Author: Michael Levshakof

FROM CONCEPT TO COMMUNITY IMPACT: Chugach Tribal Services (CTS)

Working alongside vital regional partners like Chugachmiut, Chugach Regional Resources Commission, and the Chugach Heritage Foundation, CTS helps bridge gaps in services, infrastructure, and opportunity for Alaska Native communities—including unrecognized tribes and at-large shareholders.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CTS serves as a collaborative platform to pursue grants and partnerships. Its early success includes securing a $1.2 million DOE grant for grid upgrades in Cordova and submitting over $50 million in recent funding proposals. Strategic partnerships support projects in food security, environmental justice, and cultural preservation.

Guided by a 19-member Regional Advisory Committee and supported by a new Center of Excellence, CTS focuses on three pillars: governance and operational capacity, service delivery, and long-term financial sustainability. Its five-year strategic plan emphasizes independence, growth, and equitable impact.

“Together, we’re creating impactful programs that strengthen our communities and honor our commitment to intergenerational prosperity,” said CTS President Katherine Carlton. Click here to download CTS informational brochure.

         

Tanaya Horne, CTS Executive Director, and Jayme Selanoff, CTS Program Development Manager
CTS inquiries can be emailed to Tanaya.Horne@chugach.com.

Celebrating 50 Years of Tribal Self-Governance

This year’s conference was especially significant as it commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA)—a groundbreaking piece of legislation that has transformed federal-tribal relationships and empowered Tribes to govern and shape their own futures.

Chugach’s Deputy General Counsel Maude Blair, Chugach President Katherine Carlton,
and Chugach Tribal Services Executive Director Tanaya Horne 

Signed into law in 1975, ISDEAA shifted federal Indian policy from one of direct governance to one of partnership, allowing Tribes to administer federal programs and services on their own terms. “For Alaska Natives, the act has been nothing short of transformative,” stated Sheri Buretta. “It has enabled Alaska Native organizations and tribal entities to take control of health care systems, social services, education, transportation, and housing programs—ensuring they are designed with cultural relevance and local needs in mind. For the Chugach region and throughout Alaska, the result has been stronger communities, more effective service delivery, and increased economic opportunities.”

The conference agenda included dynamic breakout sessions and keynote discussions on federal budgeting, healthcare improvement, youth programs, tribal governance, and digital advocacy. It also featured performances by Native artists and site visits to tribal facilities, fostering connection, cultural exchange, and practical knowledge-sharing. These sessions provided Chugach attendees with deeper insight into best practices and upcoming policy shifts, reaffirming the importance of our role in advancing tribal self-governance.

Coinciding with the conference, Chugach also extended deep appreciation to Senator Lisa Murkowski for the hand of friendship she has extended to Alaska Natives throughout her tenure and for leading the recent bipartisan Senate resolution commemorating ISDEAA’s 50th anniversary.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Senator Murkowski continues to be a powerful advocate for self-determination and the sovereign rights for Tribes across the nation. Her leadership—alongside that of Vice Chairman Brian Schatz and a coalition of bipartisan senators—ensures that the legacy of ISDEAA remains strong and continues to grow.


Sen. Murkowski on a tour with Chairman Sheri Buretta in Buretta’s home village of Tatitlek .

Reflecting back with gratitude over the conference and on the Murkowski resolution, Katherine Carlton stated, “We thank the organizers of this year’s Tribal Self-Governance Conference for hosting such a meaningful and timely gathering. This conference honored a landmark moment in our history—the passage of ISDEAA—and reminded us how far we’ve come through self-determination.”

Carlton continued, “For Chugach, ISDEAA has been instrumental in delivering culturally grounded, community-driven programs. Attending this event deepened our understanding of evolving policies and strengthened our commitment to our region and to our people.”

In conclusion, Chairman Buretta echoed the words of gratitude expressed by Carlton. “All at Chugach would also like to thank Senator Murkowski for her tireless advocacy for Alaska Natives and for leading the charge in commemorating the legislation that has placed control of our culture, the heart of who we are, back into our hands and allowed our journey as a strong and independent people to continue on.”

Chugach’s Climate Leadership Highlighted at NACW Conference

Chugach was honored to be invited to speak on a panel that highlighted the role of local and Indigenous communities in carbon projects. Blackwell represented Chugach on this panel, sharing the corporation’s story, lessons learned, and the tangible benefits generated by its carbon initiatives. The panel also featured representatives from Mexico and the National Indian Carbon Coalition, underscoring the importance of global Indigenous leadership in advancing climate action.

In addition to presenting, Carlton and Blackwell met with a wide range of carbon professionals—including developers, foresters, attorneys, carbon managers, and registry officials. These meetings offered valuable opportunities to deepen partnerships and stay informed on evolving market dynamics. “The networking opportunities were fantastic,” Blackwell noted. “It was great to learn more about current carbon market trends and to connect with the people who are shaping this space.”

The NACW conference, hosted by the Climate Action Reserve—the same registry where Chugach’s carbon project is listed—covers a broad range of critical topics, from voluntary and compliance carbon markets, nature-based solutions like forestry and regenerative agriculture, and groundbreaking innovations such as direct air capture and blue carbon which is captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems. The event also emphasized environmental integrity, equitable outcomes, and the role of carbon markets in supporting communities and global net-zero goals.

Chugach has played a pioneering role in advancing carbon markets in Alaska. It was one of the first organizations in the state to pursue participation in California’s cap-and-trade program—a market-based system that places a cap on greenhouse gas emissions while allowing companies to trade emission allowances. Chugach was also instrumental in lobbying for the inclusion of Alaska Native Corporations in the program, opening new pathways for Indigenous participation in climate solutions.

Reflecting on the experience, Blackwell shared, “Being part of NACW gave us a chance to tell Chugach’s story on a national stage and show how Indigenous leadership can drive meaningful climate solutions. While providing a means for us to be responsible stewards of our lands and environment, our carbon program is more than a project—it’s a core part of our 100-year plan to create lasting, intergenerational prosperity for the Chugach people and our region.”

Through its participation in NACW, Chugach reaffirmed its commitment to environmental innovation, Indigenous leadership, and a sustainable future for the Chugach region and beyond.

Chugach Government Solutions (CGS) Announces President Transition

Virginia Robinson, Current CGS Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Appointed Interim President of CGS; Executive Search Will be Conducted to Identify Successor

 

(Anchorage, Alaska) – Chugach Government Solutions (CGS) has announced the departure of President Dirk van der Vaart. The Board of Directors of Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach) has appointed CGS Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Virginia Robinson as Interim President of CGS while an executive search is conducted to identify the next leader for Chugach’s government contracting business line. 

“We wish Dirk well in his future endeavors,” Chugach CEO Jonathan Dalrymple stated. “Chugach has a strong foundation, a values-driven culture, and resilient business model that have enabled the corporation to thrive over the past five decades through a long history of leaders. We are confident Virginia’s appointment as Interim President, along with the support of a capable and well-rounded executive leadership team, will enable us to continue advancing our mission while we search for our next leader.” 

With a career spanning nearly two decades, Robinson has established herself as a trusted legal advisor and business strategist. Prior to joining CGS, Robinson served as General Counsel, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary at Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation, where she was instrumental in guiding the organization through complex legal and regulatory challenges. 

Her background includes leadership roles at Amentum and DynCorp International, where she played a key role in corporate compliance, employment law, and risk management. A seasoned legal executive, Robinson has successfully defended major litigation cases, led corporate governance initiatives, and advised on mergers, acquisitions, and business growth strategies. 

About Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach): Established in 1972 under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, Chugach Alaska Corporation 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, facilities and energy services. Learn more at www.chugach.com. 

About Chugach Government Solutions (CGS): Chugach Government Solutions (CGS) represents Chugach’s federal government contracting division, serving customers through 19 operating companies. As a trusted provider of mission-critical solutions to the U.S. Government, CGS operates more than 100 facilities management and maintenance, technical/IT, education, and construction services contracts worldwide. Learn more at  www.chugachgov.com. 

 

Begich Visits Don Young Alaska Job Corps Center

Upon his arrival on the morning of March 19, 2025, Alaska’s representative met with Chugach leadership, CTES Center Director Bobbie Irvin and his staff for brief introductions and an overview of the center’s mission to provide free career and technical training for youth and young adults.

Congressman Begich then embarked on an extensive campus tour led by current students, who proudly showcased the center’s curriculum, which includes construction, electrical, medical, culinary, security and protective services, sewer and wastewater, and welding.

For nearly two hours, Begich actively engaged with the student guides, instructors, and other students eager to share their experiences. As the tour concluded, students presented him with a piece artwork they had collectively created, to which Begich expressed his appreciation, stating, “It’s incredible to see the work that is being accomplished at this center and to see all of the trades that are being offered and that are so vital to Alaska’s economy. Even more impressive is seeing these young individuals laying the foundation for their futures and forging paths toward meaningful and rewarding careers.”

In the late 1980s, the Department of Labor sought to establish a Job Corps Center in Alaska, but Congress was hesitant due to the state’s small population. Recognizing the center’s potential impact, the late Congressman Don Young championed the cause, working tirelessly to secure funding. After years of his advocacy, the AKJCC opened its doors in 1994.

Without Congressman Young’s dedication, the center would not exist. In December 2022, in recognition of his pivotal role, Congress approved renaming the facility as the Don Young Alaska Job Corps Center.

Chugach has operated the AKJCC since its inception more than three decades ago, which has consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top-performing Job Corps Centers, particularly in workforce placement. Most importantly to the Last Frontier, the center plays a crucial role in addressing Alaska’s workforce demands.


Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta with student tour guides. 

“It has been Chugach’s honor to partner with the Department of Labor to fulfill Congressman Young’s vision and commitment to Alaska’s youth,” Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta stated. “And we were deeply honored to have Congressman Begich visit and to give our staff and the students the opportunity to showcase what the center does for Alaska and how it places graduates on the path to success.”

Buretta also acknowledged another guest who was in attendance. “”I also want to thank Edna DeVries for joining the tour. She currently serves as Mayor of the Mat-Su Borough, and we take great pride in the fact that she was once a valued member of our CTES team, dedicating many years of service to the center.”

 

Congratulations to Chugach’s 2024 Pek’stangiyaq Award Winners!

What truly sets these awardee stars apart? It’s how they’ve embraced and embodied Chugach’s Core Behaviors:

  • We do things the right way
  • We create meaningful value
  • We empower people
  • We build community
  • We leave things better than we found them

In Sugpiaq, the language of the Chugach region, Pek’stangiyaq means “Good Worker.” Traditionally, good workers were the backbone of a thriving village, ensuring its prosperity. Today, our 2024 Pek’stangiyaq honorees carry that same spirit forward, helping our corporate “village” flourish and succeed.

Drumroll, please… Meet Chugach’s outstanding Good Workers of 2024 who’ve made all the difference. The Awardees for Chugach Government Solutions (CGS):

Ana Yampolsky (CGS General & Administrative Staff)

Ana serves as the Deputy Director of Applications for Digital Solutions, and her dedication truly shines. Her nomination highlighted, “Ana tackles every project with a forward-thinking mindset, prioritizing sustainable solutions that deliver lasting value to both the company and its stakeholders. She’s a relationship-builder at heart, fostering strong connections not just within the IT department, but across the entire organization. Through her efforts, Ana promotes collaboration and unites teams to work seamlessly together.”

 

Roberto Torres (CGS Project Site)

Roberto, an Airport Firefighter at Midway Atoll, goes above and beyond in everything he does. In July, he volunteered to dispose of chemicals from over 100 expired fire extinguishers, resolving a long-standing issue. He also assists the Fish and Wildlife Service by placing safety equipment around albatross nests and rescuing chicks from flooding during heavy rains.

Always thinking of others, Roberto gave his personal electric fly swatter to dining staff to help with flies and volunteered to wash dishes during Thanksgiving so the cooks could enjoy the holiday. Roberto’s selflessness and dedication make him truly exceptional.

 

The Awardee who represents Chugach Alaska Corporation, Chugach Heritage Foundation, or Chugach Tribal Services is:

 

Lilly Lockyer (CAC Admin Assistant and Engagement Coordinator)

Lilly Lockyer has been a valued member of Chugach for nearly eight years, beginning her journey as the welcoming face of the company in her role as Receptionist and Administrative Assistant. With her bright personality, “can-do” attitude, and winning smile, Lilly quickly made a lasting impact.

Now an integral part of the Human Resources team, Lilly plays a key role in recruiting and onboarding new employees. Known for her positivity and strong work ethic, she inspires those around her while also supporting various departments with special projects. As the lead of the Chugach Employee Engagement Team, Lilly fosters community by organizing impactful employee and shareholder events that strengthen Chugach’s culture.

Through her dedication, Lilly exemplifies Chugach’s core values: doing the right thing, creating meaningful value, empowering people, and building community.

 

The Awardee who represents Chugach Commercial Holdings is:

Gerald Atol, General Manager of Chugach Professional Oilfield Services

Gerald has dedicated over 40 years to Alaska’s Oil & Gas industry, bringing unmatched experience and expertise to the table. For the past decade, he’s been an integral part of All American Oilfield and CPOS, where the relationships he’s built over four decades have played a critical role in the success of Chugach’s energy pillar companies.

In early 2024, Gerald’s leadership in managing a North Slope exploration program propelled CPOS to its strongest financial performance since its founding—a testament to his unwavering commitment and skill.

Ask Gerald why he’s still working instead of enjoying retirement, and he’ll simply say, “I still love the heat of the battle.”

 

Thank you to Ana, Roberto, Lilly and Gerald for the example you’ve set for all who work at Chugach and our subsidiaries and for your dedication and hard work, and congratulations on being named the 2024 CCH Pek’stangiyaq Award winner—you’ve truly earned it!

 

 

Reflecting on 2024 with Gratitude, Moving into 2025 with Confidence

This year brought challenges that tested us as a company and as individuals. Difficult decisions, especially organizational restructuring, weighed heavily on all of us, as did the implementation and switch to a new software platform that demanded patience and adaptability amongst our CGS peers. These changes and efforts were not made lightly, but they were necessary to position us for long-term success. Through it all, your determination, hard work, and steadfast commitment have propelled us forward into 2025 with a new purpose and better ability to capture opportunities that lie ahead.

I want to also acknowledge that amidst the challenges, we also celebrated meaningful milestones. The successful integration of Alaska Integrated Services and HVAC into the Chugach family marks an exciting chapter of growth. These partnerships align with our mission of building lasting legacies for the Chugach region and strengthening opportunities for our employees, shareholders and communities. We are also seeing the efforts of new initiatives, like Chugach Tribal Services and Chugach Regional Development, begin to bear fruit, enriching our shared mission in significant ways. Naswik’s grand opening—now welcoming guests with luxury accommodations in Valdez, Alaska—marked another exciting and significant milestone for Chugach.

As we reflect on 2024, we recognize that these achievements—and even the hard decisions—are part of a greater purpose. They represent our commitment to “profits with a purpose,” ensuring that every success advances not only our organization but also the people and culture we are honored to serve.

Looking ahead to 2025, we see boundless opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth. With the strength of our team, the foundation we’ve built, and the vision we share, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together.

As the holiday season nears an end, let us take time to rest, reflect, and celebrate with loved ones. However you observe this season, may it bring peace, joy, and gratitude. Thank you for everything you do to make Chugach extraordinary. Here’s to a strong and prosperous 2025. Together, we will continue to honor our traditions, create opportunities, and build a future we can all be proud of.

In closing, I want to say Happy New Year to all, and may the year ahead bring each of you happiness and success! Thank you,

 

Katherine Carlton
President
Chugach Alaska Corporation

Chugach’s CEO Thanks Our Nation’s Veterans

On this upcoming Veterans Day, I am honored to reflect on the tremendous sacrifice and dedication of those who have served our country in the U.S. Armed Forces. My own experiences during the first Gulf War and my professional career have allowed me to work alongside these brave men and women, and provided a perspective on the courage, resilience, and unity that come with military service. This day holds special meaning for me, as it does for all who know the weight of this commitment.

To our Veterans who work for Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach) – such as our IT Director Chris Layton and our Chairman Assistant Lindsy Townsend – or who work within the Chugach family of subsidiaries, I want to say Thank You. Your service is a cornerstone of the values we hold dear, and your dedication has not only protected our nation but has also enriched our workplace with unique strengths, skills, and perspectives. Each of you embodies a spirit of duty and honor that makes us all stronger and reminds us of the sacrifices upon which our freedoms are built.

We are also deeply grateful for our clients in the military community. Your partnership means more to us than we can say, and we are committed to supporting your work in every way we can. It’s truly a privilege to serve those who continue to uphold our nation’s highest ideals.

I also want to extend a heartfelt Thank You to all Alaska Natives. Your proud history of service and the exceptionally high number of Veterans within your ranks are a testament to a legacy of commitment, resilience, and patriotism. We of Chugach are honored to be counted amongst such a dedicated and service-minded community.

In closing, I’m proud to say that from the beginning, Chugach has been guided by the legacy of Veterans. Two of our five original founders—John Borodkin, Sr. (WWII) and Cecil Barnes (Korean War)—were decorated combat Veterans. This Veterans Day, we honor their legacy and the service of all Veterans who have bravely defended our freedoms.

To John and Cecil, and Chris and Lindsy, and to all of our Nation’s Veterans, we recognize and honor your courage, service, and sacrifice. Thank you for all you have done—and continue to do—for our company, our community, and our country.

Jonathan Dalrymple
Chief Executive Officer
Chugach Alaska Corporation

Richard Randazzo Takes Helm At TCC

A graduate of Haskell Indian Junior College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Mechanics, Richard is a skilled leader, with experience coordinating large-scale projects, while upholding the highest safety and environmental industry standards. His background includes a wealth of operational knowledge, from overseeing hazardous waste management to executing the booming and de-booming of tankers at the Valdez Marine Terminal.

Richard’s extensive experience in supervisory roles, particularly in operations and maintenance, spans notable previous tenures with TCC and UIC/Arctic Response Services, where he led teams in Anchorage, Valdez, and as far away as the Chukchi Sea. He has developed a reputation for problem-solving under pressure and managing complex projects that meet rigorous safety and environmental standards. His responsibilities have ranged from administering safety permits to coordinating equipment and crew logistics, all while ensuring operational readiness for both routine tasks and emergency responses.

Speaking to his history with TCC, Richard stated, “I have been with TCC since January of 1991. I was first asked to take on leadership roles in 1993 starting in a new program called Nearshore Spill Response where we helped to establish the Fishing Vessel Training program that TCC still conduct every spring and fall.”
Richard continued, “Taking on the challenge of new equipment and spill response tactics, being able to teach the Prince William Sound Fishing Fleet personnel has been rewarding, as has teaching and mentoring TCC personnel.”

In his new role as Operations Manager for TCC, Richard’s objective is to further support TCC’s craft personnel by giving them the necessary tools for success and a rewarding career in Valdez, a town and region in which his pride shine through. “This is a great community and a great place to live and raise a family. I consider the group at TCC part of that family, from our office staff support group, to our union craft personnel that often work in extremely adverse conditions, I have a deep respect for our employees and what they go through every day to help keep our lands and waterways clean and pristine.”

Richard went on to touch on the TCC mission. “I want to provide our client with the best personnel and support to ensure they and TCC have zero impact on the environment with zero accidents, and I want to further TCC’s commitment to provide opportunities to shareholders and to protecting the birthplace of our culture.”

TCC is part of Chugach Commercial Holdings portfolio of companies. Gwen Welch, CCH’s Vice President of Operations, fully supports Richard and TCC’s pursuit of excellence. “We’re proud of Richard and the dedicated employees at TCC its mission to assist the safe transport oil through Prince William Sound. Their hard work and commitment to safety reflect our shared values, and we’re honored to play a role in this vital endeavor. We’re equally thrilled to have Richard lead our TCC team, and we’re confident that his expertise will significantly enhance TCC’s response and prevention capabilities.”

Learn more about TCC and the career opportunities that TCC has to offer at www.tccalaska.com.

Chugach Celebrates the Opening of Naswik Suites in Valdez, Alaska

Located in the heart of downtown Valdez, this multi-purpose housing facility demonstrates a strong commitment to the Valdez community and provides a means to strengthen the long-term contracts operated by the partners under TCC, a partnership between Tatitlek, Chenega, and Chugach that has held the oil spill prevention and response contract in Valdez since 1994 for the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS).

The Naswik opening will help address a housing shortage in Valdez and provide temporary accommodation for rotational workers employed by major firms in Valdez, including TCC. Other units will be available for nightly rentals, providing additional housing flexibility for the community.

Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta opened the event, welcoming Valdez Mayor Dennis Fleming, dignitaries, shareholders, and other community members in attendance. Buretta addressed the attendees stating that Chugach and its partners and Valdez have a long history. “Valdez was the site of a native village in our region with roots that can be traced back for centuries. During the enactment of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, Chugach made significant sacrifices for the Valdez Marine Terminal to be built by giving up rights to lands in Valdez for the promise of jobs and contracts on the pipeline for Chugach Natives and all Alaska Natives. With the opening of Naswik, Chugach and its partners are present, visible and renewing our commitment to the community where our ancestral ties can be integral to the health, growth and prosperity of our community.”

Buretta went on to emphasize the importance of the new building to Chugach and the community, stating, “Naswik reflect Chugach’s desire to be in Valdez, aligning with our 100-year strategic vision for intergenerational prosperity for our people. By partnering with Chenega and Tatitlek, this facility strengthens our connection to one of the Chugach region’s largest communities and serves as a foundation for future growth and opportunities for all.”

Valdez Mayor Dennis Fleming, along with other distinguished speakers, expressed appreciation for the new housing options and the facility’s positive impact on the local economy. Chugach Vice President Katherine Carlton spoke acknowledging those in attendance thanking retired Chugach President Josie Hickel, for the work she did on the project prior to retiring, to make Naswik a reality.

Carlton then went to highlight the broader goals of the newly established Chugach Regional Development, LLC (CRD). “Naswik is one of the first subsidiaries of CRD, and it represents more than a hotel or housing facility—it is a cornerstone of CRD’s vision for economic growth in the region. It will provide essential support to industries, foster community engagement, and drive development opportunities that will benefit Valdez and the Chugach region for years to come.”

Naswik Suites includes six two-bedroom suites featuring full kitchens and laundry facilities, and and 31 studio units featuring full kitchens. This modern housing solution is designed to meet the needs of rotational workers and nightly guests, providing a flexible, community-focused lodging experience in Valdez.

The ceremony concluded with thanks to the construction firm Watterson, design firm Avanti Development Partners, and all who made the ceremony possible. The facility is set to fully open for business by October, with the doors opening for both nightly rentals and corporate housing.

For more information about Chugach Naswik Suites, please visit www.naswik.com.