WENDIE MACNAUGHTON | 39 EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MANAGER; CO-OWNER

NORTHERN STAR RESOURCES-POGO MINE; BLUE MOOSE STORAGE

Hometown/Current City: Fairbanks

Education: Bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology, UAF

Community Work: Alaska Miners Association, Board Member (2021-present); Council of Alaska Producers, Board Member/Executive Committee Member/Treasurer (2018- present); Resource Development Council, Board Member (2018- present); Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, Board Member and Energy & Natural Resources Committee and Government Relations Committee Member, National Mining Association Board Rep (2019-present); Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games, Merchandising Co-Chair, 2014; Breast Cancer Detection Center of Alaska, Executive Leadership Team and BCDC Annual Gala Chair (2022); American Heart Association, Executive Leadership Team (2018-2022) Production Committee (2018, 2019), Go Red For Women Event Chair (2019) and Fairbanks Heart Walk Event Chair (2020)

Family: Son, Landon (14); and our mutt, Piper (4). What is your favorite place in Alaska and why?: Three-way tie … is that cheating? On a clear day in Valdez, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s also a bit nostalgic, as I spent many weekends there fishing with my family growing up. Driving to Pogo Mine is also an incredible Alaska experience. It’s beautiful, remote, full of wildlife and diverse landscapes along the way. There’s something magical about the area. It often feels like driving to the gold at the end of the rainbow Finally, my home in Fairbanks: It’s my safe place. A place for rest, recovery, connection and joy.

Name the person you respect and why: My dad: He has extraordinary work ethic, is incredibly dedicated to his family, full of compassion and has the character of someone that most people have only read about. He is the epitome of integrity, and quite possibly the greatest human I’ve ever met.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?: I recently reignited my love of skiing! My son learned in a day, and he’s just as hooked. We try to go every weekend that the weather, and hockey schedule, allows.

What was your first job?: I started babysitting at age 12, but one of my first “real” jobs was working at the Santa Claus House in North Pole. It was my first experience in customer service. The tourists got a chuckle when I told them I was Santa’s helper, and I was often told I was the tallest elf they had ever seen.

What has been your most rewarding community service?: Co-chairing Go Red for Women was a full circle moment for me. After working with the Heart Association for several years it was an opportunity to support the organization from a different angle. We enjoyed getting creative and going big. The results: The most attendees of all time - now armed with lifesaving information - most dollars raised at Go Red in Fairbanks history, first rock concert and music video produced for the event and so many amazing memories.

In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling?: Working on behalf of Northern Star Resources on projects that make big, sustainable impacts on local communities are easily the most fulfilling. Seeing the long-term, positive effects of Northern Star’s contributions on the Interior is my favorite part of being a miner. While wearing a different hat, I recently became a co-owner of a local small business on a very short timeline with no previous experience and many challenges. I have been involved with Blue Moose Storage in some capacity for nearly 20 years. While I knew the ins and outs of operating the operation, I had never set out to purchase a business. I spent every spare hour I had researching, asking questions and learning as I went.

While a very proud moment for me, I know that no professional achievement in my life was ever accomplished alone. Whether there is direct involvement with colleagues, guidance from mentors or support from family and friends - it’s ALWAYS a team effort. Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give on maintaining a good work-life balance?: I’m certainly no expert and I’m not sure there’s a magic formula. It’s constantly a balance, and for me it often comes down to prioritization. Layers of prioritization. When I start to feel off balance, I take a step back and reflect on goals and order of importance. It often helps me to remember that saying “no” to one thing means I’m saying “yes” to something more important. Simple, but not easy