Occupation: Self-employed, Consultant/Communications Strategist, Dukart Communications
Other business experience during past 5 years:
- Director, One Nation Walking Together
- Member, Shareholder Advisory Committee, Eyak Corporation
- Native American Advisory Member, El Pomar Foundation
- Governance Fellow, National Association of Corporate Directors
- Former Commissioner/Chair, Colorado Springs Human Relations Commission
- Former Business Development Executive, Managed Business Solutions
All periods of service at CAC and subsidiaries:
- Director, CAC, 2014 – present
- Public Relations Specialist, CAC, 2005 – 2007
- Communications Coordinator, CAC, 2004 – 2005
- Communications Intern, CAC, 2000 – 2004
- See table on page 15 of the Proxy Statement for all periods of service on subsidiary boards
Candidate Statement
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
Thank you for the trust and support you’ve invested in me. I would be honored to continue to work for you on the Board through this time of change. In almost 50 years of business, Chugach has faced challenges unsurmountable to ordinary companies. Fortunately, Chugach is no ordinary company. Because of the foundation laid by past and present board members, I know we will emerge from these unparalleled times stronger.
My passion for Chugach comes from my father, Cecil Barnes of Cordova. When growing up, I saw my dad studying corporate and Native American law at all hours. From his example, I believe the best servant leaders are hard workers and lifelong learners.
My formal education includes a Masters in Strategic Communication & Leadership and a Bachelor’s in Organizational Management. A few continuing educational accomplishments are: 1) “Creating Successful Native Businesses” from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth; 2) “Community Leadership Program” from a global institution; and 3) “Governance Fellow” credential from the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). The NACD Fellowship is a comprehensive and continuous program of study that empowers directors with the latest insights, intelligence and leading boardroom practices.
In summary, I have experience in both government and commercial contracting and bring a diverse voice to the table. I do my homework and research to make informed decisions. I work with the Board in a positive and productive manner for long-term shareholder benefits. I support Chugach’s mission of being committed to profitability to increase cultural opportunities; to maintain ownership of our land; to equip the next generation to build on this foundation; and to never forget about our Elders and future shareholders. I humbly ask for your strategic support for this election.
Sincerely,
Brenda F. Dukart
Occupation: CEO, Pedro Bay Corporation and Owner & Business Consultant, Alaska Corporate Consulting
Other business experience during past 5 years:
- Partner, Baxter Senior Living, LLC
- Former Chief Operating Officer, Kuukpik Corporation
- Former CEO, Yak-Tat Kwaan Inc.
- Former Executive Vice President, Pedro Bay Corporation
All periods of service at CAC and subsidiaries:
- Director, CAC, 2005 – present
- Assistant to Operations Team, CAC, 2001 – 2002
- Training & Development Coordinator, CAC, 1998 – 2001
- See table on page 15 of the Proxy Statement for all periods of service on subsidiary boards
Candidate Statement:
As I approach 15 years of service on the Chugach Alaska Board, among the many people I am thankful for, my Aunt Peggy and Uncle Jim McDaniel have been instrumental in building my values for our community. They taught me to “speak from your heart.” Through Jim, I am related to the McDaniels, Makarkas and the Haltnesses. Through Peggy, I am claimed by my relatives throughout the Barnes family.
I remember a time when our region was coming out of a timber bankruptcy. I have watched our company turn around and thrive. As of the end of 2019, we have funded the following in cumulative shareholder benefits:
- $150,400,000, corporate dividends
- $5,300,000, Chugach shareholder trust dividends
- $19,800,000, Elder dividends
- $9,860,000 cumulative scholarships (Per CHF)
Through the corporation profits, the trusts, and the foundation, we have distributed $175,500,000 in dividends and nearly $10,000,000 in scholarships. This is truly amazing.
To accomplish these goals, our Board had to ensure our operating businesses yielded enough cash to fund the growth of these trusts, provide growth capital for the company while funding dividends, scholarships, and elder benefits on a consistent basis. All of these conditions have been met year after year. I have been blessed to witness how these funds have improved the lives of our families. We may have achieved the vision of becoming the most successful, educated region in the state. However, we are not done yet. With your vote, I promise to continue to support these initiatives.
Respectfully yours,
Matthew P. McDaniel
Occupation: Manager, Planning and Grants, Southcentral Foundation
Other business experience during past 5 years:
- Director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics
All periods of service at CAC and subsidiaries:
- Director, CAC, 2005 – present
- See table on page 15 of the Proxy Statement for all periods of service on subsidiary boards
Candidate Statement:
Cama’i,
My name is Violet Yeaton and I am excited to announce that I am running as your Board Director for Chugach Alaska Corporation. I am from the village of Paluwik (Port Graham) and my parents were Thomas Young and Marie Malchoff. I lived in Port Graham for more than 30 years and I am proud to say I built a wonderful career there, as well as brought up both my children there. I am currently enrolled at Alaska Pacific University and I am pursuing a degree in business administration. Although I have more than 40 years of business experience, I am excited to enhance my current knowledge to help further my career.
I would like to start by sending out my thoughts and prayers to everyone that is being impacted by COVID-19. These are such uncertain times, and the normal that we all knew is just a memory. With so many unknowns, the right thing to do, such as a handshake, which conveys respect and trust, is currently a practice of the past. I do not think anyone was prepared for a time where our economy would be so suppressed because of the virus that is so pervasive and deadly.
Chugach Alaska management and Board of Directors have gone above and beyond to get us through these unprecedented times. Chugach assisted in pulling together the Chugach regional group to attend weekly phone meetings to discuss challenges related to COVID-19 in our communities. Chugach has taken many proactive steps to be responsive and to ensure shareholder value and financial strength. I am proud to say that our company is a strong financial company and is equipped to weather hard times.
I graciously ask for your continued support to focus on growing the company revenue, profitability as well as growing and diversifying our portfolio. The Board of Directors needs to approach the work with continued flexibility while we grapple with adapting to this new environment.
Please stay safe while taking care of yourself and your families. Our communities have survived epidemics in the past, and I know we will continue to thrive well into the future. I sincerely appreciate your support and I am sending you all good thoughts, prayers, and blessings.
Sincerely,
Violet F. Yeaton
