Author: Michael Levshakof

Chugach Promotes Randi Gause to Vice President of Marketing & Communications

Anchorage, Alaska — Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach) is proud to announce the promotion of Randi Jo Gause to Vice President of Marketing & Communications.

In her position, Gause will oversee enterprise marketing and communications for Chugach, including brand strategy and stewardship, internal and external communications, executive communications, media relations, and integrated marketing programs that support the corporation’s expanding portfolio and a unified brand presence.

“Randi brings a combination of strategic discipline and creative leadership to how we communicate Chugach’s purpose and performance,” said CEO Jonathan Dalrymple. “She has strengthened our brand and elevated how we engage with customers, employees, shareholders, and communities. As Chugach continues to grow and diversify, her leadership is essential to ensuring our marketing and communications remain cohesive and aligned to the long-term vision we are working towards.”

Gause joined Chugach more than a decade ago as Communications Manager and has advanced into senior leadership, most recently serving as Marketing & Communications Director, helping establish and build the corporation’s marketing and communications function to support enterprise priorities. Before joining Chugach, she held marketing roles in both agency and nonprofit environments. Her work has been recognized for excellence and impact, including being named one of the Alaska Journal of Commerce’s 2020 Top 40 Under 40. Under her leadership, Chugach’s marketing and communications team has also received multiple honors from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Alaska Chapter and Ragan Communications.

“I’ve been privileged to be part of Chugach through many seasons of change, and I’m grateful to our leadership for the opportunity to support this next chapter of growth,” said Gause. “Our business portfolio and our shareholder community are expanding and diversifying, and there’s real momentum across the enterprise. My focus is helping us show up with one clear voice even as we evolve – sharing our story in a way that’s authentic, people-centered, and grounded in the value we create for shareholders and customers.”

Gause holds an MBA in International Business from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a B.S. in Public Relations from the University of Utah, and has completed professional certificate programs through Harvard Business School. As a lifelong Alaskan, she is also active in the community, supporting organizations including Covenant House Alaska, STAR Alaska, and mentoring women entrepreneurs through the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.

About Chugach Alaska Corporation: Established in 1972 under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach) exists to serve the interests of the Alaska Native people of the Chugach region with a focus on profitability, celebration of our heritage and ownership of our lands. Through responsible management of our lands, businesses and assets, we provide meaningful opportunities and benefits to our community of 2,700 shareholders. Chugach fulfills its mission through a range of investments and operating businesses that provide government, industrial, and energy services.

Chugach Appoints Gwen Welch to President of Chugach Commercial Holdings

Anchorage, Alaska — Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach) is proud to announce the promotion of Gwen Welch to President of Chugach Commercial Holdings (CCH). In this role, Welch will lead Chugach’s expanding commercial portfolio, advancing strategic acquisitions, operational excellence, and long-term value creation in support of the corporation’s Alaska Native shareholders.

Welch joined Chugach in 2002 and has held a range of senior leadership roles, most recently serving as CCH’s Senior Vice President and previously as Vice President of Operations. Over the past five years, she has helped shape strategy, led day-to-day execution, and strengthened governance across a commercial portfolio of eight operating companies and approximately 800 employees spanning Alaska, Hawaii, and Illinois.

With more than 25 years of experience in finance and operations across both government and commercial sectors, Welch brings deep expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and operational oversight, and is recognized as an integral member of Chugach’s executive leadership.

“Gwen has the depth and breadth of experience to connect strategy to execution,” said Peter Andersen, Chief Operating Officer. “She has navigated through complex operational challenges and opportunities, and led multiple acquisitions that are integrating, performing, and adding value. Sellers trust her, our teams respect her, and our customers rely on her. Naming her President of CCH is the right next step as we continue to build our growth engine.”

Welch’s leadership has been central to building a disciplined, performance-focused operating model across the portfolio. She has strengthened performance across CCH’s existing businesses, helping position them for sustained success and long-term value creation. Over the past year, she also led four strategic acquisitions that expanded CCH’s footprint in Alaska’s oil and gas sector and specialty contracting in Fairbanks, reinforcing CCH’s reputation as a long-term, values-aligned partner for sellers. In parallel, she has continued to elevate governance, compliance, and operational efficiency to support scalable growth and successful integration.

“I’ve spent most of my career at Chugach because I believe in what we’re building,” Welch said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead CCH and for the trust of our Board and executive leadership. Moving forward, CCH will continue to be a strong partner to our operating companies and customers, as we pursue disciplined, values-aligned growth that creates long-term value for our shareholders and the communities we serve.”

A lifelong Alaskan, Welch earned a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She is also active in community engagement, supporting organizations including St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Breakthrough T1D.

For more information, please contact Randi Jo Gause at (907) 261-0348.

About Chugach Alaska Corporation: Established in 1972 under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach) exists to serve the interests of the Alaska Native people of the Chugach region with a focus on profitability, celebration of our heritage and ownership of our lands. Through responsible management of our lands, businesses and assets, we provide meaningful opportunities and benefits to our community of 2,700 shareholders. Chugach fulfills its mission through a range of investments and operating businesses that provide government, industrial, and energy services.

About Chugach Commercial Holdings: Established in 2014 by Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach), Chugach Commercial Holdings (CCH) acquires and grows essential service companies across the energy, industrial, and environmental sectors. Guided by Chugach’s values and longterm vision, CCH partners with strong operating teams to deliver safe, highquality solutions, sustainable growth and enduring value for shareholders and communities. Learn more at commercial.chugach.com.

CCH Duo Helps Distribute 2,025 Thanksgiving Meals



Gwen Welch stuffing boxes.

Working alongside volunteers from the Food Bank of Alaska and Catholic Social Services, Gwen and Dee helped prepare and distribute an incredible 2,025 boxes of Thanksgiving meals, each one destined for a household in need. And the need was unmistakable.



Dee Pletnikoff braving the cold.

Reflecting back on the day, Dee shared, “The need was definitely there, so it was nice to see smiles on the families’ faces.” Through long lines, icy wind, and the constant bustle of volunteers and community members, Gwen and Dee helped deliver not only food, but warmth, dignity, and a sense of holiday hope.

Volunteers for the Thanksgiving Blessing braved hours outdoors, with some shifts lasting well into the evening. This year’s effort brought together people from across Anchorage, united in the simple but powerful goal of ensuring that every family could gather around a Thanksgiving meal.

Gwen and Dee’s participation is just one example of how Chugach Commercial Holdings routinely steps up to serve the community. The team embodies Chugach’s Core Behavior: We Build Community, the shared commitment to improving the places where we live and work.

Whether preparing meal boxes, standing outside in the cold, or offering a warm smile to someone in need, Gwen and Dee represented the heart of CCH and the values of the Chugach family, and their dedication helps create the kind of community we’re all proud to call home.

Chugach Ranked One of Alaska’s Largest Businesses on 2025 Top 49ers List

“Chugach’s journey is a story of adaptability, innovation, and purpose,” said Sheri Buretta, Chairman of the Board. “For more than five decades, we’ve built a foundation rooted in our Alaska Native heritage while embracing the opportunities of a rapidly changing world. Our continued presence among Alaska’s top businesses reflects not only the strength of our enterprise, but also the enduring values that guide every decision we make.”

Chugach’s consistently strong business performance has earned the corporation a place on the Top 49er list 35 times, starting with our debut at #36 in 1987, when we reported $21.4 million in revenue. We’ve been on the list every year since 1995, and for the past 27 years, we’ve ranked among Alaska’s Top 10 companies. This remarkable record highlights the sustained strength and resilience of Chugach, as well as the enduring impact of all who have proudly worn a Chugach employee badge since the corporation’s founding in 1972.

“This accomplishment belongs to every employee, customer, and partner who has contributed to Chugach’s success,” said CEO Jonathan Dalrymple. “It measures where we stand today, but also serves as a springboard to where we’re headed next. That’s why growth sits at the center of our current strategic plan. We’re excited to continue expanding our capabilities, pursuing new opportunities, and delivering solutions that create lasting impact.”

As an Alaska Native Corporation, Chugach’s mission extends beyond financial performance. Profits are strategically reinvested to support shareholder programs, cultural initiatives, workforce development, and sustainable growth, fueling a 100-year vision for intergenerational prosperity and long-term impact.

President Katherine Carlton adds, “Beyond revenue, Chugach’s success is measured by the difference we make for our shareholders, the opportunities we create in our communities, and the legacy we’re building for future generations. Every milestone like this is a reminder of why we do what we do and who we do it for.”

About Chugach Alaska Corporation
Established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, Chugach Alaska Corporation represents more than 2,800 shareholders of primarily Chugach Sugpiaq descent. With a mission to create meaningful value for its people and region, Chugach manages a diversified portfolio of operating companies, investments, and land resources. Headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, Chugach has grown into a global enterprise while staying deeply rooted in the cultural heritage and values of its people.

Chugach Chairman Testifies before Congress in support of Long-Awaited Land Exchange

Chairman Hurd and Representative Leger Fernández, Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Sheri Buretta, I am Chairman of the Board for Chugach Alaska Corporation, established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. I have spent the last three decades fighting for legislation that would restore land promised—but never delivered—to our people.

I want to express our sincere appreciation to Congressman Nick Begich and the entire Alaska congressional delegation for reintroducing H.R. 3903. This is a critical piece of legislation, and I am gratified for the opportunity to testify today in strong support of it.

This bill not only honors the intent of the 2019 Dingell Act but also represents a step toward justice. It would authorize a balanced exchange of lands — providing roughly 65,000 acres of culturally and economically significant lands to Chugach, while transferring over 230,000 acres of our subsurface estate to the federal government. This will consolidate ownership and resolve decades of management conflicts.

The legislation addresses a painful history. When Congress passed ANCSA over 50 years ago, we accepted a fraction of our traditional lands, where we have lived for thousands of years, under the promise that they would be accessible and usable as a foundation for self-determination and economic development. Instead, we were granted mountaintops and glaciers, surrounded by and encumbered by federal lands. The promise was broken.

But through the 1982 Chugach Settlement Agreement, and again through our long pursuit of justice after the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS), Chugach continues to believe in a government that would one day make good on its word. The oil spill devastated our spirit, our ecosystems, our economy, and our way of life. Yet rather than supporting the healing, and recovery of our communities, federal and state agencies used EVOS funds to buy up Native lands for conservation, eroding trust and creating fractured land ownership.

Please let me share a short story about Walter Meganack Sr., a Chugach founder and past Chief of Port Graham Village, who wrote a speech called “Coping with the time when the water died” given at the “Oil Spill Mayors Meeting” in Valdez where he said, “The land and the water are our sources of life. The water is sacred. He went on to say, “I will not lose hope, and I will help my people”. We will learn from the past, we will learn from each other, and we will live.” This profound statement underscores the deep connection our people have with our lands, it gives me hope for justice, and the importance of fighting for this legislation.

Here is an analogy: Imagine someone buys the front door to your house but leaves you with everything behind it — and then tries to tell you how to use the home. That’s the situation we’ve been in. Chugach still holds the legal authority to access and manage our subsurface estate, but the surface lands, which were once fully owned by our Villages, are now locked away. This legislation would fix that. It would give the government ownership of that “house,” and give Chugach a new, unified parcel of land. What we are asking for today is not a handout—it is about fairness and healing rifts caused by decisions made without full consideration of Native landowners.

Each parcel in this exchange has been carefully selected for economic and cultural value. Some parcels are adjacent to our Nuuciq Youth and Elder Spirit Camp, a place of cultural education and healing. Other parcels offer economic development potential in tourism, transportation, forestry, and minerals to create benefits for our people.

Our lands are not for sale. And as our elders taught us that “Our land and water are our sources of life”. It is our identity, legacy and power. And it is time to return that power to the people who have lived in harmony with it for thousands of years.

With the vast acreage of federal lands in Alaska, moving this land exchange forward is good land management for the nation. It is a win win.

Chugach will work with Congress, agencies, and stakeholders to get this done. Our commitment is strong, and we are determined. We ask this Committee to move forward with H.R. 3903 to resolve this conflict while creating opportunities for economic development. Please don’t pass this problem on to future generations.

In closing, I sincerely thank Representative Begich, for your leadership on this Land Exchange bill. We are truly grateful for your support. I have hope.

Thank you for your time, your service, and your consideration.

In a show of solidarity, Chugach’s executive team joined Chairman Buretta
in Washington, D.C., to support her testimony.

Chugach Tribal Services Expands Capacity with New Office & Growing Team

Since its inception, CTS has bridged gaps, secured critical resources, and built sustainable partnerships across the region. Its creation was driven by the need to improve access to federal and philanthropic funding for programs, while complementing long-standing work by regional non-profits. Today, CTS stands as a cost-effective, collaborative, and impactful nonprofit that is already making a tangible difference in the Chugach region.

Leadership Growth and Team Expansion
As part of this next chapter, CTS announced the promotion of Jayme Selanoff to Deputy Director. Jayme, who has been instrumental in building CTS’s operational foundation, will now take on a leadership role in advancing programs, partnerships, and resources for the region.

CTS has also welcomed the hire of Program Coordinator Tasha Elgarico, who along with Jayme and CTS Executive Director Tanaya Horne rounds out CTS’ operations team.

Together, this team drives CTS’s mission as a tribal nonprofit service provider, administering Chugach shareholder development programs, providing grant writing and management services, and pursuing funding in areas where other nonprofits may not be operating. Their work encompasses workforce development programs such as internships, regional apprenticeships, career planning, Training Without Walls (TWOW), barrier-to-employment scholarships, support for Alaska Pacific University’s Alaska Native Executive Leadership Program (ANELP), Chugach’s Shareholder Business Assistance Program, and leadership development opportunities like the Native American Contractor Association’s Emerging Leaders Program.

Recent CTS hires include Alexandra Hetrick, Nonprofit Accounting Associate, and Amanda O’Brien, Nonprofit Accounting Coordinator. Together they form CTS’s Accounting Team, gaining experience and support through mentorship from Chugach Alaska Corporation’s Shared Services Accounting teamThis team provides essential financial and administrative support not only to CTS but also to the Chugach Heritage Foundation and the Chugach Museum, ensuring fiscal integrity and sustainability across Chugach’s nonprofit network.

Pride in Progress
CTS Executive Director Tanaya Horne reflected on the organization’s incredible and rapid achievements. “In just two years, CTS has grown from concept to reality, and now moving to independence with our own office and expanding team. I am incredibly proud of what we have built together. Our programs are delivering real impact for Chugach shareholders, descendants, and our partner entities. I also want to extend heartfelt congratulations to Jayme Selanoff on her well-deserved promotion to Deputy Director. Her dedication, vision, and commitment have been vital to CTS’s success.”

Chugach President and CTS President Katherine Carlton emphasized the broader significance of these milestones, stating, “CTS was created to fill critical gaps, and in a short time it has made significant progress, securing grant funding, building regional partnerships, and developing programs that advance cultural preservation, workforce opportunities, and community resilience. I am especially proud to see Jayme’s career development within Chugach, a career that spans nearly two decades. Her journey reflects the very purpose of CTS: creating opportunities that grow into lasting impact.”

Speaking about the work ahead and her recent promotion, Jayme Selanoff stated, “There is nothing more rewarding than giving back to the community that has supported me throughout my career. I am excited to take on this new role and continue to learn and grow with our amazing team.”

Looking Ahead
With its own office space, a strengthened operations team, and dedicated accounting support, CTS is positioned for its next phase of growth. Guided by its five-year strategic plan, CTS will continue to pursue financial independence, expand program offerings, and foster collaboration with other nonprofits and community partners, ensuring that the Chugach region thrives for generations to come.

Chugach Welcomes General Counsel Nicholas Ostrovsky

Ostrovsky has extensive experience navigating the legal landscape of Alaska Native Corporations, with expertise in Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) issues, corporate governance, land management, mergers and acquisitions, and government and commercial contracting. His background also includes a strong focus on government affairs, regulatory compliance, and employment and labor law, making him a key member of Chugach’s executive leadership team during a time of growth and transformation for the corporation.

“We’re pleased to welcome Nicholas to the Chugach team,” said Chugach CEO Jonathan Dalrymple. “His legal acumen and deep understanding of the Alaska Native Corporation environment will be vital as we continue to advance our strategic goals and uphold our commitment to both business excellence and shareholder stewardship.”

Prior to joining Chugach, Ostrovsky spent nearly a decade at Ahtna, Inc., and served at an Alaskan law firm where he represented Alaska Native Corporations. Throughout his tenure in both positions, he provided executive teams with counsel on ANCSA, natural resources, real estate, corporate governance, and litigation matters. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Washington and a Juris Doctor degree from Seattle University School of Law.

“It is a privilege to join Chugach and be part of an organization with such a rich heritage and dynamic vision,” shared Ostrovsky. “I look forward to contributing to the corporation’s mission and supporting its legal and strategic endeavors.”

Chugach Celebrates Legislative Victory for Alaska Native Elders

Once signed into law, this legislation will ensure that ANCSA-related benefits are not unfairly counted as income, a long-standing issue that has impacted our Elders’ access to Social Security and other federal programs.

“Our Elders have given so much,” stated Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta. “This legislation honors them and their contributions to our community and people.”

Buretta continued, “This is an incredible victory for our beloved Elders, and Chugach is honored to advocate for this important legislative fix that negatively impacted our most vulnerable population. This effort spanned across three congresses, and every effort was made on their behalf to enact it. The wisdom of our Elders and their sacrifices have blazed the trail to many opportunities for the Alaska Native culture and community.”

Chugach thanks Congressman Nick Begich for introducing this legislation early in January, and we are grateful to Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Dan Sullivan for their tireless leadership in the Senate that got this legislation signed into law.

This milestone represents years of determination, testimony, and advocacy by many across the Alaska Native community. We are especially proud of the role played by Chugach’s Government Relations team and Chugach’s Board of Directors, whose steadfast leadership brought this issue to the forefront time and time again.

Chugach’s 2025 AKRFW Campaign: We Ran, We Won, We Remembered

We ran for every woman who has faced this disease — especially Tammy Morton-Bilak, our beloved friend and coworker whose strength continues to inspire us. Her legacy and the legacies of so many others fueled every stride we took this year and the years before.

Chugach’s Executive Vice President & CFO and AKRFW Team Captain Angie Astle summed it up perfectly: “The AKRFW event was wonderful as always — thank you to SO SO many people. Maura Wharton, our new Deputy Director of the Chugach Museum, sang the national anthem and – WOW!! – it was amazing.”

Astle continued, “Chugach team members have participated since 2006, and for 11 years straight we’ve placed first in team size and funds raised. Our total raised over the past decade? Over $186,000! Thank you all for your incredible passion that made this year and the ten years before a record-breaking success!”

We may have crossed the finish line, but this race isn’t over until breast cancer is behind us for good, so we hope you’ll join us for next year’s race. Thank you, again, one and all, for your support and for running for Tammy, for the survivors and fighters in your lives, and for a future free from breast cancer and, most of all, for running with heart.

CYBER Express Now Wash Open and Ready to Shine

Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance joined CYBER leadership, key partners, and founding members, including proud investor Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach) and the 49th State Fund to celebrate the opening of the locally owned and operated facility. Designed to deliver luxury-level service with high-tech efficiency, CYBER is now open and ready to help Alaskans wash away the grit and grime of Alaska’s roads.

CYBER is creating more than just clean cars, it’s creating impact. The launch brings 90+ new local jobs and represents a significant investment in the Anchorage economy and workforce. Built by Alaskans, for Alaskans, CYBER Express Wash is no ordinary car wash — it’s a full-throttle experience:

  • 3-minute tunnel wash for that instant shine
  • 10-minute express detail — no appointment needed
  • 19 indoor heated vacuum bays for year-round comfort
  • State-of-the-art water recycling system reusing over 70% of water
  • The first express detail center of its kind in Alaska
  • #3 largest express wash in the U.S.

Chugach is proud to support this trailblazing venture and help drive local business and innovation. “CYBER is a shining example of Alaskans investing in Alaska, bringing new opportunity, smarter infrastructure, and a better customer experience to our community,” stated Angie Astle, Chugach Executive Vice President and CFO. “So roll on over! CYBER Express Wash is now open to give your car a one-of-a-kind spotless mirror-finish, inside and out!”

About CYBER Express Wash: CYBER is Alaska’s first high-tech, hospitality-first express wash — built from the ground up by Alaskans for Alaskans. With a 3-minute tunnel wash, 10-minute express detail, and no appointment needed, CYBER delivers convenience, luxury level comfort, and next-level service in even the harshest conditions. Ranked as the #3 largest express wash in the U.S., CYBER’s Anchorage flagship brings the most advanced car care experience in the country to Alaska. Go to www.cyberexpressalaska.com to learn more and lockdown a great price on the best carwash in Alaska.