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.