2026 Top Forty Under 40

Class of 2026

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Samantha Angaiak-Miller

External Affairs Associate Manager, Donlin Gold

Hometown: Bethel, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

M.A., communications, Johns Hopkins University, in progress; Women’s Leadership Program, Yale School of Management; B.A., English, Brown University; Bethel Regional High School

Highlight your community work:

I’m honored to be part of an amazing team at Donlin Gold that helps shape how the project connects with Yukon-Kuskokwim communities through information sharing, participating in events, cultural preservation efforts, promoting educational opportunities and relaying community values to the company.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Engaging with Y-K communities, assisting with community projects like the backhaul program, sending dictionaries to third graders, distributing life vests to villages during the summer and helping navigate through hardships. The most rewarding part of community engagement is being able to show through actions and presence, that we care deeply about being a good neighbor and showing up in ways that reflect the values of the Y-K region.

What was your first job?

Dog handler for a local musher as my after-school job.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

As a journalist, earning the trust of communities, relatives, friends and even strangers to open up and share their stories with me. It added a lot of pressure to deliver their stories accurately and with integrity, but I felt deeply honored to have been entrusted with sharing positive news, personal achievements and sometimes the most challenging moments of their lives with all of Alaska.

Please share some background about your family.

My parents are John and Barb Angaiak of Bethel, now retired in Homer. Dad grew up in the remote village of Tununak, with his parents, Mike Angaiak Sr. and Susie Angaiak, and 10 siblings: David, Apaci “Mike,” Andy, Hubert, Anna, Pete, Paul, Bob, Danny and Sancho. Mom grew up in Los Angeles, with her parents, Beryl and Jo Seegel, and her two siblings, Mark and Lynne.

Name the person who influenced you the most. It’s a tie between Mom and Dad. They both influenced me greatly in different ways. Mom was a sixth grade math teacher and her patience, consistency and level of care for her students taught me to value the wellbeing of others beyond our own household.

Dad’s dedication to the Y-K region, through his work in nonprofits, grant writing, program development and singing in Yup’ik showed me the importance of giving back.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Berry picking on the open tundra.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Fishing with my family.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Always trust your intuition.

“Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and make a trail.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

35

Hometown: North Pole, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota; University of Alaska

Highlight your community

I volunteer weekly at Off the Chain Bike Shop in Anchorage, helping repair bikes, supporting customers and jumping in wherever I am needed. Hockey has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, so coaching felt like a natural way to give back. For the past three years, I have coached the Alaska All-Stars 8U hockey team. I also mentor an eighth grade student each week as they work through their annual Waldorf project. Beyond those regular commitments, I volunteer for trail maintenance and help with fundraisers for nonprofits such as the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

What has been your most rewarding community

Taking on the role of head coach for the Alaska AllStars 8U hockey team this season. I originally signed up because I love the

Navarone Copley

Branch Manager, Republic Services

game, but it quickly became about much more than hockey. It has been amazing to watch as the kids have grown as hockey players and as teammates over the course of the season.

What was your first job?

Temp. Office Assistant, Ken Murray Insurance.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Supporting emergency response and environmental services for essential community organizations. Our team helps make sure critical infrastructure can stay open, safe and operational when unexpected situations happen. I work closely with a team that responds to urgent needs, whether that means addressing a sudden facility issue, coordinating cleanup or making sure environments are safe for the people who rely on them. When we do our job well, schools can keep operating, community services can continue and people can focus on their work without worrying about the space around them. Knowing that our efforts help keep important organizations running safely makes the long days worthwhile.

Please share some background about your family.

My family is originally from interior Alaska and living in Anchorage now. We build community through volunteerism and spending as much time as possible with friends, family and neighbors.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

My stepfather, Mark Sanford, taught me the value of hard work and helped me develop the ability to think about the long-term effects of my decisions. These two things have served me well as I’ve built my career. I’m going to cheat and name another person, my wife, Sydney Copley, who has taught me that building community and giving back makes our world so much better.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Nothing beats a warm, sunny day out on the Prince William Sound.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Hockey. I have been playing for 31 years and am still having fun every time I step on the ice.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Stay hungry for knowledge. Every situation, good or bad, contains a lesson.

“If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?”

— T.S. Elliot

Laura Dean

Financial Advisor/Franchise Owner, Ameriprise

Financial LLC

Hometown: Champlin, MN

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Graduate Certificate, personal financial planning, Kansas State University, ongoing; Certified Exit Planning Advisor®, Exit Planning Institute, 2025; Certified Military Financial Advisor®, Dalton Education, 2023; M.A., intelligence studies, American Military University, 2016; B.S., political science, United States Air Force Academy, 2011

Highlight your community work:

I currently serve as a JBER Honorary Commander, where I work alongside installation leadership to strengthen alignment between Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and the broader Anchorage community. I am also a Board Member of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of its Military Committee. As First Vice Commander of The American Legion Post 1, I have helped lead modernization efforts aimed at increasing engagement, strengthening governance and ensuring long-term sustainability for one of Alaska’s most historic posts.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

While I’m proud of championing long-term initiatives like the JBER-ANC 10-Year Vision, what makes the work most rewarding is its potential to improve the daily lives of everyday Alaskans. A core component of that vision is bolstering suicide prevention efforts. Knowing that meaningful collaboration could help reduce veteran suicide rates — currently averaging 22 lives lost per day nationwide — makes the work deeply personal.

What was your first job?

Berry Picker at Bauer’s Berry Farm.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

I tend to think of my professional life as two chapters: during and after the Air Force. During my Air Force career, the most defining and rewarding experience was serving as the lead Senior Intelligence Duty Officer during the 2014 US Embassy evacuation from Tripoli. For that mission, I was recognized by the Air Mobility Command Commander for superior performance. After leaving active duty, I am proud to be the first Certified Military Financial Advisor in Alaska and now serve as the lead CMFA across Ameriprise, helping develop resources and initiatives that equip advisors nationwide to better serve military members and veterans.

Please share some background about your family.

I live in Anchorage with my husband, Colin, and our son, Clark. Our family loves traveling, exploring Alaska’s outdoors and intentionally giving Clark the quintessential Alaska experiences that build resilience, curiosity and appreciation for our chosen home.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

I have two people who have inspired me at very different stages of my life. The first is Aurora Yang, a high school senior who told me about the U.S. Air Force Academy when I was a freshman. That single conversation changed the trajectory of my life. Without her mentorship and example, I would not have pursued the Academy, served as an Air Force officer, or built the carrier I have today. The second is my son, Clark. Everything I build now is rooted in the future he will inherit. It is his future that makes every sacrifice worthwhile.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Experiencing Alaska’s craft beer scene. We have a disproportionate concentration of exceptional breweries in this state. If you ever need a recommendation, I’m happy to provide one!

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

I enjoy exploring local craft breweries, watching football with close friends and going on adventures with my family, whether it’s a hike, road trip or a new seasonal experience.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

There will be many versions of you over the course of your life: student, officer, entrepreneur, mother, leader. Don’t let your audacity to pursue the unknown or the difficult ever be diminished. Lean into it.

“In order to succeed, you must believe. In order to believe, you must dream.”

— Unknown

Hometown: Chugiak, AK

Current City: Eagle River, AK

Education/Degrees:

Bachelor of Science, marketing, WP Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, Spanish minor

Highlight your community work:

I’ve been a top fundraiser for the Alaska Heart Run and a repeat racer at Lost Lake, a mountain race to raise money for those with Cystic Fibrosis. For the last few years, I’ve also served on the Board of Directors for Camp Fire Alaska, including serving as 2nd Vice Chair and Co-Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Serving on the board of Camp Fire Alaska. Quality childcare in Alaska is highstakes and hard to find.

Helping expand access to dependable care and scholarships for working families feels incredibly personal and important.

What was your first job?

Ice cream scooper at Cold Stone Creamery at the age of 11. And yes, I did sing for tips.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Launching Spawn’s research and strategy practice. To me, it all boils down to making people feel seen. Research lets us see people as they really are, and

Kaylee Devine

President, Spawn Ideas

strategy is how we show them we understand. That combination leads to the best kind of work — and I love it.

Please share some background about your family.

My family includes my parents, Linda and Tracy Vrem; grandparents, Dan and Ann Farr, and Skip and Eunice Vrem; siblings, Madisyn Brown and Brae Vrem; my husband, Chris Devine; and our kids, Asher and Charlie Devine.

Name the person who influenced you the most. My parents. They taught me everything I know about grit, hard work, compassion, smarts, humor and love. My husband is a close second.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Fly in a bush plane. Get out of cell service. Daydream. Marvel at the scale of our state. Land on a gravel bar. Breathe in that fresh Alaska air. Remember, you’re part of something far bigger than meetings and spreadsheets ... our ancestors didn’t have access to Microsoft Teams, and some days you shouldn’t either.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Anything with my “gusses” — Asher and Charlie. Often, the best part isn’t the adventure on the other end, but the car ride conversation on the way there.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Don’t be so afraid to ask for help. Independence is a strength, but doing everything solo isn’t the badge of honor you think it is. Save yourself, girl, and get some backup from time to time!

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

— Mary Oliver

Laura Ditlinger 32

Director of Business Intelligence, Imaging Associates

Hometown: Zionsville, IN

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Non-traditional education path; developed expertise through progressive leadership roles.

Highlight your community work:

I have supported key events including the Alaska Run for Women, advancing breast cancer awareness and women’s health initiatives; the American Cancer Society through the annual Anchorage Wine & Food Festival, raising funds for cancer prevention, research and patient support; and the Revelations Cycle event benefiting Anchorage Project Access, which provides specialty care to uninsured and lowincome Alaskans. I have also volunteered with the Alaska Health Fair, helping support access to basic health screenings and education.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Having seen family members personally affected by cancer, supporting organizations devoted to prevention and research remains close to my heart. As I have moved through different phases of life, the ways I give back continue to align with my passions and capacity to make an impact.

What was your first job?

Little League base/softball umpire.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Standing up our own large language model (LLM) and developing agentic AI models tailored to radiology workflows with a focus on front-end optimization. This took transforming complex human workflows and refining them into intentional, automated processes that rescue — not replace — exhausted teams facing staffing shortages and growing workloads.

Please share some background about your family. I was raised in a small town in Indiana. My parents have been happily married for decades, modeling steady support in everything they do. My older sister went down the path of marketing in the nonprofit sector with an emphasis on the arts. My family welcomed every “orphaned” animal I brought home, and that open-door spirit carried into the life I’ve created with my partner, Jacob, our young daughter, Lavender, and soon her sibling. Name the person who influenced you the most.

My daughter. She reminds me daily that presence matters more than perfection. Watching her navigate the world with fearless curiosity — and a mildly scary dose of tenacity — has reshaped how I approach leadership with openness, patience and a willingness to try without fear of failure.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Heading deep into Denali National Park, all the way into Kantishna at the end of the road. Being that remote gives you a true sense of Alaska’s scale and solitude like nothing else. The silence is almost physical. Just be sure to bring mosquito nets — they are not shy about reminding you whose wilderness you’re visiting.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Anything that keeps me outdoors. I especially love gardening, my pack of dogs, a good book and spending time on the water. But my favorite pastime is seeing the world through my three-year-old’s eyes.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Confidence comes from doing, not waiting. Dream bigger. Start sooner. Trust yourself.

“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.”

— K ahlil Gibran

Ashlyn Dye

Program and Community Outreach Coordinator, Anchorage Senior Activity Center

Hometown: Anchorage, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Bachelor of Science, applied mathematics and Bachelor of Science, communications with an emphasis in media, University of New Mexico; I am one of six women to have graduated with my mathematics degree that spring, and the only student to have graduated with my two degrees, as it is an odd combination.

Highlight your community work:

I currently serve as Vice Chair and PR Chair of the Anchorage School Business Partnership, strengthening relationships between education and industry and expanding mentorship and workforce opportunities for students.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Rebuilding homes in Valdosta, Georgia. There is a deep humility that comes from working on someone’s home day after day. You build a special relationship with the family whose home you are working on, and every day you are there, that connection grows stronger. Through that experience, I was reminded how fortunate I am and how much responsibility comes with that. It reinforced the power of giving back and how meaningful it is to serve in a way that is personal, hands-on and rooted in relationship.

What was your first job?

Babysitting, but officially a Guest Service Host with HAP Alaska.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

The transformation I’ve witnessed in students from Benny Benson Secondary School. Many of these students face significant barriers, including inconsistent attendance, academic struggles and limited access to positive adult relationships. A principal shared that while some students struggle to consistently show up in traditional school settings, they consistently show up when participating in programs connected to my leadership. Watching students who were once disengaged take responsibility, build confidence and continue volunteering beyond required hours has been deeply meaningful.

Please share some background about your family.

My family has been part of the Alaska community since 1974. Their example of service, faith, education, resilience, entrepreneurship and commitment to their community and neighbors has deeply shaped who I am and how I choose to serve.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

My father’s tender heart for serving others taught me that strength and compassion can exist together. My mother’s resilience showed me how to move forward with determination even in challenging seasons. My grandmother Carolyn modeled unwavering generosity and selflessness, and my other grandparents demonstrated what it means to consistently show up for family and community. Their example of service, perseverance and love was deeply influenced by Jesus, and that influence has shaped the way I approach leadership, community and responsibility in my own life.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

An individual fishing raft down the Kenai River. There’s nothing like floating through that water, surrounded by mountains and wildlife, waiting for a bite. It’s Alaska at its best.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Playing ice hockey and singing!

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Your value is not measured by what you do, the titles you hold, the awards you receive or what others think of you, but by the heart with which you choose to serve.

“[L]et your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

— Matthew 5:16

Program Stephanie Fain

39

Director of University Success, Alaska Native Science and Engineering

Hometown: Habersham, GA

Current City: Palmer, AK

Education/Degrees:

Graduate Licensure, K-12 special education; Master of Education, secondary education; Bachelor of Arts, language and literature

Highlight your community work:

I serve as a custodial visitation supervisor for families of children with special needs. I also volunteer as an IEP advocate for families who are new to the special education process or need help understanding their child’s rights. Currently, I lead the ANSEP Beading Club at the University of Alaska Anchorage and volunteer at both Shaw Elementary and Teeland Middle School.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Currently, I really love leading beading club. I was fortunate to spend time learning from Michelle Bailey, an amazing professor and artist at UAF. She taught me so much, and it’s been a great way to connect with students as we all develop our skills.

What was your first job?

Sandwich Artist at Subway.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Every day, I have the opportunity to encourage students, help guide their decision making, connect them with resources on and off campus, and encourage them to keep going. I feel most fulfilled when I get an email that a student secured an internship, when a student overcomes an obstacle we’ve been working on or when a student just pops by to say hello.

Please share some background about your family.

I am especially proud of my two kiddos, both of whom are hardworking, kind and motivated. Both have won the Alaska Young Entrepreneur’s Expo for their businesses, Prickly Rose Designs and Get Slimed.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

My grandma, Mary Lou, was and always will be the biggest influence in my life. She lived simply, worked hard, and her love was absolutely unwavering. I’m also very thankful for my best friend Sara, who taught me to give myself grace and to embrace the concept of a “gentle redo.”

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Hop in a Super Cub, land on a gravel bar not even on a map, eat blueberries and fly fish with some ties you made yourself. Grayling over a campfire for dinner — surrounded by PIC Coils

if you’re smart — and sleeping under the Midnight Sun.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

I love tide pooling in Katchemak Bay around my birthday when there are minus tides. I also love snorkeling in Southeast. Last summer I finally found a daisy brittle star, and this summer I’m hoping for an opalescent nudibranch. If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Just be weird earlier. It’s fine to unapologetically love Belugas and cry when you see them in Turnagain Arm, to demand that your birthday is spent in Xtratufs looking for sea stars and anemones, to love glitter past the age of seven and to refuse to touch any and all cats. It’s fine to just be you.

“What you don’t do can be a destructive force.”

— Ele anor Roosevelt

Congratulations, Navarone fromtheRepublicTeam.

Congratulationstoourvery own President,KayleeDevine, onbeingpartofthisyear’s TopFortyUnder40class.Her visionandleadershipinspire everyonearoundher-at Spawnandacrossthe community.We’reincredibly fortunatetohaveKayleeatthe helmofSpawnIdeasaswe headintothenext50years.

Vladislav Finko

Marketing

Strategist, Alaska Wealth Advisors

Hometown: Magadan, Russia

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

MBA, leadership emphasis and BBA, finance and marketing, economics minor, University of Alaska Anchorage

Highlight your community work:

As I step into the role of Chair for the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Group, I am dedicated to revitalizing our local professional landscape. My goal is to provide a platform where young professionals can develop holistically, both as individuals and as leaders. Additionally, I serve on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, where I advocate for the power of youth mentorship.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Acting as a catalyst for connection. Whether I am guiding strategy for Big Brothers Big Sisters, leading the Young Professionals Group or volunteering for individual causes, I love being the person who bridges the gap between someone’s potential and their opportunity. It is incredibly fulfilling to create environments where people can find mentorship, resources and community, knowing that these connections will strengthen Alaska for years to come.

What was your first job?

Sales Associate at Michael’s Craft Store.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Taking the lead on our firm’s scholarship and internship programs. For me, it is about showing students that they don’t need to leave the state to find world-class career opportunities. Facilitating that transition from student to professional — and seeing them choose to invest their talent back into our community — gives me a profound sense of accomplishment.

Please share some background about your family.

I am a first-generation immigrant, having moved to the U.S. from Russia at the age of 12. As a first-generation college student, I have always been driven by that specific weight known to many immigrant children, a profound sense of responsibility to ensure my family’s sacrifices were not in vain.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

I don’t have a single muse; I have a community. My leadership style is a collection of lessons learned from fellow immigrants, industry veterans and emerging leaders across Alaska.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Riding a jet ski out of Seward into the open ocean. It’s an unbeatable way to experience the raw power and beauty of Resurrection Bay on your own terms.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

I am definitely an extrovert; I recharge by being out in the community. I’m constantly hitting up my group chats to get everyone together, whether that’s to hit the slopes, catch a movie or try a paint night.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Say “yes” to the experience, even if you have to go it alone. Don’t let the lack of a “plus one” stop you from living a full life.

29

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

— Muhammad

Ali

39 Kyle Fox Director, Alopex Interaction Design

Hometown: Palmer, AK

Current City: Palmer, AK

Education/Degrees:

Bachelor of Arts, user interaction, Simon Fraser University

Highlight your community work:

I’ve found myself on boards for the last 10 years. In particular, I relish the opportunities to speak with young people about design and pragmatic entrepreneurism. As the director of Alopex, I’ve also been able to lend the skills of my team to scores of nonprofits through sponsorship.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Years ago, I volunteered at an event in Anchorage where hundreds of dentists and dental hygienists were providing free care. I simply ushered people around the Dena’ina Center. As simple as that experience was, I was able to see the impact those medical teams were having on hundreds of people. I was very proud to be part of that in a small way.

What was your first job? I worked at a small Apple retailer/cafe in Wasilla called the Mac Haus.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling

My team. I’m so thankful to be able to employ such talented and authentic people. The laughter in the office, the feeling of getting to deliver glowing feedback, sharing birthday meals — it makes my life so much richer.

Please share some background about your family. Both sides of my family were in the military back to my grandparents, and it’s how I ended up calling Alaska home. Life as a military brat can be very difficult — I attended over 10 schools across three continents — but through it all, I have had the most wonderful and loving family. It has been a hard 2026 so far, losing my maternal grandmother, Trudy, in February. As I am writing this, I am with my paternal grandfather, Prentice, in hospice. I am so thankful for my mom, dad, sister and her family, and specially for my partner, Steven.

Name the person who influenced you the most. It is a very close race between Dumbledore and Gandalf.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Sitting in a field during heavy snowfall and just listening. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? I go through periods of reading and writing. I refuse to read nonfiction.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Comparison is the thief of joy.

“Do, or do not. There is no try”.

— Yoda

Tikaan Galbreath

Chief Operating Officer, First Alaskans

Institute

Hometown: Fairbanks, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Master of Fine Arts, creative nonfiction, Institute of American Indian Arts, 2020-2022; Bachelor of Arts, English, plant and soil sciences minor, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2007-2010

Highlight your community work:

Vice Co-Chair of the Alaska Food Policy Council’s Board of Directors and member of Native Movement’s Board of Directors. Over the past five years, I have contributed to both the Governor’s Alaska Food Security and Independence Task Force and the Legislative Food Security and Independence Task Force, helping shape policy, advance Indigenous priorities and build collaborative strategies for stronger and more resilient food systems.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

My many years spent contributing to the planning and facilitation of the Alaska Plants as Food and Medicine Symposium. This work has been especially meaningful because it brought together Elders, traditional healers, culture bearers, youth and plant knowledge holders from across Alaska to share, protect and strengthen our deep relationships with the plants that nourish and heal our peoples.

What was your first job?

I started my own business at 15, building doghouses from reclaimed wood.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Leading the transformation and national expansion of the Intertribal Agriculture Council’s Technical Assistance Network. In my roles as Technical Assistance Specialist, Associate Director and, ultimately, Technical Assistance Network Director, I had the privilege of helping build a program that strengthens Tribal agriculture, food systems and natural resource management across the country.

Please share some background about your family.

Born and raised in Fairbanks, I am the son of Jeff Mann and Donna Galbreath. I currently reside in Anchorage with my wife Jennifer Galbeath, daughter and puppy.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

Both of my parents and my grandparents.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

A true backcountry hike. Get out beyond the road, into the quiet, where the land opens up around you. What matters most is the

moment when you’re far enough from town that all you hear is water moving, the animals and the wind across the landscape.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

39

I enjoy hiking, biking, running, boating — all human-powered adventures that get me out of doors and into the wilderness are high on my list.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Do the thing you think will take too much time or that you are too old to start now. Invest your time in the things and activities that you want to cultivate in your life.

“A friend is one to whom one may pour out the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that gentle hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.”

— Dinah Maria Cr

32 Connor Hajdukovich

Executive Director,

Resource Development Council for Alaska

Hometown: Fairbanks, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Bachelor of Business

Administration, University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Management

Highlight your community work: Board member of Velocity, a young professional nonprofit focused on responsible resource development; previous board member Alaska State Society, an Alaska young professional nonprofit in Washington, D.C.; and volunteer for Alaska Resource Education and other nonprofit trade association events. What has been your most rewarding community service? Much of my career has been in government, and some of my most rewarding moments were working for the people of Alaska. Early in my career I enjoyed getting flags flown over the capitol in Washington, D.C., for lost loved ones and exemplary people in Alaskan communities and taking constituents on capitol tours. Later in my policy career, I was proud to pass a number of pieces of legislation, in particular one that provided full military funeral honors to all veterans that request it, something that was not previously required.

What was your first job? Ramp Agent at Ravn Alaska.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

As the head of RDC, one of my key goals is to educate the public on responsible resource development issues. RDC’s breakfast forums can be very fulfilling for me because we bring together people from all over Alaska’s industries to connect and learn. I always end up learning something new and meeting a new person dedicated to their community.

Please share some background about your family.

I’m a fifth-generation Alaskan on both sides of my family with deep roots in Fairbanks. Community service has been a cornerstone of my family, and it has shaped who I am today. I look up to my parents, Leslie and Bob, and my two older brothers, Nick and Alec. Our extended family and grandparents are also a massive source of support for me.

Name the person who influenced you the most. My parents are huge influences in my life, always encouraging excellence, humility and family.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

I do a lot of waterfowl hunting and fishing, and I think every Alaskan should have the opportunity to hunt/fish and eat what they harvest. It is obviously a deep rooted tradition in our subsistence communities, but it’s also always a great reminder of where our food comes from and connects us to the land that we love in Alaska.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Depending on the season, hunting, fishing, skiing, flying, working out, reading and playing sports.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Don’t be so hard on yourself, and you are the things you do. Going the extra mile and pushing yourself during pivotal moments is important, but possibly more important is the way you act day in and day out, and choosing values and routines that are sustainable for the long term.

“Passion comes after you put in the hard work to become excellent at something valuable, not before. In other words, what you do for a living is much less important than how you do it.”

— Cal Newport

Allie Hartman

Assembly Communications Director, Municipality of Anchorage

Hometown: Anchorage, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

B.A., writing studies, University of Colorado Denver; MPA, University of Alaska Anchorage

Highlight your community work:

Working for the Municipality of Anchorage, I’ve redesigned the Assembly newsletter, worked with Assembly Members and the Municipal Clerk’s Office to make the Assembly’s business more accessible to the public, developed the Assembly’s meeting newsletter and created community engagement programs, like City Nerd Nite and the MOA50 Anniversary Celebration. I volunteer with the Alaska Black Caucus supporting the Sunday Community Conversations series and serve with the Sand Lake Community Council.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Over the years, I’ve been honored to serve the Alaska Black Caucus and feel the impact of that service both within the Alaska Black Caucus network and within myself. When I joined the Alaska Black Caucus in 2020 as an Ally for Change, I wanted to develop relationships that would help more students of color at UAA. Over just a few years, we grew the Allies for Change group, developed a framework for supporting the Caucus’ work in education, economics, health and justice, and boosted the visibility of the organization, furthering their reach and impact on vital community issues from the pandemic to police relations.

What was your first job? Soccer referee.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

In my recent work with the Anchorage Assembly, I’m especially proud of the Assembly’s Housing Action initiative, which engages our neighbors to better understand and take action to resolve the shortage of housing that has and continues to affect each of us in one way or another. Now, after years of dialogue, neighbors are more engaged than ever and real policy choices are being made to make housing more available and affordable in Anchorage.

Please share some background about your family.

My mom is a lifelong athlete and winter sports fanatic; she instilled in me a love for four seasons adventure and stewarded the once-ina-lifetime opportunity for my little brother and I to be involved with the 2002 Winter Olympics. My dad was born to a family of European immigrants in Milwaukee, Wis., but his roots are in San Antonio, Texas. His belief that ambition is found within oneself fuels much of my own work. I have much to thank my parents for, but most of all, I am grateful they taught me to aim high, no matter how daunting.

Name the person who influenced you the most. I’ve been influenced by many and can attribute much of who I am to others, but the single most powerful force of nature in my life is my partner in life, Zak. We met in seventh grade Language Arts and have grown so much from the light of one another. His honesty is humbling, his consistency is stabilizing and his unwavering belief in me is a gift I am grateful for every day. What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once? Mine is specific to locals: the Denali Road Access Lottery. I yearn for the day the park reopens for that sweet autumn gift of fate.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

I feel total bliss biking the trails of Anchorage. Since I was a kid, biking has been a vital transportation option, and it was my sole method of transport when I first moved here. I hope to explore much more of this beautiful state by bike in the decades to come.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Head north.

“Allie - with hope that the wild beauty of the world is always open to you.”

— poet , UAA alumna Elizabeth Bradfield

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38 Katie Holmlund

Youth Programs Development & Advocacy Coordinator, Petersburg Medical Center

Hometown: Sun Prairie, WI

Current City: Petersburg, AK

Education/Degrees: the Kinder Skog program, based early learning initiative designed to foster resilience, connection children.

litter wherever we go or leaving chalk messages of encouragement on sidewalks, these moments teach kids that they are never too young or too small to make a real difference.

What was your first job?

Parks & Recreation t-ball/softball/baseball/kickball coach.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

The shared journey of co-founding and growing Kinder Skog, and watching it expand into Petersburg Medical Center Youth Programs. There is something incredibly joyful about watching young people experience the world as “curious little critters” themselves, turning over logs, studying bugs with intense seriousness, inventing games in the forest and discovering just how capable they are. The laughter on the trail, the pride in mastering a new skill, and the quiet moments of wonder outdoors are daily reminders of why this work matters.

Please share some background about your family.

I’m lucky to share life with two amazing kids, a curious and spirited 5th-grade daughter and a thoughtful, sometimes sarcastic 9thgrade son, who keep me on my toes and constantly inspired. Our household also includes two very opinionated dogs, Skipper and Kavik, who ensure that every walk, kayak trip, or bike ride comes with a fair amount of chaos, excitement and dog hair.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

hands-on, experiential learning, Kinder emotional development, environmental stewardship. served as Vice President of the Petersburg Board of Education, support student achievement sustainability of our schools.

Professionally, I’m inspired by so many I’ve had the privilege to work alongside, from Mentors in Training to lead staff and organizational partners. And of course, kids, my own and others’, are constant reminders to stay curious, wonder big and show up with kindness.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

There’s a saying about Alaska: it’s not just who you are when you arrive, it’s who you become while you’re here. My hope is that everyone gets to experience a little of that magic.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

You’ll usually find me paddling the coast in my kayak, often with my dog riding shotgun, cruising trails on my bike, camping or exploring beaches in search of hidden treasure. When I do venture indoors, I enjoy slower-paced hobbies like knitting and puzzles.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Helping young people see that

Humanity in Progress, picking up

Be curious, take risks and don’t be afraid of getting a little lost along the way; sometimes the best adventures happen when you don’t have a map. Also, puddles are definitely meant to be jumped in.

“You know Ms. Katie, the hike doesn’t feel as long or as scary when we go with good friends.”

—

Arne Wollen, age 5

Billy Hughes

Founder, Tundra Testing

Hometown: Anchorage, AK

Current City: Eagle River, AK

Education/Degrees:

BBA, management, University of Alaska Anchorage; MBA, University of Alaska Anchorage

Highlight your community work:

I am committed to strengthening Alaska’s communities through service, education and responsible development. A veteran, I actively support military families transitioning to Alaska by providing housing guidance and local resources. Through my work in real estate and environmental services, I also partner with local businesses and organizations to educate residents, promote ethical development and protect Alaska’s people, infrastructure and natural resources.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Supporting military families as they transition to Alaska while helping local residents make informed housing and development decisions. Whether guiding families through homeownership or building local resources that protect public health and the environment, being able to create lasting positive impact in people’s lives and communities is what drives my service.

What was your first job?

Dishwasher at Sullivan’s Steakhouse.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Founding and growing Tundra Testing: building a locally-owned laboratory that strengthens Alaska’s testing capacity, supports responsible development and protects public health allows me to create lasting positive impact while contributing to the state’s economic and environmental future.

Please share some background about your family.

I live in Eagle River with my family, where we enjoy Alaska’s outdoor lifestyle and staying active in the local community. Family, service, resilience and a strong connection to the land remain central values that guide both my personal life and professional leadership.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

The leaders I served alongside in the military had a profound influence on me, shaping my values around integrity, resilience and service to others. At the same time, my family has been my greatest motivation, driving me to work hard, lead responsibly and build opportunities that create long-term stability and positive impact for those around me.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Spending time fully immersed in Alaska’s outdoors — whether that’s fishing on the Kenai River, hiking in Denali National Park and Preserve, or simply exploring local trails near home — is something

everyone should experience at least once. Alaska’s landscapes have a way of building perspective, resilience and appreciation for the responsibility we share in protecting them. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

I enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible with my family. Subsistence activities like hunting, fishing, foraging and gardening keep me connected to Alaska’s land and seasons, while staying active and being on the water — especially paddling and exploring Alaska’s lakes and rivers — is one of my favorite ways to recharge.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Be more present and trust the journey. When you’re young, your vision is naturally limited by experience, and it’s easy to spend too much time worrying about what’s next instead of appreciating where you are. I could never have imagined the opportunities ahead, and I’ve learned that some of life’s greatest growth and blessings happen when you fully embrace the moment in front of you.

“The best way out is always through.”

— Robert

Frost

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39 Amanda Keates Controller,

Alyeska Pipeline Service Company

Hometown: Sebastopol, CA

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Bachelor of Business Administration, accounting, cum laude, University of Alaska Anchorage; Master of Business Administration, health care administration, Alaska Pacific University

Highlight your community work:

I currently serve as a Trustee and Wish Granting Volunteer for Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington, working directly with children and families facing critical illnesses and supporting fundraising efforts through the Happiness Hour Committee. I also serve as Treasurer of the Denali Family Services Board of Directors, helping guide financial stewardship for an organization that provides essential behavioral health services to Alaska youth.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Serving as a Wish Granting Volunteer with Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington. While I deeply value my board work, wish-granting has been the most personally meaningful because it allows me to work directly with children and families facing critical illnesses. I’ve learned that Make-A-Wish is not just for terminally ill children, and wishes extend far beyond travel: they can include adaptive medical equipment, room makeovers, pets or unique experiences that reflect what matters most to each child.

What was your first job?

Sandwich Artist at Subway.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Earning my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Becoming a CPA opened the door to the leadership roles I hold today, and it remains one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of because of the discipline, resilience and commitment it demanded.

Please share some background about your family.

I’m the oldest of three siblings, with a younger brother and sister, and I’m now raising two daughters of my own. We’re a close family that loves to travel, especially internationally, and we share a deep appreciation for art, opera, theater and reading. Our home also includes two pomskies — pomeranian-husky mixes — who add plenty of energy to our lives.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

Joy Merriner encouraged me to join my first board of directors, the Anchorage Library Foundation, and that invitation introduced me to the world of community engagement. She also pushed me to enroll in my first leadership development program, which became an important early step in shaping how I approach service and leadership today.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Visiting the Anan Wildlife Observatory near Wrangell, where you can safely watch black and brown bears fishing in the same stream. It’s a rare chance to see Alaska’s wildlife up close in a way that feels both awe-inspiring and respectful of the animals’ space.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Planning meaningful experiences, whether it’s a trip, a performance or a special moment to share with my daughters. A few years ago, I created a 23-clue scavenger hunt for Christmas morning — the kids came upstairs completely confused when they saw nothing wrapped, and watching that confusion turn into excitement as they discovered the first clue is still one of my favorite memories.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Perseverance is important, but so is knowing when a situation has run its course. There’s strength in staying committed, and there’s a different kind of strength in recognizing when a change is necessary for your well-being and growth.

“If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.”

— Barack Obama

Kayva Kelagere-Mayigegowda

Medical Doctor, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Hometown: India

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees: M.D.

Highlight your community work:

I am an early-career gastroenterologist whose work is deeply rooted in community engagement and preventive medicine. My ongoing professional mission is to expand colon cancer awareness across Alaska and improve access to specialty gastroenterology services for rural and underserved communities. Through education, screening advocacy and outreach, I aim to reduce disparities in gastrointestinal cancer outcomes and bring equitable preventive care to Alaska’s diverse populations.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Witnessing the resilience, smiles and appreciation of the communities I serve is profoundly fulfilling and fuels my commitment to improving access and preventive care.

What was your first job?

Gastroenterologist.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

I am actively involved in colon and gastric cancer research within the Alaska Native population. Alaska Native people have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the world and the highest incidence of gastric cancer in North America. These stark disparities underscore the urgent need for focused research and culturally responsive prevention strategies. Ongoing collaborative efforts are aimed at better understanding the underlying causes of these elevated cancer rates, identifying effective prevention and early detection strategies, and improving outcomes within Alaska Native communities.

Please share some background about your family.

I am originally from India, and my husband is from Scotland. Though we come from distant and very different parts of the world, we have built our life together in Alaska. In January 2026, we welcomed our daughter, further deepening our roots in the community we now proudly call home.

Name the person who influenced you the most. My husband is my greatest source of strength and encouragement. He is my biggest cheerleader, and I continue to learn from him every day. His unconditional love, sense of humor and remarkable ability to navigate adversity inspire me daily and ground me in both my personal and professional life.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

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As someone who is still discovering all that Alaska has to offer, a helicopter glacier landing remains my favorite experience to date. It was a powerful reminder of the beauty, resilience and scale of the place I now call home.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

I practice yoga and enjoy attending retreats in different parts of the world. I am also passionate about high altitude trekking and have completed climbs ranging from 15,000 to 18,000 feet. Mount Kilimanjaro is next on my list, another challenge that reflects my love for endurance, perspective and growth.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Strive to remain grounded in excellence, knowing that when work is driven by purpose and integrity, true talent inevitably speaks for itself.

“Wherever

the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.”

— Hippocrates

38 Jessica Kopischke

Founder/Owner/CEO,

Frontier Health and Wellness LLC

Hometown: Eagle River, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Bachelor of Arts, psychology, Chancellor’s List; Master of Science, behavioral psychology, summa cum laude; Master of Science, forensic psychology, summa cum laude

Highlight your community work:

I’ve spent more than 20 years volunteering in Alaska through youth athletics, civic leadership and mental health outreach. I work with the Anchorage School District and Alaska School Activities Association, am a Board Member and Ambassador for the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce and volunteer as Treasurer for Rogers Park Elementary’s PTA.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Helping bring mental health education into our community. Through presentations and outreach by myself and our providers, we work with businesses, schools and community groups to share practical tools and reduce stigma. Watching people feel more comfortable asking for help and supporting one another has been incredibly

What was your first job?

Server and hostess at an Eagle River sushi restaurant.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Bringing Vanessa Santos to Frontier Health and Wellness as our COO. We had worked together years earlier at ANTHC, and she became both a trusted colleague and friend. Being able to invite someone so capable and compassionate to help lead our growing clinic confirmed we were building something real. Leadership, to me, is creating opportunities to work alongside people you trust completely.

Please share some background about your family.

I grew up in Eagle River with a mother who taught elementary school in Alaska for more than 30 years, and a father who worked as a small-plane propeller specialist. My husband, David, also from Anchorage, works in healthcare and is the calm voice in our home when life gets busy. Together, we’re grateful to be raising our daughter, Aria, in the same close-knit community that shaped us.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

A young man I mentored, Max Friedli. I have known him for almost 20 years and have watched him grow into an exceptional entrepreneur and leader. Seeing his journey — from student to colleague to business owner — taught me how powerful consistent encouragement and belief in young people can be. His success has reinforced my commitment to mentorship and investing in the next generation.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Help dig someone out after a snowfall at least once — shoveling, pushing cars or figuring out which teenager in the neighborhood owns a snowblower. It’s cold work, but full of laughter, and it shows how Alaskans take care of each other without making a big deal about it.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

I’m happiest on our back deck with family and friends, snacks and drinks by the fire as the late Alaska sun lingers. When winter comes, I trade that for puzzles or paint-by-numbers on a snowy evening. Those simple, cozy moments are what keep life balanced.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Stop panic-comparing timelines. Life is less like a straight line and more like an Alaska construction project — detours everywhere, but you still get there eventually.

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right — for you’ll be criticized anyway.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

J. Nicholas Loomis, M.D.

Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Inpatient Medical Director, Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center

Hometown: Anaconda, MT

Current City: Kodiak, AK

Education/Degrees:

Bachelor of Science, chemistry, The University of Montana Missoula, 2012; Doctor of Medicine, The University of Washington, 2017; Family Medicine Residency, Tacoma Family Medicine, 2020; Rural Medicine with Obstetrics Fellowship, Tacoma Family Medicine, 2021

Highlight your community work:

My community focus currently is on maintaining the operations of our rural critical access hospital in Kodiak. We are the only acute care facility on the island, responsible for all the emergency, operative, inpatient and many other critical medical services.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

I take pride in making sure Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center is ready to take care of the medical needs for all of our friends and neighbors on the island, and meeting the needs of our caregivers that make that work happen.

What was your first job?

Resident Assistant in the undergraduate dorms of The University of Montana.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

It is deeply satisfying to know that you are serving your community through your work and doing your best to provide for the people helping make that mission happen. We are transitioning into a time in health care that I feel will be transformational for Kodiak and many rural Alaska communities, and I feel honored to be a part of the crew navigating through the many opportunities and many challenges.

Please share some background about your family.

I was born in Texas, and moved between several states before ending up in Anaconda, Montana, which I consider my hometown. I was raised with my brother on our grandfather’s cattle ranch in Anaconda, and I have great memories of all that lifestyle allowed growing up. My brother is in Astoria, Oregon, near our dad, and practicing as a psychiatrist.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

Jim Brickley, my grandfather. Jim modeled much of what I hope to be whenever I grow up - calm in demeanor, deep in understanding, knowledgeable and academic, but approachable to anyone, comfortable in a boardroom, a construction site or a lecture hall. He was particularly fond of mules and well-done steak, which likely highlighted some of his personality.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Snowmachining into the Yukon for winter moose hunting with a group of friends. Always Type 2 Fun, but great stories and fun adventure, experiencing a country that most people never get to see. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

I recently discovered a love for cooking, and have been enjoying working my way through some cookbooks — as long as the barge made it to Kodiak. Kodiak in the summer is hard to beat, and I take a lot of pleasure from simple dog walks and light hikes in the beauty we have on the island. I am totally enamored by the Tustamena, and love the overnight ferry ride to Homer to explore the Kenai Peninsula.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Please don’t change much, I like the human I am today. Thank you for making that happen for me. Maybe exercise a bit more, and Spanish classes would have been a good idea. Wear sunscreen, and just follow Baz Luhrmann’s advice, it’s better than mine.

“From this distant vantage point, the Earth might not seem of any particular interest. But for us, it’s different. Consider again that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us.” and the entire reflection from Pale Blue Dot — Carl Sagan

34 Jamie Lytton

Physician Assistant, Neuroversion

Hometown: Eagle River, AK

Current City: Eagle River, AK

Education/Degrees:

Doctor of Medical Science, University of Lynchburg, Aug. 2022-Sept. 2023; Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Elon University, Jan. 2013-March 2015; Bachelor of Arts, biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Aug. 2010May 2012; Associate of Science, Alamance Community College, Aug. 2008-July 2010

Highlight your community work: As President of the Alaska Academy of Physician Associates (AKAPA), I focus on making healthcare more accessible, advocating for PAs and supporting professional growth across our state. I love teaching at the MEDEX PA Program, where I get to mentor the next generation of providers, and I enjoy speaking at local medical and statewide conferences. Beyond healthcare, I’ve had the privilege of serving on community boards like TEDx Anchorage, Serve Alaska, the American Cancer Society Alaska and the Anchorage Chamber Young Professionals Group.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Volunteering with Young Lives Alaska, mentoring teenage moms. I believe families are the building blocks of our community, and helping these young parents succeed means supporting the next generation as well. By guiding them, celebrating their wins and helping them navigate challenges, I hope to empower them to create strong, healthy families that can thrive

and contribute to our community. Being part of their journey has been an incredibly rewarding opportunity to witness resilience and strength firsthand, while also helping build a stronger, more connected community.

What was your first job? Nurse Assistant.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Serving as a physician assistant in the United States Air Force has been the most fulfilling part of my career. It showed me the value of striving for excellence, putting service before self and making every opportunity count — lessons that continue to shape how I live and work every day.

Please share some background about your family. I grew up in the Carolinas and joined the military to pay for school. My husband and I met in the Air Force and military service brought us to Alaska.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

My husband, Travis, has had a huge impact on who I am. He’s taught me so much about leadership, planning ahead and seeing the bigger picture in life. He inspires me to be a better person every day, and I’m grateful for the experiences, adventures and memories we’ve built together.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

A guided trek across Matanuska Glacier. It’s truly unique to Alaska — walking on ancient ice that has been around for thousands of years. The glacier is slowly receding, so seeing it up close might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s a humbling and unforgettable reminder of nature’s power and beauty.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

I love traveling internationally.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Keep God first in your life. Commit to learning, say yes to opportunities and challenges, and allow yourself to step outside your comfort zone. Courage, character and strength will naturally follow.

“Don’t aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference.”

—

Denzel Washington

Janie Ma

Account Executive, Insurance Broker,

IMA

Hometown: Fairbanks, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

B.A., journalism and public communications

Highlight your community work: Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA), President, 2026 Term, and Board of Directors, 2023-Present; Alaska Chamber Board Member Anchorage East Rotary, Youth Services Chair, 2024-2025; Interact Volunteer for East and West High School, Mobile Food Pantry Volunteer; Junior Achievement of Alaska, Classroom Volunteer; UAA College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP) Weidner Property Management and Real Estate Program, Advisory Board; Member Panelist Speaker at Valdez Small Business Conference 2025

What has been your most rewarding community service?

For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Rotarian with Anchorage East Rotary. One of the highlights of my membership is consistently volunteering for our Mobile Food Pantry. Every month — snow or shine — we stand side-by-side to support our neighbors facing food scarcity. It’s a reminder of how essential community is and how even small acts of service can create real warmth and connection.

What was your first job?

Working for my parents at their restaurant - and trust me, the food wasn’t the only thing with a little spice!

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

As new paths started to open up in the course of my career, I’ve been intentional in the direction I’ve taken — trusting my ambition, my relentless drive and leaning into the work that felt genuinely aligned. My clients are one of the most meaningful parts of my career. Every conversation offers a glimpse into their world — their hopes, their challenges and what they’re working so hard to build — and it fills me with gratitude every single day.

Please share some background about your family. My family is the core foundation of everything for me. My soon-to-be 11-year-old daughter is the absolute light of my life, and she has an incredibly loving and supportive father. My parents have always been my greatest example of resilience and hard work. As first-generation immigrants, they did everything they could to build a better life for my brother and me — and I’d say they were wonderfully successful in doing just that. I’m really close with my brother and cousins, and we’ve been each other’s cheerleaders and support system for as long as I can remember. And I can’t forget our bichon-poodle, Mandu, who brings an extra layer of joy to it all — she’s a tiny ball of nonstop, loving energy!

Name the person who influenced you the most.

My grandmother, Liu Ma. She was our strong, passionate matriarch, and the moments I turned to her growing up have become memories I still carry with me.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Being out in the midnight sun during solstice! There’s something so fun and magical about being out late at night or early in the morning, soaking in a sky that’s still glowing. Whether you’re in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward, or anywhere in the state, the experience is absolutely unmatched!

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Splurging on experiences. When it comes to travel and discovering new foods, I love exploring different places through their cuisines. Trying new flavors, learning the stories behind dishes and sharing those moments with the people I care about is, without question, my favorite!

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Lean into your strengths. Embrace those strengths with confidence, nurture them unapologetically and never dim your light to match the room. What comes naturally to you is a gift — trust it, grow it and allow yourself to take up space with it.

“Where attention goes, energy flows.”

— James Redfield

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33 Sierra Minder

Director of External Affairs, Alaska Oil and Gas Association

Hometown: Fairbanks, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Juris Doctor, Gonzaga University School of Law, magna cum laude; Bachelor of Arts, psychology and political science, Gonzaga University

Highlight your community work:

I’m passionate about civic education and helping people better understand Alaska’s economic drivers. Whether speaking to community groups or engaging in policy conversations, I enjoy breaking down complex issues into something accessible and practical. What has been your most rewarding community service?

I remain passionate about the Catholic Schools of Fairbanks. Giving back to the schools that formed me feels less like service and more like stewardship. My education there laid much of the foundation for the discipline, values and sense of responsibility that guide

What was your first job?

“Sausage Girl” at the Caribou Grill in Pioneer Park — long live Alaska Land.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to

Three months into serving as Interim CEO at AOGA last year, I was about eight weeks pregnant, definitely not feeling my best, and somehow helped lead a conference that ended up breaking records in both attendance and revenue. Looking back, I honestly don’t know how

I did it. I suspect it had a lot to do with a really good team, an understanding Board and the world’s most supportive partner. It turns out you can grow an organization and a human at the same time.

Please share some background about your family.

I was born and raised in Fairbanks, as was my mom, so my Interior ties run deep, and my extended family is not small. I have an identical twin sister, Mariah, who has been my built-in best friend and biggest cheerleader from day one. And then there’s my younger brother, John, an engineer and project manager currently in Washington.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

Taylor Swift … just kidding. It’s my identical twin sister, Mariah. There’s something motivating about sharing a birthday with someone exceptional. Growing up alongside someone who refuses to think small has a way of expanding your own sense of what’s possible. Having a built-in best friend and lifelong accountability partner doesn’t hurt either.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Summer solstice in the Interior. It’s truly something special. While there, eat some iconic Fairbanks Thai food.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

I’m a fair-weather outdoorswoman. I love all the classic Alaska pastimes, hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, so long as conditions are reasonably cooperative. When outdoor activities require being an extremist, I pivot to cooking or a moderately challenging puzzle. My partner and I also like to travel and try to see as much of the world as possible.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Keep putting one foot in front of the other. You don’t need a perfect five-year plan, you just need forward motion. If you stay steady and keep working hard, you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be.

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

— St. Francis of Assisi

Naomi Mitchell

Interior Program Coordinator/Managing Director, Alaska Resource Education/Fairbanks Library Foundation

Hometown: Millville, PA

Current City: Fairbank, AK

Education/Degrees:

B.A., sociology

Highlight your community work:

I have volunteered for several amazing literacy based nonprofits for years. I read to girls at local elementary schools with the Gals Read Inc. program. I also volunteer for Stars of Gold Readers handing free books out to children at local events with many other incredible women. I was recently hired as the Managing Director on the Fairbanks Library Foundation board. I sit on the board at my son’s school, and on the Alaska Miner’s Association board. I also chair the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development and Education committee which does great work for the interior and I am the president of Delta Kappa Gamma-Beta.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

My volunteer work with Aging at Home Fairbanks. They send out an email with requests from members, and it can be things as simple as taking out someone’s trash, putting up curtains or yard work. I do a lot of technology requests and I have helped several elderly folks around Fairbanks set up and learn about their new smartphones!

What was your first job?

I was a lifeguard at my local pool!

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

The day to day teaching I get to do. I go to about 20 schools a year all over the state, mostly in the interior. I have built a relationship with many of these teachers over the years and really enjoy getting to see them and their students over the course of the school year. Getting to work with all these students from kindergarten age to high school keeps things fresh and I can see what kind of impact we truly have on the students and teachers we work with.

Please share some background about your family. I live in Fairbanks with my husband, Tyler, and my son, Bo. Raising a son is wild, it’s like a WWF cage match most days. I was born and raised in a very small Pennsylvania town by my parents, Ben and Tracy Rambo. I have one sibling, Ryan, but I am definitely cooler than him.

Name the person who influenced you the most. It is a tie between Executive Director Beki Toussaint and Operations Director Taylor Burgh. I have never been so uplifted,

inspired or motivated by a leadership team in my life.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Reeling in a huge halibut or salmon that fights so hard and takes so long to reel up — your arms are spent by the time it surfaces, but you are so happy it doesn’t matter!

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Definitely reading. But also, reading during any other hobby. I can be found with my kindle or a paperback whilst hunting, fishing, cooking for my family and friends, out to eat — you name it. I have a book hidden away on me at any given moment, always prepared.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Keep saying yes, keep pushing forward, keep helping people, keep taking risks — it’s going to be great!

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“There has never been a sadness that can’t be cured by breakfast food.”

— R on Swanson

38 Kristine Morlock

Senior Director, Pricing & Contracts, Petro Star Inc

Hometown: Big Lake, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees: Master of Business Administration; Bachelor degree, accounting; Certified Public Accountant

Highlight your community work: Board Member/ Volunteer, Special Olympics Alaska; Volunteer, Junior Achievement and Girls on the Run Southcentral Alaska.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

My time as a board member and volunteer with Special Olympics Alaska. Through volunteering at many events and supporting the organization’s mission, I’ve seen firsthand how Special Olympics promotes inclusion, confidence and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Being part of an organization that builds community, emphasizes ability and creates meaningful opportunities for athletes across Alaska has been deeply fulfilling for me.

What was your first job? Student worker, University of Alaska Anchorage.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

My growth and development during my time at Petro Star. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside strong leaders who consistently challenged me, pushed me outside of my comfort zone and trusted me with increasing responsibility. Through their mentorship and support, I’ve been able to expand my skills, strengthen my confidence and evolve into the professional I am today.

Please share some background about your family.

My husband Rick and I have been married for 13 years and have two sons, Haidyn and Aspen. While my parents are both from Nebraska and moved to Alaska when I was very young, Alaska has always been my home. Rick and I both grew up here and we love raising our sons here in Alaska.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

Throughout my life, I’ve had the benefit of working with strong leaders and mentors who believed in me, challenged me to grow and helped shape my professional path. At the same time, my family has always been incredibly supportive, encouraging me to work hard, stay focused and strive to do my best. Together, their guidance and support have had the greatest influence on who I am today.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Visiting Katmai National Park to see the bears. Seeing them in the wild, up close and in their natural surroundings, is incredible. It’s a thrilling experience and an exciting place to visit that really highlights what makes Alaska so special.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Traveling with my family and friends, and spending time outside in Alaska, whether it’s hiking, exploring new places or simply enjoying the outdoors.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Don’t stress or overthink the things you can’t control. Work hard and take pride in what you do, but don’t forget to enjoy life along the way.

“Take the risk or lose the chance.”

Kara Norby

Alaska Territory Manager, Surgical Devices, Corpus Mountain Medical

Hometown: Portage, WI

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Bachelor of Science, psychology, biology minor, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse; Diploma, surgical technology Madison College; Associate of Arts, Colorado Mountain College–Steamboat Springs Alpine Campus

Highlight your community work:

Head Ski Race Coach, Arctic Valley; Board Member and Coach, Arctic Diving Club; Board Member, Scenic Foothills Community Council; Member and Volunteer, Alaska Sailing Club; Science Fair Judge, Aquarian Charter School

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Helping regrow Arctic Diving Club after COVID-19. When my two children joined the nonprofit springboard diving club, there were around 15 divers. I helped develop a logo, launch a website and recruit more families. Participation grew to 40 athletes in a year and continues to increase. Watching athletes progress from beginners to winning the Alaska Swim & Dive State Championships, breaking school records, and earning college scholarships has been amazing to witness.

What was your first job?

Sky High Camping Resort in Portage, Wisconsin.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Building and growing the Alaska territory for Corpus Mountain Medical. I ensure surgeons have the implants and instruments they need for each case, and am present in the operating room when they’re used. Each case brings its own variables, and as techniques evolve and new devices are developed, there is always more to learn.

Please share some background about your family.

I moved to Anchorage in 2013, where I met my husband, Adam Johnson. He teaches 8th grade Social Studies at Romig Middle School. We have two children, Henry (9) and Thora (6). Our household also includes a mini poodle named Rocko; two ferrets, Yeti and Spaghetti; and three axolotls.

Name the person who influenced you the most. Dr. Jane Goodall. I heard her speak in middle school and read all of her books. Because she wasn’t a classically trained researcher, she made a career in science feel adventurous and attainable, especially for girls. After college, I spent a year in Indonesian Borneo managing a primate research project as the only woman and English speaker on the team. Primates are still a passion

because of the spark Dr. Goodall lit, just not my career path. There aren’t any ski hills in Borneo, and getting dengue fever was 0 out of 5 stars.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Take a flightseeing tour out of Talkeetna where you fly between mountains, see countless glaciers, circle Denali and land on Ruth Glacier. The ski-equipped plane touches down on snow and ice like a float plane landing on water.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

In the winter, we alpine ski as a family at Arctic Valley and Alyeska. In the summer, you’ll often find us at the Alaska Sailing Club on Big Lake, where they taught us to sail and we now spend most weekends.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Take vitamin D in winter, wear sunscreen and contribute to a Roth IRA every year.

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“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

— Dr. Jane Goodall

35 Zori Opanasevych

Executive Director, New Chance Inc.

Hometown: Rivne, Ukraine

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

B.A., psychology, University of Alaska, 2016-2022; Accounting studies, University of Phoenix, 2008-2010; Community Development Certificate, CORE, 2020

Highlight your community

Through New Chance Inc., I develop and oversee programs focused on community integration, employment, education and housing stability for newcomers. I work closely with employers, volunteers, churches and community partners to connect individuals with meaningful opportunities and resources.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Coordinating a community response to welcome Ukrainians to Alaska has been the most rewarding service of my life. It required mobilizing hundreds of churches, employers, volunteers, landlords and local leaders across the state, as well as fundraising for evacuation efforts to bring families to safety. Together, we built new pathways of support that did not previously exist in our state, creating sustainable

What was your first job?

At age 10, I operated a neighborhood car-washing business on a structured

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Knowing that more than 1,500 individuals are safe because of our Ukraine Relief Program and have been given the opportunity to rebuild their lives, shape the trajectory of their children and contribute positively to the future of Alaska is a responsibility and blessing I carry with deep gratitude.

Please share some background about your family.

I come from a close-knit family of six children and loving parents, all of whom live in Alaska. I am married to my incredibly supportive husband, Nick, and together we are raising three wonderful children: Evalin, Avner and Gracie. Beyond my home, my team at New Chance Inc. feels like family, united by a shared calling to serve.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

My father has influenced me by his example, he taught me that serving God and others brings true fulfillment, and that no challenge outweighs a meaningful cause.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Dipnetting on the Kenai River. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of feeling that salmon hit the net.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Cooking for my family and friends in a clean kitchen, and gardening in the Alaska summer sunlight are both grounding and calming for me.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? It’s okay not to have your entire life mapped out. Openness to opportunity and faith in God can shape a life more meaningful than a rigid plan.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

— P hilippians 2:3–4, Apostle Paul

Brittany Rimgale

Director of Business Development, Alaska Regional Hospital

Hometown: Castle Rock, CO

Current City: Palmer, AK

Education/Degrees:

Bachelor of Science in health care management; Master of Business Administration

Highlight your community work:

For a year I traveled to elementary schools around Anchorage, Eagle River, and out to the Mat-Su Valley to teach the students about emergency preparedness through the Red Cross’s Pillowcase Project. I have spent afternoons at Bean’s Cafe prepping meals to serve the community in need and days volunteering for events with the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce and as many events as I can that support our military. In addition to volunteering on my own, I have been able to be involved with many different organizations that Alaska Regional Hospital supports in the community, whether that be helping to find food donations to take to the Alaska Food Bank to working in an assembly line with my colleagues while we build Narcan kits for Project Hope.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

I walked away from my first time prepping food at Bean’s Cafe with a different appreciation for what they do and who they serve. Absolutely no one should go hungry or be without food! Being able to help prep the food that will not only go to feeding the people who stop by, but that will be trucked around to serve families and kids their daily lunch with The Children’s Lunchbox — what an impact.

What was your first job?

Hostess/Waitress at an Indian restaurant.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Having just been able to continue on in my career, step by step, position by position, has been rewarding. Being able to say that I work in administration at a hospital has been fun. I got my degree in healthcare management specifically with the dream of working in hospital administration — it took me eight years of learning and climbing through various areas of health care to be where I sought out to be. Now that I am here, there are only two things left to do: keep growing and learning!

Please share some background about your family. I moved to Alaska in 2014 to join my husband, Tim Rimgale who was stationed here Active Duty in the Army with the 501 Infantry Brigade,11th Airborne Division. What was supposed to be a threeyear stint, turned into six and finally became our permanent place of residence. Together, Tim and I have two daughters, Eloise (7) and Eleanor (3), and two dogs, Luna and Franklin. My family is my driving force, they are the reasons I do anything in life, I am proud to call them mine!

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Name the person who influenced you the most. Personally, my parents, siblings and my husband are the most influential people in my life. Professionally, Kevin Barry, CEO of Alaska Surgery Center, has been the person who has influenced me the most. Kevin was my boss for five years. I cannot count the times or hours I spent in Kevin’s office asking for and receiving advice from him. I still pick up the phone or stop on by to sit in the same chair where I have received many coaching conversations. I would not be where I am today without his guidance and support throughout my career. What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Get out on the water! Prince William Sound, Seward, Homer — any will do. The water here is good for the soul!

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

My family and I love to enjoy the Alaska outdoors. Specifically, we love to be out on the boat in Prince William Sound, fishing, shrimping, hiking and just enjoying the views. I also love to cook and curl up with a good book and hide from the cold.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Keep going, do not give up. The hard work and tears are worth it! Your path will not look like someone else’s so do not compare and just keep going at your own pace, you will get there it just might look a little different that you imagined.

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born ... and the day you find out why.”

— Mark Twain

37 Danicia Shiryayev

Vice President of Business Services, Credit Union 1

Hometown: Anchorage, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees: Associate of Applied Science, business administration, University of Alaska

Highlight your community work: Board Member and Chair, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce; Board Member, Junior Achievement of Alaska; Board Member, Alaska State Chamber

What has been your most rewarding community service?

I have always loved volunteering with Junior Achievement of Alaska. Alaska is the only state that does not require financial literary education for high school graduation, which makes the work that Junior Achievement does that much more important. Financial literacy is one of the most valuable tools we can give young people to help them start adulthood on solid footing and make confident, informed decisions about their

What was your first job? McDonalds.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Knowing that the work I do helps businesses and people fulfill their dreams, which helps strengthen Alaska for us all.

Please share some background about your family.

I grew up, and now am raising my family, in Anchorage. My wonderful husband, Sergei, and I have two children, Charlie (13) and Rylan (10). Both of my parents are still in Anchorage, and I am lucky to call my mom my best friend. I could not be luckier than to be surrounded by so much support.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

First, my mom, Doris. I grew up watching her care for everyone around her, always showing up with kindness, generosity and strength. She showed me what leadership starts with and how you treat people. Second, my husband, Sergei. There is something special about growing up with your high school sweetheart. We have evolved together, and he challenges me to see things from a different perspective. His support and encouragement have helped me grow.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Eureka. It is one of my favorite places to visit in the summer and explore. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The views are like no other!

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Traveling and spending time with my family. With two kids, life is busy in the best way. We love to get outside, riding dirt bikes in the summer and traveling in the winter. These adventures keep us connected and we make the best memories together during these times.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Trust your instincts. Growth takes time and moments that feel uncertain are often the ones shaping you the most. Confidence comes from doing hard things, not from having all the answers. The milestones matter, but the relationships and lessons along the way are what define success.

“The road to success is always under construction.”

— L ily Tomlin

Chelsea Smith

Director, Alaska Corporation for Affordable Housing

Hometown: Fairbanks, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Bachelor of Science, mathematics

Highlight your community work:

I represent Alaska as an emerging leader in the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (PNRC NAHRO). I am especially excited this year to be participating in the American Lung Association’s Clean Air Challenge, as well as leading efforts to start an Alaska chapter of the Women’s Affordable Housing Network.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

From a young age, my family and I made it a tradition to participate in Clean Up Day events. After moving to Anchorage, I have shared this tradition and encouraged my co-workers to get involved. Bringing people together for a shared purpose is deeply rewarding, and witnessing the impact of our efforts in the community is something I truly value.

What was your first job?

Babysitting.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

When I joined Alaska Housing Finance Corporation in January 2021, the world was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. My primary responsibility was to implement a statewide rent relief program funded by the U.S. Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance. Collaborating with statewide partners — including the Municipality of Anchorage and 14 housing authorities representing 148 federally recognized tribes — we delivered a unified and coordinated approach to rent relief for Alaskans. This model attained national recognition and awards for its effectiveness and innovation. During my tenure leading the program, AHFC assisted over 66,000 Alaskans and distributed more than $262 million in rent and utility relief. I am extremely proud of the collective efforts that enabled Alaskans to support their neighbors and communities.

Please share some background about your family. I was raised in Fairbanks alongside my three older brothers, Dawson, Erik and Ty, by my supportive parents, Stephen and Lorri Arthur. Although my father passed away prior to my senior year of high school, the resilience and work ethic instilled in me by both of my parents continue to guide my personal and professional life.

Name the person who influenced you the most. Without a doubt, it is my husband and high school sweetheart, Tim. We have been through the roller coaster of life together for almost 20 years and I wouldn’t have it any other way. What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

You have to see the Northern Lights in sub-zero temperatures! There is nothing like being fully decked out in winter gear, laying in a snowbank staring up at nature’s beautiful display.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

I love live music! I will travel just to see certain artists, like Lady Gaga. If traveling for other reasons, I always see what concerts are nearby and make special detours, if necessary.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Lead with kindness and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.

“If you avoid taking risks, you limit your opportunities.”

— Shellye Ar

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C ONGRATULATIONS

SouthcentralFoundationcongratulatesthe recipientsofthisyear’sTopFortyUnder40.

SCFisproudtohonorDana Sundetforherexceptional leadershipandunwavering dedicationtoadvancingSCF’s Missionofworkingtogether withtheNativeCommunity toachievewellness throughhealthand relatedservices.

Missionofw withtheNativ

Dr. Julie Stafford

Doctor, Anchorage Veterinary Clinic and Urgent Care

Hometown: Anchorage, AK

Current City: Eagle River, AK

Education/Degrees:

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; Bachelor of Science, biomedical sciences

Highlight your community work:

I currently serve on the Executive Board of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, which represents 113 member associations and more than 390,000 veterinarians worldwide. As the youngest veterinarian to serve on the board, I place particular emphasis on generational relevance, succession planning and the development of future leaders within our profession. I recently ended a five-year stint as a mobile veterinary service that focused on hospice care and improving access to veterinary services in underserved communities.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Contributing to the development of the next generation of veterinary leaders. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recently launched its first international leadership development initiative, the Future Leaders Program. This program is designed to support veterinarians around the world who show both promise and passion for advancing the veterinary profession. As a recent graduate myself, I was honored to be selected to participate in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Future Leaders Program.

What was your first job?

Medical filing and digitalizing at a local women’s health clinic.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

The illumination of the mental health crisis in veterinary medicine. Through a variety of avenues, including my work with the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Future Leaders Program, my acceptance of and speaking for the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Future Generation Award, an op-ed published in a veterinary journal and my insistence on bringing these conversations into everyday vernacular, I was one of many veterinarians working to raise awareness of the devastating mental health crisis affecting not only American veterinarians, but veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals around the world.

Please share some background about your family.

My father passed away in a plane crash in Alaska when I was about 8 years old. We didn’t have other family nearby, so my mother became both a mother and a father to me, and her friends became our extended family. While many people would have been consumed by grief, she doubled down on making sure we didn’t miss a single opportunity. My mother had, and still has, an incredible group of friends who helped raise us along the way.

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Name the person who influenced you the most. Hands down, my mother. She taught me grit, compassion and that sitting around eating bonbons while watching soap operas is about the worst thing a person can do. In all seriousness however, my mother’s resolve and mantra that “any job worth doing, is worth doing well” taught me early on that you don’t give up and you never give less than your best.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Overnight backcountry Alaska camping somewhere where there is no noise but nature. Where you have to appropriately — and inconveniently — stow your food and scented items in a bear safe way, prepare for the potential of drastically different weather and are likely to return with mosquito bites in unmentionable places. For me, there is no greater Alaskan experience. What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? Through travel or through Alaskan outdoor adventures, there is nothing more exciting, humbling and fulfilling to me than appreciating our planet with all the people and cultures, flora and fauna that exist on Earth.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Take care of yourself. Whether mental or physical, spiritual or emotional, relational or personal, invest in your health and wellbeing. You will be more productive, fulfilled, whole and, above all, sustainable because of it.

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

— African Proverb

39 Dana Sundet

Director of Data, Research and Evaluation Services, Southcentral Foundation

Hometown: Keizer, OR

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

B.S., business administration, Oregon State University; MBA, Alaska Pacific University

Highlight your community work: I enjoy supporting local community organizations like Challenge Alaska and Covenant House.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Driving improvements that genuinely benefit the services we provide is what motivates me. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work my teams do directly contributes to enhancing the quality of care and making a meaningful difference for the community we serve.

What was your first job?

Selling Italian charm bracelets at a kiosk in the mall.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

One of my earliest roles involved recruiting for provider positions, which allowed me to travel to rural communities as we worked to fill critical vacancies. Being able to see and learn more about the communities we serve — while supporting efforts to staff essential healthcare positions — was an invaluable experience. It gave me a deeper understanding of our mission and the unique needs of the people who rely on us.

Please share some background about your family.

My parents are Jess and Dee Town, and I’m the youngest of three siblings. I am American Indian, with Yakama and Choctaw heritage — something I’m deeply proud of. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart, Craig, for 13 years, and together we are the proud parents of our son, Jackson, who is three years old and our 10-year-old black lab, Netti.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

My parents. From a young age, they instilled in me a strong sense of determination and the belief that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to — so long as I was willing to put in the time and effort. They also taught me the importance of family, a lesson that has been invaluable in helping me balance my professional ambitions with my personal life. Their guidance continues to shape who I am and how I approach challenges and opportunities.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Alaska’s vast wilderness — from the breathtaking scenery along the flight, to the immersive park experience. Witnessing the extraordinary bear and salmon activity at the falls is truly remarkable. Standing just a short distance from these powerful animals as they fish is a once in a lifetime experience that captures the very essence of Alaska.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

I really miss reading and am hoping to make more time for it again. In the summer, I love being outdoors — running, hiking and spending time with my family on walks or at the park. Those moments outside together are some of my favorites.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Slow down — you don’t have to have everything figured out yet. The challenges you face will strengthen you in ways you can’t see right now. Trust yourself more, worry less and keep moving forward.

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.”

— C alvin Coolidge

Jonathon Taylor

AVP/Director of Public Affairs, University of Alaska System

Hometown: Anchorage, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Master of Science, project management, University of Alaska Anchorage, in progress; Public Relations Strategy Certificate, Cornell University; Bachelor of Arts, political science, University of Alaska Anchorage, cum laude, 2016, journalism and public communication, economics and communication minors

Highlight your community work:

I’ve had the privilege of serving on a number of boards dedicated to investing in individuals and communities to build a better future for those who come next: the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Council on Strategic Communications, the Anchorage Concert Association, Neighbor Works Alaska, Pulse Dance Company, the Anchorage Community Development Authority and the University of Alaska Foundation.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

An all volunteer-led fundraiser called “Bag It Up!” For the last three years, I’ve gotten to work with the great minds behind Wild Salmon on Parade on an annual live and silent auction event featuring bags, purses and murses designed by local Alaska artists and donated by local businesses and Alaska celebrities. This past year, the funds raised went to support AWAIC and 4As.

What was your first job?

A seasonal luggage handler for Princess Tours. My first day was my 16th birthday!

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

The work and results of the “Empower Alaska” public awareness campaign I inherited when I joined the University. It was conceived as a multi-year project to raise awareness of the University of Alaska’s impact on Alaska’s workforce, people and economy, and to contribute to the public’s better understanding and opinions of our university system. The entirety of the campaign efforts has won multiple awards; the one I’m proudest of is the Public Relations Society of America-Alaska Chapter’s APR Choice Award.

Please share some background about your family.

I’m the oldest of five who were all born and raised in Anchorage. We were an incredibly musical family growing up, with everyone playing at least an instrument and/or being able to carry a tune; some of my fondest moments of growing up are the “jam sessions” we’d have around the piano.

Name the person who influenced you the most. My maternal grandfather. He was fashionable and stylish, had a strong work ethic, and was known for being accessible, honest, kind and compassionate. He was a veteran of the Marines and the Air Force and experienced some of the most consequential events of the 20th and 21st centuries. I realized that as I grew older, but for most of my life, he was just “Grandpa Flynn.”

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Taking a picture by the marquee on the UAF Troth Yeddha campus when it’s 50 degrees below outside!

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Playing the piano. I am classically trained, took lessons for 13 years and still play today.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Be authentic, and be you. It doesn’t matter whether other people like you or not, so long as you are living your truth and treating others with the dignity they deserve.

“Where words fail, sounds can often speak.”

— Hans Christian Anderson, “What the Moon Saw: And Other Tales”

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39 Marita Tolson

Indigenous Trades Program Coordinator for Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida and Project Director for the Hydaburg City School District

Tlingit & Haida Central Council

Hometown: Hydaburg, AK

Current City: Hydaburg, AK

Education/Degrees:

Professional piloting, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Highlight your community

My Haida name is lskyaalas, given to me by my náanii, Dr. Delores Churchill. Through my role with the Hydaburg City School District, I help create schools that connect students and families to academic support, cultural programming, wellness initiatives and hands-on learning opportunities. Through my work with the Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, I connect tribal citizens to cultural resources, learning opportunities, and hands-on experiences.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Teaching young people what it means to be Haida in today’s world, helping them understand that their identity is not only rooted in history, but alive and powerful in the present. I also hold a deep commitment to serving the Xaad Kíl language; for me, ensuring that Xaad Kíl lives on for future generations is more than community service, it is a responsibility

and an act of love for my ancestors and my children.

What was your first job?

Tlingit and Haida Youth Worker.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Seeing others reconnect with their culture and identity through culture and subsistence harvesting classes. My favorite classes to organize with both youth and tribal citizens are harvesting and hunting classes, fish egg gathering, seaweed gathering, seal and sea otter hunting, devils club harvesting, medicinal plant harvesting and cedar bark harvesting. When students reconnect with their culture and the land, they develop respect not only for their heritage, but for the earth itself.

Please share some background about your family.

In Hydaburg, I grew up surrounded by talented family members, artists, knowledge keepers, culture bearers and hardworking relatives who modeled resilience and creativity. Throughout my life I was supported by my Naanii, Dr. Delores Churchill, lskyaalas, whose guidance, wisdom and unwavering support have deeply influenced my path. I am married to Benjamin Young, and together we are raising our three children with the same values of kindness, love and community responsibility that shaped my own upbringing.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

My brother, Robert. Because he passed away at such a young age, I strive to make the most of every moment and embrace all that life has to offer. He was kind, humble and unwaveringly authentic, always teaching me to be true to myself and to never worry about what others thought of me.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Watching a pod of killer whales interacting in the wild. It is truly magical and breathtaking to see them breaching, leaping from the water and moving together as a family.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

As a Haida living in a village, much of life is guided by the rhythm of the land and sea. In the spring and summer, I love spending my free time on the land, harvesting and teaching my children how to prepare subsistence foods. During the winter months, I turn to indoor activities like creating button robes and vests for family members and loved ones.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Be more selfish with your time. Save energy for yourself, to pour into your own growth and well-being as much as you pour into others, and slow down and fully enjoy each moment along the way.

“If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.”

— John 14:14

Lindsy Townsend

Board Relations & Strategic Alignment Manager, Chugach Alaska Corporation

Hometown: Glennallen, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Graduate Certificate, Alaska Native Executive Leadership, Alaska Pacific University, 2017; Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance Associate of Arts and Sciences, small business administration/management, University of Alaska Anchorage, 2012

Highlight your community work:

Alaska VA Healthcare Tribal Veterans Representative; Anchorage Veteran Standdown; Chugach Region Veterans Project; Chugach Native Professionals Group; and annual participation in community events, particularly memorable being the Covenant House Community Sleepout with my daughter.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

We’re still in the early stages of the Chugach Region Veterans Project, but I already know this will become very rewarding as it grows in focus and momentum. As an Alaska Native Corporation, Chugach represents thousands of Alaska Native shareholders and descendants — many of whom are veterans. Through this project, we are working to build connections with those who have served and sacrificed, honoring them by preserving their stories and recognizing all veterans, past and present. Beyond preserving the collective legacy of our people, this project will also serve as a legacy for families.

What was your first job?

Housekeeping at 14.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

The connections and the incredible people I’ve had the opportunity to work for, work with and learn from. Working for such a distinguished leader as Sheri Buretta, and at a company where I am valued enough to be nominated for an award like this simply for my steady, quiet contributions rooted in integrity and work ethic, is deeply fulfilling to me. I’d be remiss not to add that my time in the Alaska Air National Guard — and the understanding of service and being part of something larger than myself — was a truly foundational experience.

Please share some background about your family.

My parents are Terry and Debbie Townsend, and I am a middle child amongst my sister Ashly and brother Wesley. Today I am proud to be mother to my daughter Ava, and blessed to share the sweetest kind of chaos at home with my partner Eric and his three boys.

Name the person who influenced you the most. Nobody will ever influence me as much as my daughter. In needing to be everything to her as a mother, I also learned to prioritize myself for the first time and that led me to meet myself deeply and with compassion. She is the most kind, thoughtful, hilarious and joyful human, and she truly inspires and teaches me every single day.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Sleeping in a tent along the river or up in the mountains, unzipping the fly in the morning and feeling the breeze come through.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Being outside and enjoying all of the Alaska things, of course: hiking, mountain biking, fishing, four-wheeling and so on!

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Lead with curiosity. Ask more questions. Don’t take time for granted — slow down and take the opportunity to learn from the mentors that show up in many forms.

“Be truthful, gentle and fearless.”

— Maha

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30 Kalani Tucker

Tribal & Board Relations Manager, Cook Inlet Tribal Council

Hometown: Anchorage, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Master of Business Administration, leadership emphasis, University of Alaska Anchorage, expected spring 2026; Bachelor of Business Administration, Alaska Native business management minor, University of Alaska Anchorage

Highlight your community work: Serving on the Knik Tribal Council as a third-generation Tribal leader, contributing to governance and decisions that support Tribal citizens and community priorities.

Being an active shareholder with CIRI, including participating in their Participation Committee and mentorship programs.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

The opportunity to mentor Alaska Native youth through Southcentral Foundation’s

RAISE program as a supervisor, as well as through leading Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Youth Advisory Council.

Supporting young people as they build confidence, find their voice and grow into leadership roles has been incredibly meaningful.

What was your first job?

RAISE Intern at Southcentral Foundation.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Sitting at my dad’s right hand while he served as Chair of the Valley Native Primary Care Center Joint Operating Board at Southcentral Foundation, supporting him as he led meetings. Being able to witness his quiet, steadfast leadership up close is something I will always hold close to my heart.

Please share some background about your family.

My father, Michael Tucker, was born and raised in Anchorage. He dedicated much of his career to teaching carpentry in rural Alaska, and served as President of the Knik Tribe for over 20 years. My mother was born in California and stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in the 1970s. Growing up, I was surrounded by strong examples of leadership, service and commitment to community.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

Professionally, one of the most influential individuals in my life has been Ileen Sylvester, former Executive Vice President of Executive and Tribal Services at Southcentral Foundation. Her strategic, diplomatic and Tribe-focused lens has played a significant role in shaping who I am professionally today.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Spending a day on the water — whether it’s on a quiet alpine lake, out on the open ocean in Prince William Sound, along the Kenai River or tide pooling at the Homer Spit. Alaska’s waters are incredibly diverse, and each offers its own kind of beauty and perspective.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Reading, cooking and spending quality time with my family, fiancé and my miniature poodle, Paco.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Be fearless; know that all will be provided at the right time.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

— Helen Keller

Christina Twogood

Product Development Operations Manager, ASRC Energy

Hometown: Fairbanks, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Bachelor of Science, petroleum engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks; Motorized Avalanche Professional, American Avalanche Association

Highlight your community work:

I have served on the boards of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Alaska Chapter since 2013, and the Alaska Avalanche School since 2024. I regularly volunteer with the Alaska Resource Education team and previously volunteered at the Anchorage Petroleum Women’s Association fundraising events. I currently serve as an instructor for both the Alaska Avalanche School and Alaska Safe Riders and speak at numerous Avalanche Awareness Seminars throughout the community each season.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Teaching motorized avalanche courses in the backcountry. When I took my first course, I was blown away by how much I didn’t know about what I didn’t know, and it forever changed my perspective. In this work, the true impact is inherently immeasurable. I will never have a metric for the accidents that didn’t happen, and that is exactly the point. The reward is in knowing that what I teach might be the reason someone’s family member makes it home at the end of the day.

What was your first job?

Working in the office of a local construction company in Fairbanks. In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Contributing to the oil and gas industry that drives our state forward. While I learned early in my career that professional growth was often measured by relocation, I chose to stay. Focusing my technical development within Alaska’s world-class operational environment allowed me to cultivate a level of technical and operational rigor I may have otherwise missed.

Please share some background about your family.

I am a multi-generational Alaskan with deep roots in Fairbanks. My family’s history is woven into the state’s infrastructure: my maternal great-grandfather helped build Ladd Airfield, while my grandfather served as the Business Manager for the Local 302 Operating Engineers Union. My paternal grandfather earned his civil engineering degree from the University of Alaska and operated a gold mine in Fox. Growing up in a family of operators and engineers gave me a profound respect for industry and inspired my own path in petroleum engineering.

Name the person who influenced you the most. My grandmother, Dorothy. I had the immense privilege of living with her during my college years, a time when we brought her quiet home back to life — me playing the piano in the evenings and her sharing stories of her early pioneer life in Alaska. She gave me the space to cultivate my independence and inspired me to do the things that are hard. Her influence is the foundation of the person I am today.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Drive through Thompson Pass on a bluebird day in April. I’ve never felt closer to heaven than when I’m in those mountains.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Making Napoli pizza and being in the mountains. If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Spend more time with your grandparents.

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“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”

— John D. Rockefeller

38 Siena Vanucci

Executive Director of Quality, Providence Alaska

Hometown: Anchorage, AK

Current City: Anchorage, AK

Education/Degrees:

Master, health care administration; Bachelor, nutrition/dietetics; Licensed Dietetic Nutritionist; Registered Dietitian Nutritionist; Certified Professional in Health Care Risk Management; Certified Professional in Health Care Quality; Certified Professional in Patient Safety

Highlight your community work:

I enjoy spending time supporting my children’s schools, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Elementary School and Lumen Christi Catholic High School, our local hockey teams with Anchorage Hockey Association and the Archangel Attic, a thrift store that offers clothes, home goods and toys for reasonable prices to our community.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Coordinating drives to benefit our community. While working at Providence St. Elias Specialty Hospital, one project supported The Children’s Lunchbox during the COVID-19 pandemic, gathering pantry packs to support children and their families. We assigned each St. Elias department a pantry pack to prepare. It was an excellent teambuilding activity, but the most rewarding part was filling three car trunks with more than 150 pantry packs to donate to The Children’s Lunchbox!

What was your first job?

Hill’s Dry Cleaners. It was a job I could ride my bike to, and I got to work with my sister and best friend.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Participating in the Providence Health Equity Fellowship. My project focused on creating more equity in the length of stay of black, brown, indigenous, people of color (BBIPOC) patients at St. Elias. When we realized we had a disparity in length of stay between St. Elias’s BBIPOC patients and white patients, we wanted to understand why. We took time to study the data, mining for reasons and listening to patients and team members to understand why we had this disparity. In response, we focused on increasing social determinants of health screenings to better understand patient’s unique needs. We successfully decreased the disparity in length of stay between St. Elias’s BIPOC and white patients by 25%.

Please share some background about your family.

I am blessed with an incredible family that includes my amazing husband, Greg, and my wonderful boys, Leo and Rowan, who are 10 and 13.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

Jessica Oswald, Chief Administrative Officer at Providence St. Elias Specialty Hospital, modeled how to be an exceptional leader. Kelly Ogden, Director of Nursing at St. Elias, showed me what Servant Leadership is. Dr. Kristen Solana Walkinshaw, Chief Medical Officer for Providence Alaska, has taught me to pause and think of complex problems from all angles.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

A local ice hockey game! I’m biased and think it should be an Anchorage Hockey Association game, but the Wolverines are a great second option! Grab a pom-pom and a cowbell and get ready to rage!

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Reading, preferably while on a camping trip, by the fire, with my family nearby and my puppy in my lap! I also enjoy running because it helps me to clear my mind and challenge my body.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Keep dreaming and do not limit yourself. This world is big and there is opportunity everywhere. You just need to take the first step and believe that you can achieve it.

“Leaders who do not listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say.”

— Andy Stanley

Sarah Villalon

Chief Financial Officer, Golden Valley Electric Association Inc.

Hometown: Utqiagvik, AK

Current City: Fairbanks, AK

Education/Degrees:

Certified Public Accountant; Master of Business Administration; Bachelor of Business Administration, accounting

Highlight your community work:

I am passionate about empowering the next generation whether through the Farthest North Girl Scout Council or mentoring youth across schools and organizations helping them build confidence, independence and a strong sense of responsibility. Throughout the year, I also remain actively involved in community initiatives, from supporting youth and adult sled dog races with the Lions Club of North Pole and volunteering at the local food bank to participating in United Way fundraisers and advocating for mental health awareness through NAMI and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

As a student at UAF, I helped coordinate the Festival of Native Arts, a multi-day cultural celebration dedicated to Alaska Native and Indigenous song, dance and the arts. I served two years as lead coordinator and two additional years on the student-led organizing team. Managing two dozen dance groups, 30 artists and nearly 75 volunteers was no small task, but it was incredibly rewarding to see the community come together to celebrate traditions woven into the fabric of Alaska.

What was your first job?

Clerk at a video and floral shop.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Being part of a team that works hard, supports one another and succeeds together. There’s nothing more rewarding than accomplishing something meaningful alongside people who genuinely care about each other and the mission.

Please share some background about your family.

I’m one of six in a blended family, raised by four wonderful parents, Ed and Eva Villalon and Susan and Nick Dunbar of Utqiagvik, and blessed with bonus parents, Howard and Dodie Rixie of Salcha. I get to play the fun aunt to my nieces and nephews, both in my family and among my closest friends, as well as to furbabies that complete our circle. My late husband, Chase, and I built a life rooted in love, laughter and resilience, alongside our Australian shepherd, Freyjaa, who ensures life is always an adventure.

Name the person who influenced you the most. My parents. They each worked two full-time jobs and made sacrifices so we could have opportunities they never did. At the

same time, they opened our home to anyone who needed a warm meal or a safe place to land. They taught me that you can work hard and still lead with compassion — and that has shaped how I live and lead.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Step outside the morning after a snowstorm and take in the stillness.

The quiet, the crisp air, the reset — it’s a gift we often forget to pause for.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Adventuring with my dog Freyjaa: wandering, exploring and occasionally getting lost — literally and figuratively — in the beauty of Alaska!

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Worry less. Live more. Take the risk. Trust yourself.

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“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

36 Andrew Watson

Clinical Director of Outpatient Services, Southcentral Foundation

Hometown: San Jose, CA; and Springfield, OR

Current City: Eagle River, AK

Education/Degrees:

B.A. writing/literature, George Fox University; M.A. clinical mental health counseling, George Fox University; Chemical Dependency Counselor I; Licensed Professional Counselor ; LPC Board Approved Supervisor

Highlight your community work:

Working in social services and behavioral health, my commitment to the health and wellness of the community is engrained in my work every day. Instead of jumping on individual community efforts, I feel I’ve integrated my community support in my day-to-day functioning, purpose and life’s work.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

My service on Lutheran Social Services’ Board of Directors and volunteer leadership with youth programs reflect community engagement not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to create meaningful change.

What was your first job? Lifeguard/Swim Instructor.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

My greatest pride lies not in organizational metrics or professional accolades, but in witnessing others recognize their own potential and celebrating their accomplishments. My greatest accomplishments professionally are not just

transforming programs and policies, but investing in the lives of the individuals served and the professionals I get the opportunity to support and/or mentor.

Please share some background about your family. I’m the oldest of three boys and grew up in California and Oregon with my siblings and parents. I have been married to my wife, who is from Alaska, for 13 years. We have a 7-year-old daughter, 3-year-old son, a dog and a cat.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

A supervisor I worked with during college. Her leadership was deeply relational—grounded in authenticity, accessibility and genuine care. She approached her role without rigidity or hierarchy, creating an environment where team members felt valued, respected and empowered. Her leadership fostered both competence and confidence in those around her. I have intentionally modeled my own leadership approach after her example of service-oriented leadership.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

My family most enjoys spending time in Seward. It’s not the most exciting Alaska adventure you could have, but it is centering and grounding to be able to walk the beach, find rocks and shells with the kids, and just soak in the marvels that are the mountains and clear water.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work? I love to cook and paint.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Do not allow external influences to determine how much of your authentic self you permit the world to see. The opinions, expectations and discomfort of others should not define your identity or diminish your voice. True growth lies in developing the capacity to navigate different spaces while remaining fundamentally aligned with who you are.

“I do not understand the mystery of grace — only that it meets us where we are and does not leave us where it found us.”

— Anne L amott

Karalee Watts

Vice President Marketing & Community Relations, Spirit

of Alaska Credit Union

Hometown: Sterling, AK

Current City: Fairbanks, AK

Education/Degrees:

B.A., journalism, University of Alaska Fairbanks; Certificate, marketing strategy, Cornell University; Credit Union Certified Marketing Executive

Highlight your community work:

President, Board of Directors, Literacy Council of Alaska; Board Member, Financial Reality Foundation; Member, 100 Golden Heart Women Who Care

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Serving with the Literacy Council of Alaska. LCA supports teens and adults through GED preparation, English language learning, workforce development and career pathway services. Watching learners gain confidence, earn a diploma or take meaningful steps toward independence is a powerful reminder that access to education can change the trajectory of a life and strengthen communities.

What was your first job?

Serving ice cream, making coffee, prepping food and running the register at Cook’s Corner in Sterling, at 16.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Leading our recent brand transformation at Spirit of Alaska Credit Union. It required us to clarify our strategic direction, strengthen the member experience and align leadership around a shared vision for the future. The project later received national industry recognition and reinforced that marketing is not just design, but leadership, strategy and long-term vision.

Please share some background about your family.

I was raised by a stay-at-home dad and a mom who worked as a teacher, alongside my two brothers and two sisters, in a close-knit family with strong values. My family has always been my constant and my anchor.

Name the person who influenced you the most.

My mom. Even beyond the classroom, she put time, creativity, careful thought and genuine positivity into her work, and deeply cared about her students. She still remembers their names and stories years later.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Camping along Kenai Lake, waking up to turquoise water and quiet mountain air. There is something about being unplugged there that reminds you how serene and beautiful Alaska truly

is. And while you’re there, if you’re thinking about jumping into the cold, glacier-fed water, it’s totally worth it.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Exploring Alaska’s outdoors and capturing its beauty through photography. Anyone hiking with me knows we will be stopping often for “just one more” photo.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Do it before it feels perfect. You will learn and grow more by starting than by waiting.

“You’re allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time.”

— S ophia Bush

39 Katie Yarrow

President & CEO,

Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce

Hometown: Fairbanks, AK

Current City: Fairbanks, AK

Education/Degrees:

B.A., music, summa cum laude, Columbus State University, 2010; West Valley High School, Fairbanks, 2005

Highlight your community work: I’m on the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District’s Legislative Committee, and currently sit on the Golden Heart Community Foundation Board. My children and I volunteer annually for the Literacy Council of Alaska and the Bread Line’s community garden.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

Our community has hundreds of nonprofit agencies that have touched my heart and life. Any opportunity I have to give of my time, voice and gifts to those doing the “heart” work,

I have always tried to say “yes.” The most rewarding piece of that service has been watching my children’s desire to give back and discovering the niches where they feel drawn to serve our community through volunteerism.

What was your first job?

Busing tables and hostessing at a small cafe.

In your professional life, what project or achievement has been most fulfilling to you?

Being chosen as the new President & CEO of our Chamber. When I was selected it was incredibly humbling to see the support and faith that our members and leadership had in my ability to lead the organization that made me the business person I am today. It felt like coming home.

Please share some background about your family.

My father, Gary Dolgner, is from Wisconsin, and my mother, Tammy Brock, came up from Nevada. Myself and my younger sister were both born and raised in Fairbanks, proud products of our public school system. I am currently the sole parent to two amazing sons, Cylas (13) and Kilian (11). I am proud of them every day as they grow into young men who aren’t afraid to be kind, showcase peaceful strength, give back to our community, share my love of being goofy and remind people that “normal is boring.”

Name the person who influenced you the most.

My favorite teacher was Ms. Zena. She taught AP English and drama. She instilled resiliency and wit and led by example. She was a confidant and a support for many students, let us feel safe in being ourselves and helped us learn that our differences are our strengths. She reaffirmed confidence and independence in me as a young woman, which set me up for success as I went out into the world as an adult.

What is one Alaska experience everyone should have at least once?

Berry picking. Hunting for the perfect spot, enjoying the peace and quiet, the smell of the earth and all the joy that comes from that harvest.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

Floating the Chena River on my paddleboard with my kids or friends. It’s my happy place.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Don’t be defensive when people underestimate you, they’ll figure it out. Don’t worry about being the loudest voice at the table, silence can speak volumes. Never aim to be the smartest person in the room; surround yourself with intelligent people and learn from them.

“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

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UNDER 40

Alaska’s Top Forty Under 40 recognizes the state’s top professionals younger than age 40 who have demonstrated professional excellence and commitment to their community.