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 and 31 studio units, all featuring full kitchens and laundry facilities. 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.

Executive Director Hired For Chugach Museum

Garcia-Itchoak brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to cultural, social, and political impact through strategic creative ecosystems. With a career spanning several prestigious institutions, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the nonprofit and museum sectors, specializing in organizational development, strategic planning, and fostering meaningful partnerships.

Most recently, she served as a Program Officer at the Rasmuson Foundation, managing a portfolio totaling $8.5 million. Her role involved leading core programs such as the Sabbatical Program for CEO/Executive Directors and Tribal Administrators, supporting long-standing partnerships with Museums Alaska, the Alaska Community Foundation and the Alaska State Council on the Arts. Her work centered on equitable grantmaking, community-led projects, and broad community impact across Alaska.

Before this, she was the Lead Capacity Builder at The Foraker Group, specializing in organizational development within the nonprofit sector. Her expertise in strategic planning, board governance, and executive leadership was instrumental in mentoring leadership cohorts and enhancing organizational culture across the state. She also played a significant role in supporting the arts, museums, and cultural heritage centers through capacity-building initiatives.

Her extensive experience also includes opening a children’s museum, Wonder Works (Oak Park, IL); leading K – 12 education programs at The Field Museum (Chicago, IL), managing learning experiences at the American Museum of Natural History (NYC) and serving as the Executive Director of The Alaska Museum of Science and Nature, leading the organization through fiduciary and operational improvements.

In 2010 at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, she reimagined the Education Department and Imaginarium, collaboratively building interdisciplinary and participatory programs. Her leadership in managing multimillion-dollar budgets, securing significant grants, and developing impactful educational programs has left a lasting legacy in each of her roles.

In her new role as Executive Director of the Chugach Museum, she will oversee all museum activities, including collections, exhibits, programs, and personnel. She is committed to implementing the strategic plan, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the museum. Her vision, strategic thinking, and extensive nonprofit experience make her an ideal leader to guide the museum toward excellence and sustainability.

“I look forward to joining the Chugach Museum as their new Executive Director in January 2025,” Monica Garcia-Itchoak expressed. “It is an amazing opportunity to be a part of creating a cultural resource and destination that will impact many generations. It’s truly an honor.”

“We are confident that her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission to share the Chugach way of life, inspire the world, and set new standards in native museum curation,” expressed Lauren Johnson. “This appointment is a significant step toward making the Chugach Museum a reality, and we look forward to the exciting developments ahead under her guidance.”

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Tomas Andersen Joins Chugach Board

For Tomas, family and Chugach’s culture and traditions are the priorities in his life and what he’ll make priorities as a Chugach Director. “I want to help maintain the values that make our people and our corporation strong and continue to build a bright future for my family and for all of our shareholder families.”

Tomas serves as an Instructional Coordinator for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD), and he sees an overlap in his career with the work that he’ll do on the Chugach Board. “I constantly partner with different departments, vendors, and district personnel to develop and carry out district plans and initiatives. Currently my area of focus is developing and supporting students and staff growth. To achieve success in these areas requires amazing teamwork between the entire MSBSD staff and site stakeholders, and I hope to achieve the same level of collaboration on the Chugach Board and grow the corporation and shareholder benefits for our community.”

Born and raised in Cordova, Tomas’ parents are Martin (Teeny) and Angelica Andersen, and his grandparents on his father’s side of his family are George Andersen and May Lange. He married Angela Totemoff in 2009, and the couple are proud parents of two children: daughters Charli and Andee.

Tomas is excited to serve on the Board, and he encourages other shareholders to get involved and play an active role in the Chugach community. To start, he sees building a solid career foundation as one of the best ways to contribute to Chugach’s success. “Taking advantage of all that Chugach has to offer is an ideal way to participate in the shareholder community,” Tomas stated. “The opportunities Chugach has to offer are amazing. From education funding and shareholder employment, each offers ways for self-improvement and bettering one’s ability to provide for oneself, one’s families, and to hopefully, give back to Chugach and its shareholders later down the road once a career has been established. It’s our corporation, and we’re the most invested in seeing it be successful.”

Looking back on Chugach’s history, Tomas sees our rise from a wholly village and subsistence lifestyle to what our people have achieved in the corporate world as an incredible journey that has only just begun. “The story of our people is nothing short of amazing in what we have overcome. We have met many challenges, in the face overwhelming odds. To the best of my ability, I will do my part in the next chapter of our success, and I’m looking forward to what we have yet to achieve.”

 

  

General Manager Joins Naswik Team

Naswik is a multi-purpose housing facility located in beautiful downtown Valdez, Alaska, and was built in a partnership between The Tatitlek Corporation, Chenega Corporation, and Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach). The four-story building is comprised of 37 housing units, a portion of which will be leased out to organizations who have rotational work populations with the remainder devoted to nightly rentals.

With a diverse background in customer service and real estate, Samantha Burke began her journey in property management in 2014, and has since managed over 200 properties. Her career has allowed her to take on roles such as Office Manager, Listing Coordinator, Bookkeeper, Property Manager, and Real Estate Agent.

Two years ago, Samantha returned to Valdez to help support the needs of her parents while working within the school district. Starting in the elementary school office and quickly transitioning to the District Office, she excelled as the District Admin Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education. Her responsibilities included maintaining HR and student records, scheduling events, and overseeing the superintendent’s calendar.

Although content in her role at the school district, she was encouraged to take a look at the Naswik job listing by her mother, who saw it as a perfect match for Samantha’s skills and experience. Samantha agreed and eagerly applied for the position, and her qualifications made her a clear stand out amongst the applicants.

Upon being hired, Samantha expressed her gratitude and stated, “I hope to create a strong community atmosphere at Naswik between our guests, long-term renters, and staff. I am very excited about returning to the hospitality field, and as the General Manager my priority will be to ensure that guests enjoy their stay and that we create a great working environment for those we employ, and that the building becomes a profitable venture.”

Samantha is driven by the core values of accountability, adaptability, and authenticity. “Adaptability goes hand in hand with accountability, being able to handle change and think of things from another person’s point of view is essential to serving in the hospitality industry,” Samantha shared. “Authenticity, I believe, is key to connecting with people as it offers the best way to create trust. It is important to me to be open with people and treat them with the same level of respect and understanding that I would expect to receive.”

Outside of work, Samantha loves to spend time with her family. “My husband and I have two children: Atli, our son, who is seven, and Remi, our daughter, who is five, and they each keep us on our toes. We love to do projects together as a family, and you will often find me in the garage using power tools or outside tending to our chickens.”

“My husband is an Army Veteran who served as a 160th SOAR Crew Chief. We have been married for 10 years and most of those years were spent near Ft. Campbell in Tennessee and Kentucky. As a self-proclaimed artist, I have done hundreds of military related artworks in many different mediums in support of his service and for fellow military families.”

With the move back to Valdez and taking on the Naswik General Manager, Samanth’s journey has come full circle. “It has been fun moving back to where I was raised and having my husband and kids experience the town I grew up in. I was born in Cordova and was raised in Valdez, so showing them the ocean and the mountains I explored as a child has been priceless.”

Family is the model that Samantha plans to bring to Naswik. “My family is very supportive of each other, and I wouldn’t be the successful person that I am today without their love and devotion. My family has always been my greatest source of support and inspiration, and I hope to bring that same energy and dedication to my role at Naswik, ensuring every guest and employee feels like they are part of an extended family.”

Katherine Carlton feels the same in regards to family and Naswik’s place in the Valdez community. “We’re excited to have Samantha lead the Naswik team. Her priority on family mirrors the core values of Chugach, and we look forward to working with her to create strong and lasting relationships in Valdez and with the guests who visit Naswik Suites.”

Chugach Chairman Speaks At AFN’s Alaska Day

During Alaska Day, participants advocate for various issues such as tribal sovereignty, indigenous rights, healthcare, education, economic development, and environmental concerns affecting Alaska Natives and their lands. The event includes meetings with members of Congress, government officials, and other stakeholders to discuss these topics and raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by Alaska Native peoples. 

Alaska Day is also a platform for cultural sharing, showcasing Alaska Native traditions, arts, and language to a wider audience in the nation’s capital. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Alaska Natives while advocating for policies that support their communities’ well-being and prosperity. 

This year, Sheri Buretta, Chairman of Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach), presented at the 2024 Alaska Day, and spoke about how, nearly two decades after the passing of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Congress voted to amend ANCSA to designate ANCs as minority-owned and economically disadvantaged business enterprises. Around this time, Section 8(a) of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Act was changed to provide special consideration for ANCs and federally recognized tribes.  

Participating in the 8(a) program has allowed ANCs and the Federal government to forge a valuable partnership that continues today. The program is often referred to as the “missing link” to ANCSA that has provided an economic engine for ANCs to generate profits that benefit current and future generations of Alaska Native shareholders. The government benefits from ANCs’ industry expertise on 8(a) contracts and creates jobs for local communities, while revenue generated by ANCs through the program benefits thousands of Alaska Native shareholders and their descendants, who often gain educational and employment opportunities from scholarships offered through the ANCs. 

Touching on this history, Buretta discussed how Chugach was one of the first ANCs to begin pursuing Federal government contracts in the 1990s, after minority Federal contracting was opened to ANCs under these modified rules that recognized the unique nature of its shareholders. Fast-forward three decades since Chugach’s first 8(a) contract award, and Federal government contracting is still the cornerstone of Chugach’s business, comprising a large portion of our annual revenue.   

Buretta focused her closing comments on the current challenges and opportunities for ANCs in the Federal government contracting arena. Expressing her pride in the work that Chugach and other ANCs perform for the government (especially the U. S. Armed Forces), she also spoke to how this work could be improved, for Chugach and for the government, with further changes to contracting requirements and guidelines. 

Chugach’s Chief Operating Officer Congratulates TCC

Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach) shareholders and descendants, and the Prince William Sound (PWS) village corporations were among those most impacted. As a proactive measure to prevent future oil spills, Chugach and two of our region’s village corporations— Tatitlek Corporation and Chenega Corporation—came together to form TCC.

For the last 30 years, through contracts with Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (Alyeska), TCC has provided a large portion of the Ship Escort Response Vessel System (SERVS) manpower and expertise. TCC involvement in PWS oil spill response and prevention is a natural fit, with the majority of TCC workers having been raised in the region, on the water and connected, in one form or another, to Alaska’s marine environment.

In addition to being a Chugach shareholder, I have had the honor of being a part of TCC operations in various capacities more than 15 years, which gave me first-hand perspective on a mission that is near to my heart. PWS has been home to the Chugach people for more than 5,000 years, and, with the proper care and protection from TCC and other contractors, will continue to be a home for future generations.

The SERVS contract negotiated with TCC following the oil spill planted the first seed of a promising partnership between Alyeska and Chugach – one that has flourished in the 30 years since. Chugach and TCC have earned numerous commendations for their work with Alyeska, including the most recent 2020 Governor’s Safety Award of Excellence and Alyeska’s prestigious Contractor of the Year (Atigun) award in 2020.

I am thankful to Chugach, Tatitlek and Chenega for their contributions to TCC, and to Alyeska and all the regulatory agencies for their commitment to the safe transit of oil through PWS.

We look forward to protecting and serving the PWS for another 30 years and beyond.

Learn more about TCC and how to join the TCC Team at www.tccalaska.com.

Chugach Chairman Congratulates TCC on 30th Anniversary

“I am proud of the work TCC has done to reach this 30-year milestone and want to celebrate and thank all, past and present, for the work you’ve done to contribute to the improvement of safety for the oil and gas industry in Alaska, and especially in our region.” stated Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta.

Buretta also extended her gratitude to the organizations who played a hand in TCC’s lasting success. “I want to thank Tatitlek and Chenega for their partnership and for providing the opportunity for our people and their descendants to work at home, in our region, with meaningful employment opportunities, giving them the ability to help protect our ancestral waters.”

Recognizing other partners that protect PWS is also important, Buretta extended her appreciation to other entities and regulatory agencies. “I’m thankful that heightened awareness now exists for preventing oil from touching our waters and shores. This includes state and federal agencies, the Prince William Sounds’ Regional Citizens Advisory Council, and our communities. We are all now more vigilant and focused on prevention and response with regards to oil transportation.”

“I also want to also thank Alyeska Pipeline Service Company for their professionalism and the decades of improvements made on the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS),” Buretta said. “Before the passing of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, Chugach leaders released the 1968 land freeze and gave up rights to historical lands for TAPS to be built, in trade for the promise of jobs and contracts on TAPS and $1. This land is where the Valdez Marine Terminal now stands, and other locations in Valdez and Southcentral Alaska where TCC performs its duties under contract with Alyeska. We are pleased we can fulfill the vision of our founders through this TCC contract and provide jobs to our people and recognize the sacrifices those leaders made.”

“Walter Meganack, one of Chugach’s founders and past Chief of Port Graham Village, once said, ‘The land and the water are our sources of life. The water is sacred. So long as the water is alive, Chugach Natives are alive.’”

Recalling the aftermath of EVOS, Buretta stated, “Our people have lived in harmony with the land and water for more than 5,000 years and the bounty it provides to sustain our people. TCC and our partners in PWS help ensure we are protected now and for the generations to come. Congratulations and thank you, again to TCC.” Buretta expressed.

Learn more about the incredible work that TCC does and career opportunities with TCC at www.tccalaska.com.

Chugach Government Solutions (CGS) Announces President Departure

“Scott’s care, commitment, and contributions have played a significant role in our journey, and we are grateful for his service to Chugach for more than 20 years,” expressed Chairman of the Board Sheri Buretta. “On behalf of Chugach’s Board and leadership team, we wish him well on his future endeavors.”
Chugach CEO Jonathan Dalrymple added, “Chugach has thrived over the past five decades in part because of its ability to adapt and embrace transformation as an opportunity to grow and emerge stronger. We are confident that this leadership transition will serve as a catalyst for positive change, help our companies reach their full potential, and ultimately create greater value for our shareholders.”
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.
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