EDUCATION:
- Associates in General Studies from University of Alaska Fairbanks (via distance delivery while living in the Aleutians)
- Studied business management at University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Certified Municipal Clerk
BOARD POSITIONS HELD: Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary/Treasurer; currently serving as Secretary. Committees served on: Budget and Finance, Policy, and Shareholder Affairs. Served for many years on The Aleut Foundation Board of Directors.
OCCUPATION & CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Retired since 2009 after 30 years as City Clerk in Sand Point and Unalaska in the Aleut region.
years on the board: 19
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP, AND WHAT LED YOU TO SERVE ON THE TAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
I’ve probably had a much different path to board service than others. I was born in California, and relocated back to the Aleutian region when I was a 1 year-old. My mom’s family was from the Aleutians. I lived in Unga, Squaw Harbor, and Sand Point while growing up, and I also raised my daughter in Sand Point. Living in a small town has many advantages such as everyone comes together to support and help each other.
When I was 21, I was hired as City Clerk/Finance Director for the City of Sand Point. I did that for 12½ years and then was hired as City Clerk for the City of Unalaska. I moved to Unalaska in 1991 and was their City Clerk for 17½ years. I was able to be a part of both communities in exciting times, as they were growing and maturing. In both communities, I served on many different boards and commissions; I even served on the Volunteer EMT and Fire Departments in Sand Point. I was also involved in the creation of the Aleutians East Borough and served on the Assembly for a few years.
I’m not an original shareholder – I was gifted shares from my mother in 1998, and she encouraged me to consider running for the Board. When I first ran in 1998, I didn’t have a clue what the Aleut Corporation did! I researched it and learned as much as I could about it and just ran. I was elected, and as I learned about the Corporation, the more it reeled me in. I became very passionate about serving and fulfilling the Corporation’s mission for our people. I served from 1998-2013, took a break, re-ran in 2016, and was re-elected, and I’ve been on the Board ever since then.
WHY ARE YOU SO PASSIONATE ABOUT SERVING ON THE BOARD?
What really resonated with me is the Corporation’s mission to turn a profit and benefit shareholders. All my life, I had worked in non-profit and government, and engaging with the Corporation and its mission for our people was exciting for me. There have been some challenges in the 19 years I have been involved. But I’ve just loved it – and I still have passion for serving today. The Aleut Corporation is on a good path to success now and I am proud to say I was a part of it!
For me, our bottom line has always been the most important because when the Corporation is successful, then we are able to fulfill our mission: “to maximize dividends and opportunities for our shareholders.” To me, that means dividends, elder benefits, scholarships, preserving our culture. We have to be successful and profitable first; then we can do the rest.
WHY IS DESCENDANT REGISTRATION SO IMPORTANT?
I believe the Aleut Corporation will eventually open the rolls, and having descendants registered will help when they become new shareholders. In addition, registering will begin the process of generating interest in becoming a shareholder. Descendants qualify now for educational scholarships and I believe there are many descendants out there who do not know this. I also believe in gifting shares, as I was gifted mine. Since we do not know when the rolls will open, I encourage everyone to consider gifting even 1 share to make the younger generation shareholders. To me, this is so important, as the Aleut Corporation will eventually become theirs. Fun fact: next year, original shareholders’ average age will be 50+.
THE THEME FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING THIS YEAR IS, “ATAQAN AKUN”, WHICH MEAN “WE ARE ONE” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?
I view Ataqan Akun in three parts. First, it means that Unangan/Aleut – we are one. Second, it means that Alaska Native people – we are one. Third, it means the human race – we are one. I believe in all three. We must support each other.
WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR THE CORPORATION TO LOOK LIKE IN THE FUTURE?
I want the Aleut Corporation to be a big, thriving – dare I say – billion-dollar Corporation annually so that we can continue to fulfill our mission. I think that growth and success are absolutely achievable. That’s why mentorship and engaging and encouraging our youth are so important. Eventually, it will become their Corporation. I actively mentor young people when I can, because I want to see them involved. It is an investment in the future, and a way of giving back. Passing on some of my experience and knowledge to our future leaders – that is very important to me.