Peter Andersen has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Chugach. In his role as COO, Andersen will oversee growth strategy and operations for Chugach’s operating companies and investment portfolio, as well as the corporate Business Enterprise functions that support them.
Katherine Carlton is transitioning to Vice President of Operations for Chugach Commercial Holdings (CCH), wherein she will drive operational performance for Chugach’s commercial businesses.
Both Andersen and Carlton will serve as key members of Chugach’s executive leadership team to advance the corporation’s overarching strategic plan, supported by a deep bench of leadership with Interim CEO and EVP/CFO Angie Astle, President Josie Hickel, and Chugach Government Solutions (CGS) President, Scott Davis.
“Sustainable, long-term growth and stability remain our top priority for Chugach, and our recent appointments of Peter and Katherine underpin our pursuit of this,” said Chairman of the Board Sheri Buretta. “Together, they bring a 40-year combined tenure with Chugach. We believe their leadership and operations experience within our federal and commercial business lines will position our businesses to capitalize on future growth opportunities.”
Interim CEO Angie Astle stated, “If there’s one thing that the past several years has taught us, it is that change is inevitable – and necessary – in order to thrive. Both of these newly created roles will help drive operational efficiencies, leverage the strengths of our leaders, and enable quick decision-making at a pivotal time for our company.”
With more than two-and-a-half decades of leadership experience, Andersen most recently served as President of CCH. Prior to that, he held the position of President at Chugach Alaska Services and senior leadership positions at UIC Arctic Response Services and Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. During that time, he led a dedicated workforce of professionals and subject matter experts in operations, maintenance, training, and safety to provide services to large, complex client organizations. A lifelong Alaskan and Chugach shareholder born and raised in Cordova, Alaska, Andersen spent many years as a commercial fisherman in Prince William Sound, Kodiak Island, and the Bering Sea. Andersen has found many ways over the years of giving back and building community from serving on the board of the Providence Foundation to his current board role on the Prince William Sounds Science Center.
“These are exciting times to be a Chugach shareholder, a partner, an employee; and it has always been a great honor to be a leader at Chugach. I’m eager to be working to drive our Business Enterprise functions forward, working closely with our commercial, federal and investment leaders toward intergenerational prosperity,” said Andersen.
Originally from Cordova and a Chugach shareholder, Carlton started her Chugach career supporting its federal division, CGS, in 2005. She started in an entry level finance role and moved her way up to President and General Manager for the Education Division subsidiaries. Her leadership throughout her growth journey has been an asset within our federal division, and it is a natural progression for her to bring her experience and leadership to support our commercial division. Carlton currently serves as co-chair of Native American Contractors Association (NACA) and as the local board member of the Selective Service System for the State of Alaska.
Carlton added, “I’m so proud to be a Chugach shareholder and employee. I’ve been fortunate to build my career with the support of Chugach learning and growing all along the way. I’ve always tried to approach each new challenge with the questions, ‘How can I use my skills to be of service; and what do I need to learn so I can maximize my contribution?’ I’m honored and excited to serve Chugach and its shareholders in this new role.”