equivalent technical background, each person has a desire to make the right decisions for their organization. (continued on page 51)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? My family’s cabin in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. I didn’t like going there while I was in high school because I thought I would miss out on something fun in town. Ironically, now I drive 5+ hours to get there to specifically spend quality time with my family and disconnect.

“Yuuyaraq: The way of the Human Being” by Harold Napoleon. It really helped to shape my awareness of issues facing the Alaska Native people.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE?

I try to leave my home life at home and keep work at work. It is hard because inevitably they cross-paths but I try to keep them as separate as possible so I am present in whatever I am doing.

I have so many being born and raised here, it is hard to pick. I’ve gone rafting down Keystone Canyon and 6 Mile Creek, fishing with my dad and brother in Prince William Sound, walking on Worthington Glacier, working on the North Slope, etc. All of my best memories are 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?

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. Both of my parents, who are the products of their parents. My mom is happy, caring and optimistic and my dad is supportive, hardworking and dependable. It’s a great mix and I’ve seen these traits come out more as my dad is walking through some crazy health issues. It’s amazing to see how strong and resilient they both are. They are still really funny and just an overall a joy to be around. I cannot say enough good things about them.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? I like to decorate and create customized home décor. My favorite thing is to look through a home decor magazine (e.g. Better Homes and Gardens) and think to myself “I bet I could make that” and then try to make it. So far I‘ve got a pretty good track record but I tried my hand at making a glass bauble chandelier — that was a horrible mess. I also like to have a cuddle puddle on the sofa with my pups and take a nap.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? At age 10 I took the trash out a couple times a week at my Grandma’s work. FYI: She paid well!

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING SPECIALIST ANCHORAGE NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH CENTER EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, business administration, University of Alaska Anchorage; bachelor’s degree, marketing, UAA; master’s degree, strategic communication Washington State University

Right now I’m switching my focus to animal welfare and educating people on ways they can help. Letting people know about the low cost spay/neuter clinic in Anchorage and trying to get families and individuals who are ready for an animal to adopt one instead of buying one #adoptdontshop.

COMMUNITY WORK Public Relations Society of America Alaska Chapter, member and Publicity Committee volunteer; Alaska Humanities Forum Leadership Anchorage 21; Salvation Army of Alaska, Communications Committee; American Cancer Society’s Associate Board of Ambassadors Alaska.

WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE SO FAR WORKING WITH THE LEADERSHIP ANCHORAGE PROGRAM AS A MEMBER OF COHORT 21?

I have also volunteered at the Arctic Education Foundation Ivalu Gala, The Howard Rock and Ted Stevens Smokehouse Gala, American Diabetes Association of Alaska’s Gala, American Heart Association’s Paint the Town Red, Bean’s Café Volunteer, Thanksgiving Dinner Serving at Muldoon Community Assembly

It is been eye-opening for me to say that least. I’m learning a lot about myself as a leader and about ways to spot good and poor leadership in others. I’ve also met some really incredible like-minded people whom I would not have known otherwise.

FAMILY Lynne and Larry Michaud, (parents in Valdez); and my rescue fur babies Rudy, Penelope and Lola. HOMETOWN Valdez CURRENT CITY Anchorage MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY?

Knowing your priorities is the most important foundation to have in place when making choices that impact your work-life balance. My first priority is to myself: my spiritual, physical and emotional health. My second priority is my family. I cannot serve my clients and staff well if I’m not maintaining a healthy home and spiritual life. If you believe in your priorities, the productive ‘no’ is easier to say.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND?

Nevertheless, she persisted. 33

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DENALI VISIONS 3000 EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, business administration/international marketing, Western Washington University COMMUNITY WORK I loved my time coaching youth hockey in Healy, in addition I enjoy being a part of various community fundraising projects and organizations. FAMILY My entire family currently resides in Alaska —father Greg Motyka, mother Roselyn Calinoff and brother Brett Motyka. They have been a tremendous support for me over the years. My dog Mr. Peaks makes sure he lets me know when it’s time to take a break from work and hit the outdoors. HOMETOWN I was raised in Anchorage and shortly after I finished college moved to Denali Park for the summer seasons. I currently spend my winters in Anchorage and summers in Denali. CURRENT CITY Anchorage/Denali National Park

While there are so many amazing places in our great state, I love the Denali Borough. The vastness of the wilderness and endless opportunities for adventure make the Denali Borough a truly unique place in Alaska, it will always have a special place in my heart.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? A truly wonderful day pack rafting adventure out in the Alaska Range that turned into an overnight wilderness epic with no gear or supplies sleeping in my dry suite riverside during a rain storm. While no one was hurt or injured, it always reminds me, while adventuring in Alaska it is always important to be prepared for the unexpected. You don’t want to be stuck up a creek without a paddle. Isn’t that right Kevin?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? I love spending time in Alaska’s vast mountains. Whether backcountry skiing, or just climbing peaks, there is something about the accomplishment of getting to the top and enjoying that amazing view.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? The Red Robin Bird Mascot

Several years ago now I created the “Great Denali Duck Race,” which is a fundraising event where we sold small rubber ducks to tourists and locals then we race them down the rapids of the Nenana River during the annual Nenana River Festival. We had all the kids of Healy selling these ducks to raise money for their sport teams. In the end, the event was a tremendous success and still continues to this day to support various causes. It takes a team of great people to pull off a successful fundraising event and sometimes the “help me, to help yourselves” approach can be very effective.

DENALI VISIONS 3000 HAS ENJOYED TREMENDOUS SUCCESS AND GROWTH OVER THE PAST EIGHT YEARS SINCE 49TH STATE BREWING CO. FIRST OPENED. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME THAT WOULDN’T BE OBVIOUS TO SOMEONE LOOKING AT YOUR SUCCESS FROM THE OUTSIDE? Relationships. Whether it’s with vendors, customers, employees or business partners. Relationships are the essence of our industry and how we handle them dictates our success every day. It took us 12 years to build enough relationships to get us to where we are today, and hopefully now with these great partners and team members that support us day in and day out, we will be able to continue to grow with our vision of creating a truly great Alaskan hospitality company.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? It’s hard to choose. I have had the opportunity to visit so many different communities and they are individually wonderful. But I have to say that I do love southeast Alaska; the mountains and trees are pretty spectacular and everyone is always so friendly.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Almost too many to pick just one… I have had the opportunity to see all the stars in an inky black sky from St. Lawrence Island, work inside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, study untouched wilderness in the Brooks Range, ride the Alaska Railroad, camp on the Kenai Peninsula, fly in a helicopter, and whale watch out of Juneau. But how many people can say they had to hand pump breastmilk in the field, during a blizzard, while bundled in arctic gear and huddled behind a snowmachine somewhere on the Y-K Delta?

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. My husband, Jason. Not only because he puts up with me, but mostly because he has really been my partner through everything. He has been 100 percemnt supportive of my career, my outreach efforts, my professional organization service, encourages my crazy whims (like running a half marathon) and he even spent six weeks at home alone with a 4-year-old and 6-month-old while I was out of town for fieldwork.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK?

A book that helped me when I was younger and traveling find direction in my own life is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.

Being outside. I love to travel and explore new places, hiking, biking, kayaking/paddle boarding. I will do almost anything I can to maximize the summer months. And I am fortunate that my family is generally willing to join me!

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? For me keeping active and staying healthy is so important to maintaining this balance. When your body feels great you are able to work longer and stay more focused on the tasks at hand. Finding the time can be challenging, and sometimes exercising is the last thing you want to do, but the long term rewards are always worth the extra work at the beginning or end of my day.

The competitor to be feared is the one who never bothers about you at all, but goes on making his own business better all the time.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Running auto parts for High Performance Auto while I was home from college.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “Barren Lands: An Epic Search for Diamonds in the North American Arctic” by Kevin Krajik. It’s a book about geologists searching for diamonds in Canada; flying helicopters, fending off polar bears, and some pretty decent science in between – what’s not to love?!

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Find and build your support network; no one can do it alone, nor should they feel they are expected to. Respect and reciprocate that support and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Be it babysitting, help with a project, or just a friend/mentor to talk to, a strong support system is healthy and helps you to manage stress and maintain your sanity.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE? STEM education. I love to see young kids exploring and learning about the physical world around them. They see what happens, but need help learning how to ask “why?” and “how?” Professional mentors in STEM fields can introduce youth to the broad array of opportunities available and a low-pressure introduction to a complex topic can make it less daunting and more fun when students start to develop specific interests. I encourage anyone in a professional field to participate in classroom speaking or hands-on activities, even if to just introduce a child to a new topic or a new way of thinking about something they encounter every day.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT ROCKS THAT YOU’VE FOUND SO FASCINATING, AND HOW DO GEOLOGY AND ENGINEERING INTERPLAY IN A STATE LIKE ALASKA? Do I really only get 750 words?… Engineering and geology play a role in so much of what Alaska is built upon. Alaska has amazing and unique geology due to the accretionary processes that formed our mountain ranges, glaciers that carved our valleys, and rivers that transform the deltas in between. Discovering and understanding how these processes affect humans through either resources or natural hazards is incredibly fascinating. Without geologists working closely with engineers, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline wouldn’t be designed to survive a large earthquake, we wouldn’t monitor and predict volcanic eruptions to avoid ash-related aircraft disasters, and we wouldn’t be able to determine where to build roads and facilities so they are least-impacted by the environment around them.

ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST/ GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING MANAGER • DOWL EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, geology, Washington State University COMMUNITY WORK STEM Outreach-Society of Women Engineers; American Institute of Professional Geologists; American Geosciences Institute FAMILY Jason, husband; Benjamin and Audrey, children HOMETOWN Eagle River CURRENT CITY Anchorage

Rocks don’t roll uphill — Geology Field Camp Professor

— Henry Ford

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY?

VICE PRESIDENT, CALL CENTER OPERATIONS AND E-SERVICES DENALI FEDERAL CREDIT UNION EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, psychology, Alaska Pacific University COMMUNITY WORK Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, vice chair, Alaska Statewide Board (2016-present); Anchorage Local Leadership Council, president, (201316); Big Sister (2005-14); Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, board member (2016-present); Alaska CASA, Office of Public Advocacy, court appointed special advocate (2014-16); Armed Services YMCA, annual fundraising event (2015-17) FAMILY Michael and Rachel O’Connell, parents; Jesenia St. Amant, sister; Mr. Darcy and Sir Percy, cats HOMETOWN Game Creek, Alaska CURRENT CITY Anchorage

When the sun comes out (rare indeed!), I claim Southeast Alaska to be the most beautiful place on earth. Gray clouds lift and a magical land is unveiled: deep blue ocean mingles with clear blue sky framed by lush green mountains, rising straight from the heart of the sea.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Transitioning from rural to urban Alaska was truly a life-changing experience. I grew up in a tiny cabin in the woods on a remote island in Southeast Alaska and am intimately familiar with the subsistence lifestyle: hunting/fishing, vegetable gardens, outhouses, limited electricity, and Xtratufs. Since moving to Anchorage, I have adapted splendidly to city life! And yet, underneath this polished, diva exterior still beats the heart of a farm girl.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. Chief among my life’s mentors is my father, Michael J. O’Connell. It is from his example that I first learned to question and analyze everything, always remaining open to adjusting my perspective based upon newly acquired information. He taught me that it is always ok to ask WHY, advising, “It’s never rude to respectfully pose a question.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Travel! Food!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

A wise man once told me that there is no such thing as work-life balance on the daily; however, what we can strive for is balance in the aggregate. There are late nights in the office; there are long weekends with friends/family. There are months retreating from social life pursuing my masters. But balanced in the center, is full engagement and present focus.

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 experience has been volunteering as a Big Sister with BBBS of Alaska. My Little Sister changed my life for the better, and I am beyond honored to have played a role in her journey. Mentoring isn’t about glamourous, grand gestures. It isn’t about “saving” anyone. It is about just being there to share small moments and navigate next steps.

DID YOU GIVE YOURSELF THE NICKNAME “FAX GIRL” (IF NOT WHO DID?) AND WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RISING THROUGH THE RANKS FROM YOUR ENTRY LEVEL JOB TO YOUR CURRENT POSITION? I started at Alaska USA as a temporary employee whose job literally was to run faxes to the loan officers. Being new and a temp, I was simply known as the “fax girl.” After I was on-boarded as a permanent loan processor, the affectionate nickname persisted. My primary motivation for advancement has always been an insatiable curiosity for how things work and how to make it better. I have spent my career mastering whatever challenge is currently in front of me, all the while keeping focus on what opportunity might be next.

As a teen, I spent my summers in Skagway working in tourist shops. I absolutely loved talking to diverse travelers from all over the world.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? While everyone is familiar with the movie “The Princess Bride,” not many know of the book by William Goldman. It is positively brimming with hilarity and wit such as, “Terrible things can happen when you are overtired, Buttercup. I was overtired the night your father proposed.”

Truth will not be destroyed by questioning or scrutiny. It will always stand unbeatable. Questioning only confirms truth and makes it visibly stronger; it never crumbles it.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? After years of exploring the ocean coastlines, I’m excited to now be exploring the more inland areas of Alaska. Lately I’ve been drawn to the southern edges of the Talkeetna Mountains overlooking the Matanuska River Valley. It’s easy to access this region for weekend adventures while the vast scenery and raw geology of this landscape present such gorgeous wildness.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? While hiking Kodiak Island’s backcountry with Kodiak Electric colleagues in search of potential hydropower resources, we discovered localized topography not shown on existing maps. This finding was significant for project feasibility. Besides being a fabulous hike on a gorgeous summer day, I cherish that opportunity to explore and interpret a remote landscape in service to the community. That day of reconnaissance and discovery felt uniquely Alaskan!

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. Darron Scott, President/CEO of Kodiak Electric Association Inc. Darron has the unique ability to be simultaneously practical and innovative. He can articulate a specific goal, identify the critical path needed to reach it, and remain focused despite complex and changing conditions. In addition to that sense of efficiency, Darron genuinely cares for the wellbeing of others and consistency chooses to do the right thing when faced with tough decisions.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Focusing on the basics: eat well, move my body, nourish relationships, find or form beauty in each day, relax for a good night’s sleep, and thank God for His blessings. Discovering new and creative ways to practice and enrich each of those fundamental needs keeps my life full, fresh and fun.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Cashier and key maker at Ace Hardware

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “Energy of Money” by Maria Nemeth

Regard your time and attention as your most valuable resource. Be mindful of how you spend your time. Identify your own priorities and establish boundaries around how much time you have available to tend to those priorities. Edit out time-consuming distractions and avoid multi-tasking. Whether at work, home, or on the trail, you are at your best when your full focused attention is given to that moment.

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 favorite volunteer project is Girl Scouts’ Women of Science: a day dedicated to connecting children with scientific professionals in their community. You meet the expert-nextdoor and get exposed to a wide variety of subject matter and career opportunities. The children experience scientific concepts with hands-on activities. It’s wonderful seeing their curiosity bloom!

RENEWABLE ENERGY IS AN AREA WHERE KODIAK HAS BECOME A NATIONAL LEADER. EVEN THOUGH MOVING TO CLEAN RENEWABLES IS A POPULAR POLICY GOAL, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FROM A REGULATORY SIDE TO MAKING THESE KINDS OF PROJECTS HAPPEN? Industry functions in terms of products, making decisions based on the practicality of an end result. The regulatory side functions in terms of process, making decisions based on how well a proposal fits into statute authority. Those are two very different work cultures operating in different languages and on different schedules. It is challenging to translate practical project realities into abstract regulatory frameworks. It can be frustrating when administrative processes overshadow the practical needs of a project.

— Randall Arthur MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

REGULATOR SPECIALIST KODIAK ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC. EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, Earth Sciences, Johns Hopkins University; master’s degree, environmental soil science, Oregon State University, COMMUNITY WORK My volunteer activities tend to focus on youth education on renewable energy and natural science, and advisory roles for municipal land use and environmental policy. FAMILY Newly wed to Andy King! HOMETOWN Orlando, Florida CURRENT CITY Anchorage

If you can’t explain it to a 6-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself. — Albert Einstein

Maintaining perspective and a positive outlook has been key. Also enjoying what you do helps!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? Harding Lake: for the community, the water sports, the fun and the beauty. Grew up spending my weekends out there and nothing has changed since.

MANAGEMENT/MARKETING FLOWLINE ALASKA, INC.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE?

EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, global business with minor in human resources, Arizona State University

Too many unique Alaskan adventures to name: Fishing the Gulkana River for Kings, Fishing Reds in Valdez, watching the bears dine at Katmai, taking the bus to Kantishna and seeing Denali on a clear day. I love the frequent Northern Lights displays and our endless summers. Alaska is truly magnificent.

COMMUNITY WORK Alaska Support Industry Alliance; board member, Membership Committee chair; Fairbanks Animal Shelter Fund, board member; Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce: board member, Government Relations Committee member, Energy Environment and Natural Resources Committee vice chair; active with Mechanical Contractors of Fairbanks; Festival Fairbanks board member 2012-15; volunteer, numerous political campaigns; Harding Lake Association, board member

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. My parents! Mom because of her great attitude and her way of turning the sourest of lemons into lemonade; dad because of his work ethic, sense of humor and his discipline to do what is right, not what is easiest.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK?

FAMILY Kevin Bell, fiancé; dogs Astro, a cranky mixed breed, and Connor the quintessential Boston Terrier

I love to read, swim, and jet ski! (the stand-up kind)

HOMETOWN Born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Moved to Fairbanks in 1982

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

CURRENT CITY Fairbanks

— Winston Churchill

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand

PARIS PHOTOGRAPHICS

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference

At the age of 14, I cleaned neighborhood bed and breakfasts. I recall vividly the happiness I felt the first time someone left me a tip! That was probably the beginning of my love affair with capitalism.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Working in a family business means that the work-life balance can be complicated!

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 coordinated a team for Fairbanks’ inaugural Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. It was a life-changing experience where I was humbled to learn how many people’s lives have been affected by cancer; how our community collaborated to raise awareness and support; witnessing the courage, dignity and resilience of survivors and those battling disease. Really puts life into perspective. My pitch is guilt! And to encourage people to find what motivates them.

AS A MEMBER OF THE RESOURCE SUPPORT INDUSTRY, HOW MUCH OF YOUR TIME HAS TO BE DIVIDED BETWEEN YOUR ACTUAL WORK AND MONITORING THE SHIFTING TAX POLICIES, REGULATIONS AND LEGISLATION THAT IMPACTS YOUR BUSINESS AND THAT OF OTHERS? In my opinion, any time spent monitoring the ever-shifting taxation policies is too much time. Our legislators and governor(s) have collectively changed the state’s oil tax/royalty regime over eight times in 12 years. That lack of stability has a direct and tangible effect on our business, the Fairbanks community and the entire state — even the greater U.S. I am stunned at how often the state government tries to raise taxes on the industry that essentially “funds” the state budget. Imagine if we treated other industries in such a manner. Alaska is full of new and incredible opportunities; I see many new projects to be optimistic about! I can only keep communicating to Juneau how policies affect more than their spending capabilities.

I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality. — Conan O’Brien WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams or “Death: A Life” by George Pendle

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? My favorite place in Alaska is actually very close to home: Point Woronzof. It’s one of a few places in Anchorage that cell service doesn’t exist and I can get away from life, relax and walk on the beach without having to drive two hours. Watching the planes take off and land is always a treat too.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? My time working as a freelancer sent me all over the state and I would have to say Coors Light outdid themselves by putting us on Knik Glacier to film commercials in a 400-foot Moulin, and also sending us to Columbia Bay in Valdez to capture massive icebergs flipping right before our eyes including one that looked as big as the U.S. Capitol building.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. This is one hard for me. I have had a lot of people in my life who have supported me and that I respect and I think my answer can just be a single person but a group of people: the Alaska film community. The resilience of the Alaska film community has blown me away in the last 10 years. With so many highs and lows the community still comes out and just wants to make art, express their stories and show the world. I highly respect every filmmaker in Alaska and will do whatever I can to support them.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Making movies. It’s funny when I answer this question because people think all I do is work. Well, to me it isn’t work, to me making movies is one of the things I look forward to most and I can’t see my life not making movies.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Anchorage Daily News, paper boy

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?  I struggle with work-life balance everyday because again I love what I do for work. But I will say you have to make time for you family and friends. Force yourself to pull away from that project you have been working on for days so you can hang out or chat with them. Your family and friends will rest your mind and body better than anything else you can think of and you will go back to that project more driven than you were before.

PRESIDENT ALASKA FILMMAKERS COMMUNITY WORK Alaska Filmmakers; 24-Hour Film Royal; 5-Day Film Royal; Anchorage International Film Festival; Extra Life Charity; Alaska State Council on the Arts; and Alaska Public Broadcasting Commission. FAMILY Donna Arey-Haugan, mother; Frank Sears, father; Chelsea Hunt, sister; John Haugan, stepdad; Brent Haugan and Matthew Haugan, stepbrothers; Oscar, dog HOMETOWN Born in Fairbanks, grew up in Anchorage CURRENT CITY 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?  I hope I have enough room to say two things. First one would be working with Jeremy Blake and Matt Jardin to put together the 24-Hour Film Royal and 5-Day Film Royal and I would argue the best film competitions in the northwest. These two competitions have given the film community new life and has found eager new filmmakers. Second I would say raising money for Children’s Hospital at Providence through Extra Life. I have been with Extra Life for 5 years now and have helped raised around $400,000 for kids in need and their families in Alaska. In 2017 Alaska Filmmakers decided to host an event which raised about $85,000. AKF is planning to do even better in 2018!

AFTER THE FILM CREDIT PROGRAM WAS ENDED, THE INDUSTRY IN ALASKA COULD HAVE EASILY ENDED WITH IT. WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOTIVATION TO KEEPING IT ALIVE THROUGH ALASKA FILMMAKERS? Talking about the film tax credit brings up a lot of different emotions. A number of my friends (continued on page 51) MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Orton Ranch Camp on the Naha River. I spent a lot of time as kid and young adult at this rural church camp. The scenic beauty and rustic nature of the camp is the background for many of my best memories growing up.

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER/ DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS • WARD COVE GROUP

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE?

EDUCATION Currently studying for a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Alaska Southeast.

Taking the ferry from Ketchikan to Haines and driving through Canada and the Interior of Alaska to visit my grandparents summer cabin in Delta Junction.

COMMUNITY WORK Ketchikan Gateway Borough School Board, member, 2013-present; Board Clerk-Treasurer, 2015-16; Board President, 2016-present; Association of Alaska School Boards, Board of Directors; member, 2017-present; Alaska Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee; member, 2015-present; United Youth Courts of Alaska, board of directors, member, 2012-14, co-president, 2013-14; Ketchikan Youth Court Bar Association member, 2011-14; vice president, 2011-12; president, 12-2014.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. My father, being one of the most strongly opinionated people I know, for raising me to respect and genuinely consider the opinions of others, take all facts into consideration before making a decision, and ultimately act based on the best interests of everyone involved, no matter the emotions at hand or the opposition that might exist.

FAMILY Lisa Marie Shaw, wife; Wicket, dog; Solo, cat

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK?

HOMETOWN Born in Bristol, Tenn., and raised in Ketchikan

Anything and everything Star Wars, Disney, or comic book related. Including the routine trip to Disney World with my wife at least once year. I also enjoy studying history and classical philosophy.

CURRENT CITY Ketchikan

— Thomas Jefferson

Youth Assistant at the Ketchikan Youth Court; a restorative justice program for juveniles. HALL ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? I don’t have a go-to book to recommend. I generally encourage talking to people with tangible experience in the field that interests you; they usually have great suggestions regarding specific books.

Take the time to find your hobby and really enjoy it — perfect it. If what you do for work is your hobby, which is the case for me, the balance is making sure that you’re not overwhelming yourself to the point of it being a negative. When you’re not at work, practice the enjoyable things and have real fun with it. The serious side of things, unless it’s an emergency, can wait until you’re back at 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? For me, it’s the people whose lives I’m able to positively impact. My pitch and mantra has always been “people matter most”, Everything else in life eventually fades away or deteriorates. We will be best remembered for the lives that we are able to touch and improve by the work that we do – and that’s a legacy worth living.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO RUN FOR SCHOOL BOARD AS A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR, AND WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT THE POLITICAL AND EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS SINCE THEN? I grew up in a very civicminded household, and I first remember being interested in eventually running for elected office when I was in middle school. In 2013, I decided to run for an open School Board seat after the incumbent announced she was retiring. I ultimately ran because I wanted to provide a fresh perspective to the body whose decisions affected almost aspect of my life as a student. The biggest thing that I have learned is that government and politics functions at its best when it is closest to the people. That’s why I enjoy local government so much.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Cotton Candy Girl at the Alaska State Fair

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? While it is hard to pick a single favorite place in Alaska, Wrangell St. Elias National Park ranks high on my list. For the past 5 years, our family has spent one long weekend over spring break exploring in the park. This is probably the weekend I most look forward to each year and we build amazing family memories.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? I am on the tail end of having raised three children in Alaska. Part of what goes along with raising kids here is an endless stream of memorable Alaskan experiences. First mountains climbed, first backpacking trips, that one time a someone got trapped in an outhouse, the magic that happens when you taking a fussing baby outside to stare at the northern lights and you’re both awed into silence. Overall, I cannot imagine any Alaskan experience more memorable than having raised my family here.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. I have a lot of respect for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Throughout her career, Justice Ginsburg has fought tirelessly for freedom and equal rights, making a name for herself as an icon for social justice. While she is never afraid to be controversial if it means taking a stand for what she believes in, Justice Ginsburg also values collaboration and respect in the face of ideological differences, which she has admirably modeled during her time on the Supreme Court.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? This is a toss-up between anything that gets me active outdoors and sitting quietly reading a book.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? As someone who is always reading a very good book, I try to make book recommendations appropriate to the individual’s area of interest. That being said, it’s hard to go wrong with “The Princess Bride” by William Goldman.

DIRECTOR • R.O.C.K. OF MAT-SU, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

EDUCATION Master’s of public health degree, University of Alaska Anchorage; bachelor’s degree, psychology, UAA

Prioritize the things that matter most in your life and get good at setting boundaries.

COMMUNITY WORK Palmer High School Cross Country Boosters, secretary (2017- present); volunteer yoga instructor offering free yoga classes twice a week (2010-present); Alaska Resilience Initiative, Steering Committee (2015-present); Trails and Parks Foundation, board secretary (2015-present)

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE? For the past eight years, I have taught free community yoga classes twice a week. These classes are my chance to remove the barrier of cost for people who are looking to practice yoga as a means of getting and staying healthy. Teaching free yoga classes is a way to share something that I am very passionate about with a diverse group of community members which, to me, is what community service should be all about.

FAMILY In February 2018, I married my longtime partner Michael Horwath in a private ceremony attended by my three children — Xavier, Isaiah, and Tabea Shepler — and our two dogs. The cat stayed home. HOMETOWN I was born in Rhode Island and my family moved to Palmer when I was 13. CURRENT CITY Palmer

AS SOMEONE WHO’S BEEN INTRICATELY INVOLVED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF ROCK MAT-SU, WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST FACTORS IN MAKING IT A SUCCESS? When R.O.C.K. Mat-Su started, Mat-Su community members had just identified the number one community goal as safe well cared for children. Our community was ready to make change, and my job was to help a group of diverse stakeholders who are passionate about helping children and families to identify what that change could look like in Mat-Su and to start to make it happen. While this passion and desire for change got us started, I believe a big part of what keeps the collective moving forward is (continued on page 51)

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY?

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. — Martin Luther King Jr.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

A place we call “Waikiki Beach” in Cooper Landing. It is where some of my best memories have taken place! My now husband took me there on a weekend getaway when we first started dating. It will always hold a special place in my heart.

PLANNING SERVICES DIVISION MANAGER • MATANUSKASUSITNA BOROUGH EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Master of Science in Civil Engineering – Transportation Systems

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE?

FAMILY Logan Kraus, Husband

The first winter I moved to Alaska, I lived in Fairbanks. The winter came on fast, reaching 50 below zero by mid-November, which lasted for weeks. Even though that sounds ridiculously cold, I remember my Aunt Phyllis and I talking about winter in Fairbanks. “It’s magical,” was a common thread in our discussions. One March evening that same winter, I was walking out to my car and happened to look up. The sky was clear and full of stars, with brightest green aurora that I have yet to ever see streaked across the sky. It made me laugh; it was so incredible. To this day, every time I think of Fairbanks, I am happy and remember that night. Even though it gets rough in Alaskan winter, it’s amazing that we have this weather, this scenery, these people. It’s absolutely magical.

HOMETOWN I was born in Hobe Sound, Florida, which is on the east coast. My family moved to western North Carolina at age 2, where I lived in Sawmills, N.C. until age 20. CURRENT CITY Palmer

Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK?

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

— C.S. Lewis

I love to adventure, which is why I ended up in Alaska. As a kid, my adventure world started with books; I could go anywhere inside those pages. I just took a trip up to Fairbanks and discovered I had left with my e-reader totally dead, so I picked up “Ready Player One” from the airport. With only 3 chapters read, I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good dystopian novel. Being a reader, I’m big fan of stories in any media, so podcasts are another favorite pastime. When I don’t have my nose in a book or plugged into a podcast, I’m probably on an adventure of some sort with my best friend and husband, Logan.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “Troubling A Star,” by Madeline L’Engle. It is an amazing story of a teenage girl, Vicki, who travels to Antarctica to visit a friend conducting research on the continent. The book starts with Vicki stranded on an iceberg and is a series of flashbacks to that moment. The story involves mystery, espionage, and romance – a little something for everyone.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? I try to think of it as a work-life blend, instead of balancing act. A balance act is downright stressful, because there’s no way to section off my life from my work. I spend most of my time at work, and when I’m not working, it certainly pops up in my mind. So I blend my time in both areas, which helps relieve the pressure of trying to “balance” work and life. I see work as an integral part of my life, just like eating, recharging, and being with friends and family. Each of these areas must be tended to for success, and in my experience the most important area is recharging. If I am not recharged, I don’t have the energy to be a good friend, to be a good sister/daughter/wife, or a good coworker and leader. This can unhinge even the smallest of daily tasks! It may sound simple, but the key to balancing or blending for me has been to keep a strict sleep schedule and allowing time to recharge by reading every night. I sleep between 8-10 hours a night on average, which allows me to be full of energy and excitement for the hours in-between. (continued on page 51)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? Seward is my favorite place in Alaska. I have fond memories of my childhood fishing with my parents, and then later memories of taking my family to Seward for those same experiences.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Just living in Alaska and being part of such a great community, there is truly no place like it.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. Dave and Judy Somers will always be the top of the list. They saw something in me so long ago and gave me a chance, then learning from them how to run a successful busy with the utmost integrity and extreme work ethic was life changing for me and they helped turn me into the person I am today.

YOU’VE GROWN YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS FROM EIGHT REALTORS AND ONE OFFICE TO 53 REALTORS AND THREE OFFICES, AND EVEN BEEN NAMED TO THE NATIONAL REALTOR HALL OF FAME. IF YOU COULD SHARE ONE POINTER WITH SOMEONE CONSIDERING ENTERING THE FIELD WHAT WOULD IT BE, AND HOW HAS THAT ADVICE PAID OFF FOR YOU?

OWNER/BROKER • SOMERS & ASSOCIATES REALTORS COMMUNITY WORK Involved in varies nonprofits like the American Heart Association, Fairbanks Children’s Museum, multiple school athletic programs, Board and Executive Committee member of the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Association of REALTORS and National Association of REALTORS

Learn the business first as an assistant, then make the leap of faith to becoming your own agent. This is the largest investment someone will make in their lifetime and it is a great responsibility to guide them through it. Learning while you still have income to then be proficient in the transaction makes the next step leap easier so you aren’t learning all at once, while trying to provide income for your family.

FAMILY My awesome husband Richard Tallant; my three daughters Phoenix, Serenity and Celeste — all the loves of my life. HOMETOWN I grew up with military parents and traveled around quite often. I was born in Germany, have lived in Seattle, Washington, Michigan and Georgia. In 1989 my family moved to Fairbanks, Alaska and my father retired in 1992 and we moved to North Pole.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Looking at houses in other states!

CURRENT CITY North Pole

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Bagging groceries at the Commissary on Ft. Wainwright.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? To give your family the best of you, not what is left of you.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND WHAT IS YOUR PITCH WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAUSE? Wearing a red cape dressed as a super hero in front of 800 people for the American Heart Association had a huge impact on me. Not only the mission of the AHA group on a national scale but the amazing work our local association does to put on the most successful Go Red event in the country is inspiring to me. Find your passion, and go all in with your strengths to elevate that cause to a whole new level.

PARIS PHOTOGRAPHICS

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY?

At age 12 or so, I would go to work with my dad, who was an IT specialist at a lumberyard office. The office assistants found out I could use a fax machine and computer, so they sat me in a cubical and had me input delivery tickets, send tickets to the yard, and file tickets away. I loved to organize anything, so it was fun for me — didn’t seem like work at all. I remember being paid, so I suppose this was my first job.

Whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do. — Walt Disney

The devil whispered in my ear, “You’re not strong enough to withstand the storm.” I whispered back, “I am the storm.”

PRESIDENT • COPPER MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION SHAREHOLDER SERVICES MANAGER • THE TATITLEK CORP. EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, computer science, University of Alaska Fairbanks; executive MBA, information technology, Alaska Pacific University; master’s degree, project management, University of Alaska Anchorage COMMUNITY WORK ROSSIA, Inc., board member; Alaska Native Professional Association, board member (2009-2011); Oil Spill Recovery Institute, board member; volunteer to make baked goods for the St. Innocent Orthodox Church Bake Sales; volunteer to make auction items for the Cultural Heritage Week Live Auctions and Russian New Year’s Silent Auctions FAMILY Tomas Andersen, husband; Charli and Andee Andersen, daughters HOMETOWN Born and raised in Tatitlek CURRENT CITY Anchorage

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK?

The village of Tatitlek on a hot summer day. Nothing brings more peace then being home resting on the warm beach with fresh seal cooking over an open fire.

I enjoy beading, making headdresses, fur sewing and jewelry making. But my ultimate love is sewing kuspuks.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE?

Community Youth Worker at age 14. Doing small community projects in the village. Mostly involved brush clearing in the community and helping elders clean their homes and picking berries for them so they can make jam.

In the winter around 1997, it was late in the evening when my mother came in from outside and told me to come look at the sky. Above were the most active and brightest northern lights I have ever seen. They were bright purple, pink and green, swirling and swaying back and forth. Each big movement took my breath away. I don’t remember minding the cold. As quick as they came, they were gone in a few minutes.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. My father, Roy Totemoff. Growing up in a small village there were limited job opportunities and easy access to drugs and alcohol. Against all odds, my father worked hard to provide for his family in a drug and alcohol-free home. His work ethic, integrity and honesty set him apart as a leader in Tatitlek. He became an IRA Council member as well as the Vice President of The Tatitlek Corporation. Today he is the CEO of The Tatitlek Corporation. He has taught me that hard work and dedication is all you need to be successful.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “Five Love Languages.”

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Work on being present and in the moment. We often think about work even when we aren’t at work. When that happens it’s important to be aware of that and come back to the present moment.

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 coordinating Cultural Heritage Week. I don’t often have to convince people to join us. In fact, I have volunteers from near and far that want to get involved every year. But the best selling point is letting them know what they are part of an effort to not only preserve our Alutiiq culture, but to live it and become a part of it.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE ABLE TO GIVE SO MUCH BACK TO THE VILLAGE OF TATITLEK WHERE YOU GREW UP, AND WHAT CONTRIBUTION ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR HOMETOWN? I am incredibly fortunate that my job allows be to be part of these important projects and efforts. Ultimately I’m helping my family live in a better place and that if so fulfilling. The contribution I am the most proud of is the Burial Site Restoration Project. I am part of the team that is working to identify unmarked graves as well as restore all of the current crosses.

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

ALASKA WITH A PRIVATE PRACTICE AND A FEDERAL CERTIFICATION?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? I’ve traveled all over the state for work and play and there are so many places that have just gripped me. All of Alaska is an amazing place!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? It’s hard to pin it down to any one time or place. I road-tripped from Anchorage to Prudhoe Bay with 3 girlfriends; camped in Hatcher’s Pass with family; did a kayaking and camping trip out of Whittier with friends; volunteered in checkpoints along the Iditarod trail and made life-long friends; and of course, my work takes me all over the state by plane and helicopter so there’s just so many incredible memories.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. I have tremendous respect for so many people I’ve known that have persevered in spite of challenging life circumstances.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Biking, exploring, gardening

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Milking cows on my parents’ dairy farm

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Keep working at it. I don’t feel like I do a very good job of this on a day to day basis but I do make sure that if I’m working 16 hours days, 7 days a week in the summer that I take time in the other seasons, when things slow down a little bit, to catch up with family and friends, have some adventures, and enjoy life. I suppose I’m a work hard, play hard type of person and I make sure that over the course of several months the work and life balance out.

HOW DID YOU END UP IN THE UNIQUE POSITION AS A FEMALE SURVEYOR IN

I never set out to break down any barriers; I just liked surveying. However, women surveyors are pretty rare so I’ve spent almost my entire career as the only woman in the room. When I completed my licensing requirements in 2009, less than 5 percent of surveyors were women. Today it’s about 8 percent. I became a Certified Federal Surveyor in 2011 and I think I was the only woman in private practice to pursue that certification. We’re slowing changing the demographics but being a woman business owner in the surveying field is still an anomaly. When I’m working out in the field, particularly in the villages, I think it’s really positive for young girls to see me doing what they assume is a man’s job. When I was in Yakutat last summer, my field assistant and I were talking to some school children while we were working. They were asking him about what we were doing and he told them to ask me because I was the boss. A couple girls got really excited and asked incredulously, “You’re a woman and a boss?” I think the biggest impediment for many women to pursuing technical careers is the perceptions they have in their heads based on what they see in world around them. So challenging those perceptions and showing these girls that women can do these jobs can really open them up to new possibilities.

LAND SURVEYOR, PRESIDENT/ CO-OWNER • GLOBAL POSITIONING SERVICES INC. EDUCATION Land surveying, Paul Smith’s College; business economics, SUNY Potsdam COMMUNITY WORK Alaska Society of Professional Land Surveyors, Anchorage Chapter Treasurer; Iditarod communications and trail volunteer; FAMILY Jill and Lee Vaughan, Parents; seven siblings and 13 nieces and nephews HOMETOWN Moira, NY CURRENT CITY Anchorage

WHAT’S THE MOST EXTREME WORK YOU’VE HAD TO DO IN ALASKA? The environment and isolation in Alaska is really what makes our work extreme. Most days in the field I’m dropped off by helicopter as close as possible to a remote work site with a crewmember and about 100 pounds of gear and we hike in to wherever we need to be. If all goes well it’s pretty uneventful but you’re in the Alaskan wilderness and there’s any number of things that can make things pretty exciting, pretty fast. We hike across rock slides, beaver dams, or (continued on page 52)

A job worth doing is worth doing well. MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FREEDOM HOUSE

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. — Corrie Tenboom

EDUCATION High school diploma COMMUNITY WORK Rehab ministry, 8+ years; female assistant chaplain at Wildwood prison in Kenai; NODA volunteer through local hospital; Alaska village mission trips to Pilot Station, Dillingham, Bethel, Emmonak, Kodiak, St.Michael, Stebbins, Juneau FAMILY Danny Waller, husband of 12+ years; Sarah (15), Asher (7), daughters; Trent, son (11) HOMETOWN Born in Soldotna raised in Sterling CURRENT CITY Sterling

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? Quartz Creek Campground, Cooper Landing. I find peace and serenity kayaking on Kenai Lake.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Class 5 White water rafting down Six Mile Creek in Hope.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. Danny, my husband. He never gave up on me when I was at my worst. He has continued to be my biggest fan and encourager in life. He has taught me how to forgive and put others before myself.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Garage Saleing and moose hunting

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? McDonald’s

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? “Compelled by Love” by Heidi Baker

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? God First, then self-care, Marriage, children, and then job. Anything worth value is going to take time. Where is your time spent? Does it line up with your lists of value?

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 founding and running of Freedom House. Bringing awareness of the need for housing for those seeking help and recovery has been the way to engage the community.

HOW HAVE YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES HELPED OTHERS OVERCOME THEIR ADDICTIONS AND WHAT KIND OF STRATEGIES COULD BE APPLIED BROADLY IN ALASKA TO DEAL WITH THE OPIOID CRISIS? Having been addicted to drugs and alcohol for almost 10 years, overdosing multiple times landing myself in multiple hospitals and three rehabs, I know the pit of despair that most addicts are in. I can relate to the destruction and hopelessness and am living proof that a life can be changed, and restored to not only sobriety, but to a life of freedom and joy through Jesus Christ. A strategy that could be applied throughout the state is to never give up on that loved one or co-worker who has lost their way. Keep reaching out to them, send them a text that says you care, walk with them through the hard steps of getting the help they need. If you don’t know anyone personally, volunteer your time or give financially to programs that are on the front lines fighting the epidemic that has taken over the great State of Alaska.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ALASKA AND WHY? I love the wild spaces which are interwoven within and just beyond our most urban places, which make Anchorage such a magical place to both work and play: crust skiing the Anchorage coastal flats in spring, watching the sun rise alone on Peak 2 in the summer before work, running the Kincaid bluff trail in the fall, skiing in Hatcher Pass in the dead of winter.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ALASKA EXPERIENCE? Racing Crow Pass Crossing for the first time in 11 months after having my first son. He was teething and I was sick and hadn’t slept in a week, and I was having a terrible race. And then I hit the last few miles of the trail, and one by one my husband, good friends, and family joined me on the trail, until I crossed the finish line to my son, in pain but with great joy.

NAME THE PERSON YOU MOST RESPECT AND WHY. My husband. He is intelligent in ways that I wish I was. And he puts people first.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? Running in the mountains, and playing outside with my sons.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Delivering the St. Lawrence Plaindealer, the local weekly paper in my hometown. I like to think that even at 12 I knew the value of reliable local news.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND? For fiction, Wallace Stegner’s “Angle of Repose.” For non-fiction, Jane Jacobs’ “The Death and Life of Great American Cities.” When I discovered Jacobs in my early 20s it was a revelation which has in many ways defined what I’ve done with my life since.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Don’t waste time on things that aren’t important to you, or that you don’t really enjoy,

PHOTOS BY M. SCOTT MOON

out of a sense of obligation. Play the long game; heeding the advice of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, that you may be able to have it all, but “you can’t have it all at once.” Don’t mistake quantity of work for quality of work. Remember to take care of yourself, because at the end of the day you’re the only one who has to.

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 had the opportunity to teach at several different points in my career, with students ranging from elementary school to college, and have had the unique privilege in several contexts to teach elements of community involvement: how government works and how to engage with it, how to run for local office, how to look critically at your community and flex available resources to create policy solutions. It’s the most rewarding thing to help lead young people to a place of engagement. I hope to be able to get back to this work at some point in my career. My best pitches are always when I can match a cause to a person with the unique talent, ability, or time to help, to give someone the opportunity to use their unique gifts to make something good happen in the world.

PLEASE SHARE HOW YOU’VE SEEN AND HELPED ARCTIC ENTRIES BLOSSOM SINCE YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH IT EARLY ON? When I joined the Arctic Entries Board, the show was just filling the theater at the Snow Goose, we scrambled every month to find enough storytellers, and we were operating entirely on a cash basis out of a shoe box. As a lawyer who cares about organizational sustainability, I’m proud that Arctic Entries is now a functioning 501(c)3 non-profit organization incorporated in Alaska, with pro bono counsel and accounting resources (and a bank account!). As a member of the community, and a storyteller, who believes deeply in the mission of the organization, I’m so pleased to see the crowds who line up month after month to share, listen, and connect over the relatively simple concept of seven storytellers sharing their honest voices.

MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

MUNICIPAL ATTORNEY MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree, sociology, Harvard University; juris doctor from Yale Law School COMMUNITY WORK Vice president, Alaska Municipal Attorneys Association; former member, Municipal Board of Ethics; former board member, Story Coach, and pro bono counsel, Arctic Entries; alumni interviewer, Harvard University; aPro Bono Clinic; former Vestry member, Youth Group leader, and Sunday School teacher, Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church; pro bono volunteer, Alaska Institute for Justice and Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. FAMILY Bill Pearson, husband; Sam and David, sons HOMETOWN Canton, NY CURRENT CITY Anchorage

The more things you do, the more you can do. — Lucille Ball

BDO CONGRATULATES

flowlinealaska.com

JOY MERRINER

(907) 456-4911

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for being nominated and selected as a member of the Alaska Journal of Commerce 2018 Top Forty Under 40.

When you are someone’s lawyer, you spend a lot of time with them and get to know them. You find common ground that you never thought could exist, and you get a real understanding of where they came from and how their lives turned out the way they did. The way to get staff and other lawyers to help you on these matters is to persuasively explain the injustice that has occurred. People are good and do not want to see people wronged and will jump into the fight to right a wrong.

Joy Merriner Audit Partner

BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to a wide range of publicly traded and privately held companies. We offer a sophisticated array of services and the resources and capabilities of the BDO global network, combined with the personal attention of experienced professionals.

We know pipes. Inside and out.

In my short career, I have noticed that my most challenging cases are not typically the most legally technical cases. In other words, a case about real estate can be much more challenging that a case about intellectual property. The most challenging case I have worked on is a recent pro bono case where I represent a 73-year-old woman who had been tricked, on her husband’s deathbed, into signing a deed that transferred her home of nearly 30 years to her step-daughter. Shortly after signing that deed and her husband’s death, the step-daughter kicked my client out of her house, and my client was homeless. The case was very challenging because of the logistics of representing a homeless person. She did not show up for a court hearing one day because she had been admitted to the emergency room with pneumonia. She could not remember many details of her day-to-day life. She did not have reliable friends. The case has been fully litigated and we are currently awaiting a decision from the judge. I will let you know the result when I get the court’s order. I am waiting with bated breath.

Desiré Shepler Homegrown Talent Congratulations

Desiré!

From Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship recipient to director of R.O.C.K. Mat-Su, there’s nothing you can’t do. Your commitment to your family and to all the people of Mat-Su is unparalleled, as is your leadership. We can’t wait to see what the 711future Gaffney Rd. #100 holds! Fairbanks, AK 99701 711 Gaffney Rd. #100 Fairbanks, AK 99701

Congratulations Angie Tallant!

HOW DID YOU DEVELOP YOUR PASSION FOR BRINGING AFFORDABLE ENERGY TO RURAL AREAS OF ALASKA AND HOW HAVE YOU SEEN ITS BENEFITS TAKE SHAPE IN SOUTHEAST?

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would be weeks of helping local people affected by the attacks in New York and Washington. By October, I was in New York, making sure families were getting the help they needed, post-disaster, at an assistance center staffed by volunteers from all across the country. Seeing strangers offer each other help, seeing people at the lowest moment of their lives still willing to reach out and support each other — that was one of the most moving experiences of my life. My pitch to others is this: The best way to see the best that humanity is capable of is to volunteer. Especially in this political climate, if you’re feeling down about how divided people can be, get out and volunteer for something— and you’ll quickly see how powerful we can be, how much change we can inspire, when we work together.

YOU’VE DONE A LOT OF WORK TELLING OTHER PEOPLE’S STORIES. WHAT WAS IT LIKE WRITING YOUR FIRST FICTION NOVEL, THE WILD INSIDE, THAT WAS RELEASED IN MARCH?

somersandassociates.net

456-SOLD (7653)

somersandassociates.net 711 Gaffney Rd. #100

Fairbanks,(7653) AK 99701 456-SOLD

220 Park Way, Suite #A North Pole, AK 99705

220somersandassociates.net Park Way, Suite #A North Pole, AK 99705

456-SOLD (7653)

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220 IPark Way, #A at APU in 2009 and finished mySuite undergrad North Pole, AK 99705 then immediately started my MBA while working fulltime as the director of sales at the Hotel

So I wrote my first book for me — it’s exactly the kind of thing I like to read — a novel that mixes literary ideas with elements of horror. Seeing it out in the world now is dazzling and a little surreal.

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WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING CASE YOU’VE WORKED ON EITHER PAID OR PRO BONO AND HOW DID IT TURN OUT?

At Flowline Alaska, we’ve spent decades helping to keep oil flowing on the North Slope. It’s a record we’re proud of, and we look forward to a future where we can provide the service and support necessary to grow and expand Alaska’s energy industry. Because we want to keep Alaska’s oil flowing, today and tomorrow.

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Captain Cook. I ate poorly, had no real time for exercise and my weight got out of control. On July 28, 2010, Sitka 43 crashed on a training run for the Air Show. I was recalled back to active duty and was assigned as a team lead when we recovered all four airman that perished. We were in hazmat suits in a large area of wreckage and my body wasn’t well equipped for the work we had to do. The following week I connected with Arctic CrossFit on JBER and began training. I lost 50 pounds in 6 months and close to 100 pounds in a year. I noticed how quickly CrossFit helped me get into shape. I wanted to adapt the programming to work with my athletes at Challenge Alaska and Special Olympics. I wrote to CrossFit HQ and was able to get their blessing to start up CrossFit Overcome in 2013.

When I was writing The Wild Inside, it was just an extension of what I’ve been doing my whole life. I’ve always written fiction — short stories, mostly. I had no idea if anyone else would want to read a book about a feral Alaskan girl who liked to trap and hunt and who needed to figure out how a man bleeding from a wound in his gut wound up in her back yard one day.

I developed my passion for rural infrastructure after living as a Peace Corps volunteer in a rural village in Zambia where there was none. Affordable energy determines which communities have economies and sustainable futures, and which do not. It is exciting to see ANCSA corporations taking steps to access renewable energy on lands conveyed through ANCSA. In Alaska, ANCSA corporations, tribes, utilities, and communities have opportunities to work together to realize amazing benefits that one stakeholder cannot achieve on its own.

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASTIME OR HOBBY AWAY FROM WORK? My mother gave me her Canon AE-1 when I was 14. I loved film and have not looked back. Now as an accomplished professional photographer, I enjoy the craft as an outlet to use the other side of my brain, given my daily endeavors are so left brained…presently.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? The Downtown Deli when Gov. Tony Knowles owned/operated it. I was a busser and occasional dishwasher.

WHAT IS THE BOOKS DO YOU MOST OFTEN RECOMMEND?: Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning”, Timothy Keller’s “The Prodical God”, and Mark Manson’s “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a ****”

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON MAINTAINING A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE? I don’t think it exists. That is the curse of our generation. What we are and who we are are all intertwined. My job or career is not who I am, which is probably why I don’t have a “career” unfortunately. I have pursued a life of truth, character development, and relationships, despite my best efforts to be “successful”. As such, I have yet to find a pot of gold, or a solid “job/career” but I have become wealthy by my own terms with authentic relationships. My work, as I have discovered, are the relationships I build in this life, and so far, the joy I reap in these relationships is causing me to ask what balance is needed? It would be nice to make more money one day, but until then, I am thoroughly filled with my present “life” and “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? In 2016 the UA Board of Regents were going to cut UA Skiing. We banded together and I help stir the pot. www.savealaskaskiing.com was created and a movement was birthed. My pitch, as in most pitches recently, is that if one aspect of our community is suffering, we all loose. Ergo, if we loose UA Skiing, it would take away the point base all the junior and up-and-comers rely on. So the “who cares” we sometimes her on social media should make us think twice, as we are all connected. Loosing alpine skiing would have cost all winter sports eventually.

HOW DID ALL THE COMMUNICATION AND ORGANIZATION SKILLS YOU’VE DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS COME TOGETHER IN YOUR EFFORTS REGARDING HEALTH CARE IN THE LAST YEAR? I have developed my leadership skills by embracing my vulnerabilities and weaknesses. I have been fortunate to have some tremendous mentors. Essentially, I build coalitions and help sculpt a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Being a gifted political advocate

and lobbyist is about bring desperate people and ideas together, not polarizing people and communities. Coalitions do not function with command and control leadership styles, as coalitions are free flowing and made up of individuals and organizations. As such, servant leadership coupled with creative and encouragement based leadership is what works best. I can’t force people to do anything, I can just serve and invigorate the cause…which is how I get it done. I serve people, and thus can build a collaborative and supportive environment that allows for progress and success. Seems to have worked thus far?

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believe that the Mountain View Community Council has been working hard to highlight the positive things that happen in the community. The most successful efforts have been around public safety. From organizing rally’s and having discussions about community watch, and Mountain View patrol, to getting foot patrols, and most recently signing an MOU with Brown Jug, we have worked well as a council, and a community to stand up and say: “Great Families Live Here.”

My father is now 75 years of age and I don’t know if he will do another walk, but we hope to keep the Walk for Tsucde alive by incorporating it into other awareness campaigns in the future. I would suggest finding a cause that you are passionate about. I have done other volunteer work here in Alaska, but the Walk for Tsucde was about education on our customary and traditional ways. This is something my grandmother fought the rest of her life for and this is our way to honor her legacy.

YOU HAVE ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS NAMES IN ALASKA. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF WORKING TO KEEP UP SUCH AN IMPORTANT LEGACY FOR THE STATE AND ITS NATIVE PEOPLE? I am honored to have a grandma who worked and fought for our subsistence way of life. I don’t feel I could ever live up to her status, but I can work hard every day like she did to ensure our people are getting the best healthcare, that our customary and traditional ways are protected, that we honor our elders, that we protect our lands, and that we treat we other with respect. My grandmother did not do all she did for recognition or accolades, she did it for her family, our people and the State of Alaska. My responsibility as a mother is to pass down what I was taught from my parents and grandparents to my daughter. She is fortunate to have parents of both Ahtna Athabascan and Inupiaq heritage. We want her to be proud of her culture and all that her ancestors have done to preserve this culture. If I can do that, then I’ve done my part to keep her legacy alive.

know if I got through to him. Then on the last day of class, he provided a presentation that overviewed everything we had learned that semester without skipping a beat. He spoke about how much the class had impacted him. How he had learned what privilege was and he could use his to make the world a better place. How he felt all men should take a course like this, and how this course had changed his direction and path for education, and that he wanted to move forward and become an educator about gender and sexual health. It was the most fulfilling experience of my teaching career. I tried not to cry. My pitch when seeking others to get involved in a cause? We are a community. We are in this thing together and when we act together, and stand up for the things we believe in, we can make positive change. That, if you have a voice, and the privilege of giving your time, money, or energy, you absolutely should, because it is our responsibility to build the future and community we want to see.

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE YOU MOST OFTEN FACE IN DEVELOPING THE ARTS IN ALASKA AND HOW HAVE YOU LEARNED TO OVERCOME IT? Sometimes people do not see the value in art; they see it as a luxury or a commodity. I think this stems from a lack of understanding or exposure to what arts can do. The arts have saved my life time and again. The arts are a voice, they are a way for us to communicate and to reflect who we are, as individuals, as a culture, as a place. In all of the arts development that I do, I focus on accessibility, of finding ways to make art accessible to all; regardless of means or experience. I do this professionally by providing tours and workshops on Public Art, by educating what public art means to a community. I’ve hosted block parties bringing artists into the street and exposing them to people who may never have encountered that form of expression before, or by coordinating art shows in public places. I think when we bring community together around the arts, and take the time to discuss how art can create positive change, the challenges start to melt away.

my technical ability or background, but rather should tailor my communication to make sure all of my clients are well equipped to make healthy financial decisions to move their organizations forward successfully into the future.

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lost their careers and/or moved away because of the removal of it and lack of support to diversify Alaska’s economy. I wanted to find a way to continue to give these people an outlet to tell their stories and create their art. All in all I didn’t like seeing my friends have to move away from their homes or find new jobs. That was the initial motivation to keep the film industry alive. Later it morphed to our new mission statement and Alaska Filmmakers has a very long road ahead of it, right now we are in stages 1 and 2 our of mission “Create. Educate.” Looking ahead we want a new tax credit that will not just be good for outside companies but will work for the independent Alaska filmmakers too and Alaska Filmmakers will have fulfilled its final mission to “Sustain.”

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to walk along those paths that our ancestors walked. In 2014, 2015, and 2017, our family helped organized the Walk for Tsucde. My father said all he wanted to do was focus on walking and meeting people along the way. So we helped to raise money and awareness for the Walk for Tsucde and also to contribute to the Batzulnetas culture camp, which was my grandma’s fish camp.

feel gratitude for being a part of the journey for so many students. One moment in my teaching career that filled me with great joy and emotion was in a Women and Gender Studies course. This particular course was dominated by female identified students. Of the bunch, there were two male identified persons. There was one who was particularly quiet. He did well in course, had excellent scores on his assignments, wrote great papers, did his share in group work, but was reserved. Throughout the class, I could not tell what his experience was; positive or negative, I didn’t

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My role is to make sure that they understand the financial information, the implications, and the right path forward. I don’t need to prove

relationships. The partners of R.O.C.K. Mat-Su are residents of Mat-Su who care deeply about each other as well as improving the lives of children and families in our community, and that caring is what sees them through tough discussions and overcoming challenges to improve the systems that serve children and families.

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 of my favorite memories engaging with a community organization was when I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Raleigh, North Carolina. I knew nothing about building homes (I still know very little), so framing a house was way out of my comfort zone. I realized that community service helps others, sure, but in volunteering I was changed. Watching the families work side by side with us to build their home was humbling. Here I was, able to take time away from my job to help a family that was willing to build their own house with others’ help. To get involved and help others is a luxury for many of us, because we walk away at the very lease with a new perspective and at the most, a new hope for the good of humanity.

TRAFFIC CAN BE LIKE THE WEATHER: EVERYONE COMPLAINS BUT NO ONE DOES ANYTHING ABOUT IT. WHAT IS THE KEY TO A GOOD LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN, ESPECIALLY IN AN AREA LIKE THE MAT-SU WHERE RAPID GROWTH IS OCCURRING? If I had to pick one thing to do to help a community’s planning go well, it would be to provide a forum for residents to figure out their own solutions. In the case of traffic issues, many residents already know the challenges, but cannot identify a solution that will work in the long run. I believe people are able to plan and implement their futures with localized solutions if we focus on our values as a collective community. The only difference between myself and other residents is I have that toolbox of solutions nestled away in my brain – courtesy of over a decade of education, research, and work experience. If my team and I do a good job in the Valley, we will help equip motivated community members with the tools of imagination and problem solving.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.ANHC.ORG

Congratulations! Our employees have a proud tradition of commitment to our community.

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tundra tussocks; we’re running chainsaws; we’re dealing with wildlife and weather; and we know in the back of our minds that there’s always the chance that our helicopter isn’t going to make it back to us that night. Our living conditions also vary. Sometimes we have all the amenities of home but I’ve spent weeks in camps with no running water, no showers, and no connection to the outside world other than a satellite phone for emergencies.

We’re lucky to have an amazing team that gives great service to our patients. Laci Michaud, MSC

Communications & Marketing Specialist Top Forty Under 40 in 2018

Ghazal Ringler, DMD

Chief Dental Officer Top Forty Under 40 in 2014

(907) 743-7200 | 4951 BUSINESS PARK BLVD.

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

Keri Nutter! Your ability to wow clients, manage projects (near and far), and be the person everyone wants at the party is unmatched. DOWL is a better company because you’re a part of it.

Tasha Hotch & Dr. Ben Crawford

SHAPING OUR FUTURE • LIVING OUR VALUES • LEADING TOGETHER

ahtna-inc.com

Thanks for your leadership. RepResentative GeRan taRR & senatoR tom BeGich

Congratulations Grayson Continue to shoot for the stars! Congratulations to the 2018 Top Forty Under 40 honorees

DOWL 52

Alaskaparacord.com

Dr. Genevieve John Ahtna, Inc. Board Member & Southcentral Foundation Senior Chiropractor

Thank you Ahtna shareholder Dr. Genevieve John for providing a positive example for the next generation of leaders.

HONORING TOMORROW’S LEADERS TODAY.

Hilton Hotels NVISION Alaska Children’s Trust Holland & Knight

First National Bank Alaska

Alaska Light & Power Bering Straits Native Corporation BP (Exploration) Alaska

BDO USA, LLP Flowline Alaska, Inc. Mat-Su Health Foundation Somers & Associates REALTORS, Inc.

DOWL Representative Geran Tarr & Senator Tom Begich Alaska Paracord Design

Accurate Vision Clinic Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center Ahtna, Inc.

Nominate Alaska’s top young professionals WHO HAVE SHOWN THEY’RE GREAT AT THEIR JOBS AND ARE GOOD FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES.

KNOW ANY OUTSTANDING UNDER-40 SOMETHINGS?

Criteria:

Younger than 40 (as of December 31, 2018) • Live and work in Alaska year-round Demonstrated professional excellence in their fields • Display a commitment to the community.

LOOK FOR THE NOMINATION FORMS THIS FALL AT WWW.ALASKAJOURNAL.COM THOSE SELECTED WILL BE HONORED AT A SPECIAL EVENT IN APRIL 2019. MORE DETAILS TO COME.