Emerging Leaders Represent Chugach in Washington, D.C.
This year, Chugach Shareholders Jayme Selanoff, Interim Executive Director for Chugach Tribal Services, and Tonia Burrough, Sr. Security Specialist for Chugach Government Solutions, participated in the Native American Contractors Association (NACA) Emerging Leaders program, engaging in leadership development, policy education, and federal advocacy in Washington, D.C., to help protect opportunities for Native enterprises.
The yearlong program prepares Native professionals to engage effectively in policy, business, and advocacy. Through direct engagement on Capitol Hill, participants deepen their understanding of federal Indian policy, the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program, and the evolving federal contracting landscape.
For Tonia, the experience reinforced the power of collective advocacy. “I have gained a deeper understanding of the vital role advocacy plays in protecting and advancing policies that impact Native federal contracting,” she said. During the February 2026 NACA Policy Summit, Tonia and Jayme attended a standing-room-only Senate hearing where Chugach President Katherine Carlton testified in support of Native participation in the 8(a) program. “It was a powerful reminder of how critical these conversations are,” Tonia noted.
The following day, they met with congressional staff to discuss recent scrutiny of the 8(a) program. “Individual voices, when united with a shared purpose, are powerful,” Tonia reflected. “Knowledge, paired with the courage to speak up, creates meaningful influence.”
Jayme described the program as transformative. “Our focus was on what it takes to have successful Hill meetings to tell our story,” she said. Through mock hearings and hands-on advocacy training, participants practiced delivering clear, focused messages to policymakers. “Readiness and preparation were key take away of what we learned, and reminder to us all that a rising tide lifts all boats,” she added, noting the shared alignment among tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.
Witnessing Katherine Carlton testify before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs also provide a key take away from the emerging leader experience. “She represented Chugach and our ANCs so well,” Jayme shared. “Her testimony further reminded me that this program is about finding your voice and protecting opportunities for future generations.”
Carlton expressed gratitude for their leadership. “I am incredibly grateful to Tonia and Jayme for stepping forward to represent Chugach as true emerging leaders,” she said. “Their willingness to learn, engage, and advocate nationally is essential to preparing the next generation who will protect opportunities for Alaska Natives. Participants today, and in future cohorts, ensure our voices remain strong and united in Washington.”
She encouraged others to consider participating. “I invite our shareholder employees and young professionals to take part in the next Emerging Leaders program. Advocacy matters, leadership matters, and your voice matters. The future of our communities depends on individuals ready to step up and speak with confidence on behalf of our people, and this program will prepare you to step forward.”
Carlton concluded by saying, “Above all, participation in NACA’s Emerging Leaders cultivates capable leaders prepared to advance the long-term interests of Alaska Native corporations and the communities they serve, and I’m excited to see how Tonia and Jayme apply what they have learned on behalf of our people.”
Part of Carlton’s professional journey began as a participant in the NACA’s Emerging Leaders program in 2012. Later, she served as Co-Chair for NACA, and now holds the position of NACA Policy Chair. To more more about the important work of NACA, go to www.nativecontractors.org.
