Distinguished Acheivement Hall of Fame

Eric Ward (BHS 1996), Honor Graduate, athlete and leader in high school, never stopped. Senior class president and student council vice-president, he was selected by faculty to be a student speaker at graduation. A threeseason athlete (football, wrestling, track), he joined the Army National Guard (field medic) in high school, then served for six years.

Ward’s high school football coach called Ward “a remarkable young leader,” “with exceptional qualities,” who “symbolizes the very qualities the Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame recognizes, embraces and honors,” an “inspirational” leader, “dedicated teammate” and “fierce competitor.” Ward’s “roots are respect, loyalty, service, compassion and a standard of excellence” carried out “quietly,” “humbly,” with a “willing heart to learn.”

Sockeye specializes in technology to improve business operations and finances across industries and nonprofits, governor’s offices in 3 states, state and federal agencies, oil field support companies and the Alaska Native Corporation, consulting and supporting in business analysis, systems design and implementation, training, documentation and platform integration.

Sockeye now has approximately 50 employees in 30 states, customers across the U.S. and Canada and has served clients from Barrow, Alaska, to San Juan, Puerto. It has grown organically and by acquisition. Sockeye has received industry awards placing Sockeye at the top of its field, nationally, and Ward regularly speaks and presents at national software conferences.

Eric Ward | BHS, 1996

His high school track coach described Ward’s dedication, determination, tenacity and heart as “second to none” as an eminently coachable athlete who overcame lack of size and lesser physical abilities, a role model, ultimate teammate and captain of the team.

A North Dakota State University (BS, Mathematics; BA Education) graduate, Ward entered the software industry (Microsoft, in North Dakota). While with Microsoft, he received the Bill Gates Award for intellect, mastery and interpersonal skills.

Soon, Ward (and his 7 months along pregnant with first child wife) moved to Alaska to join an accounting firm to apply his math/software skills. Soon, Ward and two partners started a business software company, Sockeye Business Solutions, in a rented basement, with Ward as president. He holds major software certifications.

Others have described Sockeye as an extension of who Eric Ward is, given its business model based on character, empathy and expertise, but also because of its respectful regard for its employees and its mantras: “Believe that it is possible.” “Live with integrity.” “Value your work.” “Challenge the status quo.”

Ward is a volunteer coach for his children’s high school track and soccer teams, teaches preparatory confirmation classes and is his church’s technology go-to person, fundraises and chaperones for World Youth Day and conferences across the country, is a lay Eucharistic minister, involved in men’s retreat and serves on the board of education of his children’s school.

Ward’s personal skills, centered on kindness, respect, discipline, determination, innovation and grit, are the “through line” describing the teenage Eric Ward and the Eric Ward of today.