Author: Randi Gause

Chugach Expands Alaska Footprint with two Fairbanks Acquisitions

“We are excited to welcome HVAC and AIS to the Chugach family of companies,” said Chugach CEO Jonathan Dalrymple. “These acquisitions represent a significant step forward in our strategy to diversify and strengthen the corporation’s business portfolio. The expertise and strong market position of these companies will enhance our existing capabilities and create new opportunities for growth, which will ultimately drive value for Chugach shareholders.”

HVAC, a specialty sheet metal contractor, and AIS, a specialty building controls and refrigeration contractor, have established strong reputations in the Fairbanks and Anchorage communities. Both companies have demonstrated consistent growth and built solid relationships with key customers across the federal/state, military, energy, healthcare, and education industries.

Gwen Welch, Vice President of Operations at CCH, said, “Both HVAC and AIS have spent the last two decades cultivating partnerships with customers and building exceptional teams guided by strong leadership. I look forward to working with both companies to support their continued growth, while creating a stronger, more sustainable CCH.”

In addition to driving growth opportunities, HVAC and AIS’s cultures and values closely align to Chugach’s – with a shared dedication to safety, integrity, and performance excellence. Chugach is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and building a collaborative, united team that is a hallmark of CCH companies.

HVAC President Josh Palmer and AIS President Rodger Morrow will remain in their roles. Chugach does not anticipate any management or staffing changes.

Palmer shared, “We are excited to join the Chugach team. We look forward to the support and opportunities available through Chugach which will help our company continue to grow, while also providing even better service to our existing clients.”

Morrow added, “We at Alaska Integrated Services are proud to be part of the Chugach Team and are even more excited to see what the future holds for all involved.”

About H.V.A.C., LLC (HVAC)

Founded in 1995, HVAC is based in Fairbanks, Alaska. Services include sheet metal fabrication and installation, design-build/project management, air conditioning, and kitchen hood and duct cleaning. HVAC proudly serves residential, commercial, industrial, federal, and State of Alaska customers. Learn more at https://www.hvacinc.com/.

About Alaska Integrated Services, LLC (AIS)

Alaska Integrated Services (AIS), established over two decades ago, provides comprehensive HVAC solutions to businesses throughout Alaska. With offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks, AIS excels in delivering high-quality building automation controls, including HVAC temperature controls, integrated card access systems, lighting controls, and digital camera networks. AIS has built strong partnerships with prominent clients across the federal/military, state, and oil and gas sectors. Committed to employing highly trained industry professionals, AIS ensures top-notch service from project conception through completion, enhancing facility performance and efficiency. For information, visit https://www.akintegrated.com/.

Chugach CFO Angie Astle Selected as YWCA Alaska Woman of Achievement

Chairman of the Board Sheri Buretta stated, “Angie’s exceptional leadership, dedication to financial integrity, and impactful community contributions make her a stellar candidate for the YWCA’s Women of Achievement Award. Her contributions have significantly impacted the success of women across generations, our corporation, and our communities.”

Professionally, Angie has three decades of experience in finance and accounting. During her 25-year tenure with Chugach, she has played a significant hand in overseeing the corporation’s financial operations. Her strategic planning, financial control, and advisory roles have been instrumental to Chugach’s success, making her a key member of our executive leadership team. In 2023, Angie was appointed Interim CEO, leading Chugach’s federal and commercial business lines and its 4,500 employees. Her leadership during this transition period was exceptional, contributing significantly to our corporation’s strategic advancements.

Beyond her professional achievements, Angie is deeply committed to her community in Alaska. She has been a strong advocate for various causes. From 2014 to 2019, Angie served as President and Finance Committee Chair at YWCA Alaska, working passionately towards eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. As a stroke survivor, she became an Ambassador for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign in 2023, advocating for women’s heart health awareness.

Angie has long supported the Alaska Run for Women and has been a driving force behind Chugach’s annual team campaigns, leading Team Chugach to raise the most money per team and to field the largest teams in the race’s history for the past decade.

Held annually, the Women of Achievement celebratory event acknowledges the exceptional leadership of women in Alaska. Each year, ten women are selected based on their demonstrated personal and/or professional leadership and their service to the community which aligns with the mission of YWCA Alaska to empower women, eliminate racism, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Learn more and purchase tickets to this year’s award ceremony here.

Chugach Alaska Corporation Ranks #10 on Alaska Business Magazine’s Top 49ers

This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication, hard work, and spirit of Chugach’s more than 4,500 employees who work across the globe. Without their commitment and excellence, the corporation would not have been able to reach this milestone and maintain the forward momentum that has defined our company’s legacy of success over the years.

Chugach’s consistently strong business performance has earned the corporation a place on the Top 49er list 34 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 26 years, we’ve ranked in the top 10. 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.

Chairman of the Board Sheri Buretta stated, “As we celebrate this honor, we also reflect on the rich history that has shaped who we are today—a company anchored in resilience, growth, and a shared vision of lasting prosperity. Despite headwinds in recent years, I’m confident that our newly established leadership team and renewed strategic vision will chart our course for growth in the years ahead.”

Chugach extends our warm congratulations to the other remarkable companies who have also earned a spot on this year’s Top 49er list, each of whom has played a vital role in fueling the economic engine of the great state of Alaska. We are honored to be a member of this community, and together we are doing our part to forge a prosperous future for all Alaskans.

A Step Towards Change

This year, Team Chugach elevated their arches with a pair of high heels to raise awareness about sexual violence and help educate the public on how to prevent it – and managed to secure the Top Fundraising Award for raising more than $3,500 towards local crisis centers, domestic violence shelters and sexual violence education and prevention programs. The event collectively raised more than $16,000.

“I have two daughters, and welcomed my first granddaughter in 2022,” said Peter Andersen, Chugach’s Chief Operating Officer. “Not only do organizations like STAR emphasize education and awareness to prevent sexual violence, but they provide support and resources to navigate the challenges that so many victims face.”

Chugach’s participation goes beyond just taking steps. It’s a statement that we stand united against sexual violence and dedicated to creating positive change in our community.

Chugach Alaska Corporation Appoints Interim President Katherine Carlton

Carlton, a Chugach Shareholder and a distinguished leader within the Chugach community, has advanced through several operational and executive roles in the corporation over the past two decades. Most recently she served as Chugach’s Vice President of ANCSA and Community Affairs, a role in which she focused on stewardship of Chugach’s lands and cultural resources, and building strategic partnerships to the benefit of the Chugach region and people.

Prior to that, she held roles including Vice President of Operations for Chugach Commercial Holdings (CCH) and Subsidiary President at Chugach Government Solutions (CGS). Her extensive experience and dedication to the Chugach community make her well-suited for her new role.

Carlton holds a bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Alaska; a graduate certificate from Alaska Pacific University’s Alaska Native Executive Leadership Program; and is a recent graduate of the Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School.

“Katherine is an exceptional leader, who is deeply dedicated to Chugach’s mission, its shareholders, and the protection of our cultural legacy,” said Board Chairman Sheri Buretta. “She is a powerful advocate for Chugach’s rights as an Alaska Native Corporation, and beyond Chugach, she serves as co-chair of the Native American Contractors Association, which strives to protect the rights of Chugach and other Tribally owned business.

Buretta continued, “Katherine’s diverse leadership skills make her the perfect choice to oversee Chugach’s community and cultural initiatives. In her new role as Interim President, we are confident she will drive continued progress in advancing community development throughout the Chugach region. The Board and I extend our congratulations to Katherine Carlton and look forward to her continued contributions and leadership for our communities.”

Alaska Delegation Introduces Legislation Authorizing Land Exchange Between Chugach and the Federal Government, Resolving Conflict Created By 1989 Oil Spill

The long-awaited Chugach Alaska Land Exchange Oil Spill Recovery Act of 2024 (S. 4310; the “Act”) grants Chugach ownership of approximately 65,000 acres of culturally significant and economically viable full-estate and surface lands fulfilling the terms of the 2019 John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Dingell Act) as being accessible, economically viable, and/or culturally significant.

In exchange, Chugach will transfer ownership of subsurface lands to the federal government to consolidate federal ownership of surface and subsurface rights to reduce split estate conflicts.

“Introducing this bill represents a meaningful and long-awaited step on the path towards healing for the Chugach region and shareholders following the devastation of the Exxon Valdez oil spill,” said Chugach Chairman of the Board Sheri Buretta. “Resolving the existing split-estate conflicts will empower Chugach to exercise self-determination for its people as intended by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. We are grateful for Senator Lisa Murkowski’s leadership, as well as the support of Senator Dan Sullivan and Representative Mary Peltola, in their ongoing advocacy for a fair and just land exchange on our behalf.”

Each tract of land was identified by Chugach for its potential value, either in the form of cultural preservation or economic development; and viability, including accessibility and adjacency to Chugach lands.

The Act is the culmination of several years of groundwork laid by Chugach in partnership with the Alaska delegation. Chugach has long fought for a fair and just land exchange that would resolve the split-estate land conflicts that have lingered since the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS). In the wake of the spill’s devastation, EVOS settlement funds were used for land conservation to purchase Alaska Native village corporation lands on which Chugach owns the subsurface dominate estate. While the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971 had envisioned village and regional corporations having joint ownership of these lands for shared management and mutual benefit, the federal government’s ownership of the lands created challenges to exercising those rights. The land exchange agreement offers a path to resolve these issues in the best interest of both Chugach and the federal government.

In December 2022, the U.S Department of Interior submitted the Chugach Region and Lands Study Report to Congress, more than a year after the 18-month deadline required by the Dingell Act. This report has served as a foundation for the exchange outlined in the current Act.

Chugach’s long-term lands management strategy seeks a balanced approach to managing our lands for the long-term benefits and prosperity of our shareholders.

“By selecting lands that have cultural value or economic potential for the corporation, we can continue to provide benefits for our people and region, while remaining mindful of preserving and protecting our lands for generations to come,” said Buretta. “For instance, the acreage on Nuchek-Hinchinbrook Island is near Chugach land holdings on which the corporation’s Nuuciq Youth and Elder Spirit Camp is held. That land enables us to continue sharing and expanding our culture camp for future generations.”

Chugach’s Chairman of the Board Advocates for H.R. 2687

Chugach Testimony

Sheri Buretta, Chairman of the Board for Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach), took the stand to continue to advocate for this essential legislation that was originally introduced by the late Rep. Don Young over five years ago. In her testimony, she stated:

“Supporting community and the group is our culture and the way our people have endured for thousands of years in this harsh Alaska climate; this is especially true when it comes to taking care of our Elders and our disabled. Alaska Native Elders and disabled individuals who live in these remote areas express the challenges they face to pay for healthcare and basic necessities, such as glasses, dentures, or food. Most do not have pensions or retirement accounts.

Village and Regional Corporations in Alaska provide benefits to our Native Elders through cash dividend distributions and distributions from Settlement Trusts; often the amount we give is just enough to push against the threshold amount these Elders and disabled shareholders receive through federal assistance programs for housing, nutrition assistance, Medicare, and Medicaid to support them and their communities.”

Although ANSCA allows an exclusion of the first $2,000 in dividends when determining eligibility for these programs, the threshold has not been increased or adjusted for inflation since 1988, nor has ANCSA been amended to exclude benefits received by Alaska Natives from settlement trusts.

Impact of H.R. 2687

Under H.R. 2687, distributions of Trust benefits to Alaska Native Elders (65 years or older) or disabled individuals will not count against them for purposes of determining eligibility for governmental assistance programs – ensuring that essential programs remain accessible to those who need them most.

Buretta closed her testimony with: “Chugach’s Elders and disabled shareholders should not have to choose between healthcare benefits or housing assistance or food stamps and receiving a dividend distribution that allows them to pay their bills each month.”

You can watch the full hearing here.

All American Oilfield Appoints General Manager Shane Jolin

“Safe, efficient contract execution is our top priority for Chugach’s family of companies, and we are confident Shane will continue to uphold this standard for All American Oilfield,” said Gwen Welch, CCH’s Vice President of Operations. “His extensive leadership and Alaska operations experience will continue to position our customers for success and create future growth opportunities for the company.”

Jolin has more than two decades of petroleum experience including work with Schlumberger and CH2MHill, where he served as their Operations Manager for the North Slope and managed more than 500 employees. Additionally, his certification as a Project Management Professional allowed him to successfully lead large business units in support of Alaska’s oil and gas efforts, managing projects that surpassed $100 million in annual expenditures. Prior to entering Alaska’s oil and gas industry, Jolin served in the U.S. Marine Corp.

“As a lifelong Alaskan, I’m passionate about supporting the oil and gas industry that drives our state’s economy,” Jolin stated. “I’m proud to represent a true Alaskan company that is built on the foundation of an extremely talented, homegrown team.”

About All American Oilfield:

All American Oilfield, LLC (AAO) is a subsidiary of Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach), an Alaska Native Corporation owned by more than 2,900 shareholders. AAO provides drilling and professional services to Alaska’s oil and gas industry, with operations primarily focused on the Cook Inlet and North Slope. The company is guided by a skilled, diverse team of employees who are committed to helping customers reach their objectives while upholding the highest standards of efficiency, transparency, and safety. Learn more at allamericanoilfield.com.

Happy Holidays from Chugach!

 

As we reflect on our blessings this holiday season, we are especially thankful for the support of our Chugach community, from our shareholders and employees to our customers and community partners.

Together, you have played an important hand in our corporation’s success this year, and enabled us to continue creating benefits and opportunities for our shareholders and region.

May this holiday season fill your hearts with joy, your homes with warmth, and your lives with love.

On behalf of the Board and the entire Chugach team, we wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas, a joyous holiday season, and a Happy New Year!

Chugach Announces Senior Leadership Changes

Chugach President Josie Hickel has announced that she will retire in early 2024. During her nearly eight-year tenure with Chugach, Hickel served the employees and shareholders of Chugach in numerous leadership roles and as President since 2022.

Hickel has been a vital team member of Chugach’s leadership team, overseeing Chugach’s lands and land resources, community and regional development, and cultural resources. Her drive and determination were instrumental in advancing many strategic initiatives that created lasting and meaningful value for the Chugach shareholders.

“Chugach is a better and stronger company today thanks to Josie’s many contributions,” said Chugach’s Chairman Sheri Buretta. “We want to celebrate with Josie the exciting news of her well-deserved retirement, and we express our gratitude for her amazing leadership and the profound impact she has had during her time with Chugach. With an executive tenure that spans more than 30 years, Josie is now ready to spend more time with her family, and we are blessed that Josie has given us ample time for her transition.”

President Josie Hickel will retire in March 2024 after eight years of distinguished service.

Prior to her departure at the end of first quarter in 2024, Hickel will work with Chugach’s Executive Team and Board of Directors to ensure a smooth transition of her duties to others that will position Chugach for future success. One of those individuals is Chugach Shareholder Katherine Carlton, who was recently promoted to Chugach’s Vice President of Operations for Chugach Commercial Holdings (CCH).

Carlton will assume the new role of Vice President of ANCSA and Community Affairs, which will encompass many of the president’s former responsibilities. “Katherine is a talented, nimble leader with a passion for Chugach’s mission, shareholders, and cultural heritage,” Buretta stated. “She is a staunch advocate of Chugach’s rights as an Alaska Native Corporation and currently represents Chugach as a co-chair of the Native American Contractors Association.”

Buretta continued, “Katherine possesses many leadership skills which can be utilized in various areas of the organization, making her the right leader to assume the responsibilities for Chugach’s important community and cultural initiatives. Her appointment to VP of ANCSA and Community Affairs, along with Josie’s extended transition period, will make for a seamless transition that will continue the critical work of advancing community development within the Chugach region.”

 Katherine Carlton has been appointed VP, ANCSA & Community Affairs.

Gwen Welch, who has risen through the ranks of Chugach during the last 20 years, will step into the role of CCH’s Vice President of Operations. “Gwen has served the last three years as the finance leader for CCH. She is a versatile leader whose skills both in finance and operations are a perfect combination to take on this important leadership role. Moreover, she is very respected throughout the organization, and I look forward to her leadership as we continue to build momentum and grow CCH,” stated Angie Astle, Chugach’s Interim Chief Executive Officer.

Astle concluded, “We want to express our deep appreciation for Josie’s service and commitment as a valued member of the executive team. We are blessed to have strong, talented leaders within our organization that have the experience and capabilities to keep Chugach on the path toward continued success and who are committed to creating prosperity for the Chugach region and its people.”

Gwen Welch has been appointed VP of Operations, Chugach Commercial Holdings.