For Tomas, family and Chugach’s culture and traditions are the priorities in his life and what he’ll make priorities as a Chugach Director. “I want to help maintain the values that make our people and our corporation strong and continue to build a bright future for my family and for all of our shareholder families.”
Tomas serves as an Instructional Coordinator for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD), and he sees an overlap in his career with the work that he’ll do on the Chugach Board. “I constantly partner with different departments, vendors, and district personnel to develop and carry out district plans and initiatives. Currently my area of focus is developing and supporting students and staff growth. To achieve success in these areas requires amazing teamwork between the entire MSBSD staff and site stakeholders, and I hope to achieve the same level of collaboration on the Chugach Board and grow the corporation and shareholder benefits for our community.”
Born and raised in Cordova, Tomas’ parents are Martin (Teeny) and Angelica Andersen, and his grandparents on his father’s side of his family are George Andersen and May Lange. He married Angela Totemoff in 2009, and the couple are proud parents of two children: daughters Charli and Andee.
Tomas is excited to serve on the Board, and he encourages other shareholders to get involved and play an active role in the Chugach community. To start, he sees building a solid career foundation as one of the best ways to contribute to Chugach’s success. “Taking advantage of all that Chugach has to offer is an ideal way to participate in the shareholder community,” Tomas stated. “The opportunities Chugach has to offer are amazing. From education funding and shareholder employment, each offers ways for self-improvement and bettering one’s ability to provide for oneself, one’s families, and to hopefully, give back to Chugach and its shareholders later down the road once a career has been established. It’s our corporation, and we’re the most invested in seeing it be successful.”
Looking back on Chugach’s history, Tomas sees our rise from a wholly village and subsistence lifestyle to what our people have achieved in the corporate world as an incredible journey that has only just begun. “The story of our people is nothing short of amazing in what we have overcome. We have met many challenges, in the face overwhelming odds. To the best of my ability, I will do my part in the next chapter of our success, and I’m looking forward to what we have yet to achieve.”
