2025 Pek’stangiyaq Employee of the Year Awardees
Celebrating Excellence Across the Chugach Family of Companies
Each year, employees across the Chugach enterprise nominate colleagues who exemplify outstanding service, integrity, teamwork, and the values that reflect the spirit of Pek’stangiyaq, which translates to “Good Worker” from Sugt’stun, the language spoken by the Chugach people.
From these nominations, the executive team selects four honorees, each representing a major segment of our organization. The 2025 awardees embody commitment, character, and exceptional contribution to Chugach’s mission and communities.
Chugach Alaska Corporation & Chugach Nonprofits Awardee:
Ben del Rio
As the sole Financial Planning Analyst at Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach), Ben del Rio provides critical analytical leadership and collaboration across departments, including Shareholder Services, Chugach Government Solutions (CGS), and Chugach Commercial Holdings (CCH). In 2025, he delivered comprehensive financial insights to executive leadership and the Board, enabling informed, strategic decision‑making.
Ben completed the foundational model for Chugach’s 2025–2029 Five‑Year Plan, a multi‑year effort requiring extensive coordination, data validation, and deep analytical work. He also contributed significantly to the Shareholder Opening the Rolls Placemat Model, offering clear forecasts and thoughtful analysis on potential dividend outcomes.
Ben is recognized not only for his intelligence and diligence, but also for the integrity, creativity, communication skills, and consistently positive attitude that make him a model of the Pek’stangiyaq spirit.
Chugach Government Solutions G&A / Shared Services Awardee:
Danna Kassis
Danna Kassis stood out as a powerhouse within the Chugach Government Solutions (CGS) Business Development Pricing and Estimating Team. Stepping in as Lead Estimator during a time of staffing shortages, she carried a workload typically handled by an entire team, supporting proposal efforts across the enterprise and contributing directly to CGS far exceeding its annual revenue goals.
Beyond her exceptional technical expertise, Danna is a natural mentor and leader. She supports teams across the business, trains new estimators, improves pricing systems and tools, and fosters a collaborative, supportive culture through her positive presence. Her election to the 2026 Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Hampton Roads Chapter Board of Directors further reflects her growing industry leadership.
Danna’s analytical rigor, integrity, and steady confidence make her an invaluable part of the CGS team and a deserving Pek’stangiyaq honoree.
Chugach Government Solutions Project Site Staff Awardee:
Roger Gossett
With more than 31 years of service, Roger Gossett is a foundational figure at the Don Young Alaska Job Corps Center. As Social Development Director, he is known for his dedication, arriving early, staying late, and doing whatever it takes to support students and ensure the job is done right.
Roger has guided generations of Job Corps students, building meaningful connections and fostering leadership through his long‑time service as a student government advisor. Today, he continues to train new advisors and ensure student government remains a vibrant force for community, growth, and empowerment.
Whether setting the stage for others to shine or quietly mentoring from behind the scenes, Roger embodies the humility, service, and unwavering commitment that define excellence at the Job Corps Center.
Chugach Commercial Holdings Awardee:
Patrick Lancaster
Patrick Lancaster, a third‑generation electrician and lifelong Chicagoan, brings passion and purpose to his work at REX Electric & Technologies (REX). Over his 20‑plus years with the company, he has played a defining role, first as the founder of the REX Building Services division and later as President, beginning in 2020.
Patrick helped shape the bold REX 2023 transformation plan in partnership with CCH leadership. His strategic eye for operations, cost discipline, customer diversification, and long‑term stability has directly led to major financial achievements for REX.
He is known for building strong internal and external relationships, leading with optimism, integrity, and a deep belief in teamwork. Under Patrick’s leadership, REX has grown into one of CCH’s’ strongest performing divisions, an achievement rooted in his steady guidance and people‑first approach.
This year’s awardees exemplify the best of who we are at Chugach—innovators, mentors, collaborators, and quiet leaders who go above and beyond. Their contributions strengthen our operations, our culture, and our connection to the communities we serve.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to this year’s recipients, as well as to those honored in previous years, and look forward to discovering more remarkable candidates for future Pek’stangiyaq Awards.
