The Sealaska Board of Directors unanimously approved naming the Sealaska Permanent Fund after long serving director Marge Young at its July meeting. The fund will now be formally known as the Marjorie V. Young Shareholder Permanent Fund.

Marge was first elected to the Sealaska board in 1979 and served until 2009. She was board chair from 1996 to 2000. She is a member of the Haida Nation, Eagle Tribe and Frog Clan. Marge was a staunch advocate for growth and protection of the Permanent Fund as a source of sustainable dividends for tribal member shareholders, according to Sealaska Board Chair Albert Kookesh.

“Marge served Sealaska tribal member shareholders for so long and her contribution will have positive and lasting effects for generations to come,” said Kookesh. “This is one way we can pay tribute to her contributions to Sealaska and the communities of Southeast Alaska.”

The Sealaska Board of Directors announced that Russell Dick has been appointed Vice President of Corporate Development. In his position Russell will be responsible for executive leadership and management of Sealaska’s acquisition evaluation and post-integration process; evaluating investment opportunities and structuring associated transactions; and coordinating and integrating strategic initiatives of each of Sealaska’s subsidiaries into corporate growth plans.

Russell is a recent graduate of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, earning a Master of Science degree in Management through its Sloan Master’s Program. The program is an intensive 10 1/2 month program dedicated to executives who bring different life experiences to the classroom setting, allowing Sloan Fellows the opportunity to learn from each other as well as gain a deeper command of all disciplines required of those in leadership positions. While attending the program, Russell also earned a Certificate in Global Management from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, which is designed to develop future leaders who have a global mindset and commitment to making a positive impact as managers on the world and its people.

Raised in Hoonah, Russell is Kaagwaantaan, Eagle of the Wolf House and a Sealaska tribal member shareholder. He has served Sealaska since 1996, most recently as Group Operations Director.

The Hydaburg community recently came together to celebrate the raising of totem poles under the Haida Totem Replication Project 2009. Sealaska Board Chair Albert Kookesh, Vice Chair Rosita Worl, Directors Clarence Jackson, Sr. and Edward Thomas attended the event held the first weekend in August.

Because this project so closely aligns with Sealaska values, the Corporation donated the cedar logs for the project. The raising of four totem poles under this project was held in conjunction with the 13th Annual Haida Cultural Camp.

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For information about Sealaska log donations click here

Sealaska announced a new initiative to assist qualified tribal member shareholders at gaining employment with Sealaska Timber Corporation (STC) contractors. The goal is to increase tribal member shareholder employment throughout Sealaska’s contractor base by creating this coordinator position.

“We are thrilled to announce that Doreen Witwer will serve as the new coordinator on an independent consulting basis,” said Wade Zammit, STC president & CEO. “Doreen will work with STC contractors on Prince of Wales Island (POW) and bring awareness about future employment opportunities or potential training opportunities to tribal member shareholders.”

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To contact Doreen click here

Sealaska recognizes the importance of a robust economy and supporting shareholder employment. At the Corporation we enforce a shareholder employment policy. According to this policy, Sealaska will give preference to a shareholder over a non-shareholder candidate but only in that instance if the two are equally qualified applicants. We support shareholder hiring in all of our offices, subsidiaries, manufacturing and non-manufacturing operations, but encourage all to apply.

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Pictured below is Taryn Kiunya, daughter of Sealaska shareholder Jean Sam-Kiunya and Jeffery Kiunya of Calista. Taryn and her family recently were berry picking at Flat Top in Anchorage when her mom captured this moment. The photo was entered into the Day Tripping Segment see on NBC Anchorage affiliate Channel 2. The photo of Taryn was chosen as the winner for week 13.