Our Client

Afognak Native Corporation (“Afognak” or the “Corporation”) is an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971, through the 1977 merger of two Alaska Native Village Corporations: Natives of Afognak, Inc and Port Lions Native Corporation.

Afognak owns over 248,000 acres of land on Kodiak Island, Afognak Island, and other surrounding islands. Since the late 1970s, Afognak has developed numerous areas of expertise associated with the harvest of its timber resources and other developments. Afognak has consistently recognized the importance of diversifying and identifying business development opportunities for successful and new investments.

Afognak represents and serves over 1,318 Shareholders who are descended from the Village of Afognak. As an ANC, Afognak is committed to meeting its economic, social, and cultural obligations to its Shareholders. Afognak does so through revenue received from Alutiiq, LLC (“Alutiiq”) and its subsidiaries. By providing benefits to Shareholders and strengthening Ag’wanermiut, “their community,” Shareholders are empowered, and the culture and heritage of the Alutiiq people is preserved.

In 2001, Afognak formed Alutiiq and began performing work in various government contracting industries that now collectively form the majority of Afognak’s revenues. Alutiiq’s subsidiaries are top-tier federal government contractors with operations throughout the U.S., Central and South America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. The balance of Afognak’s revenue comes from its commercial arm that collectively operates twenty-three retail liquor stores, provides security services, and provides man camp leasing to the oilfield services industry. Afognak, together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, employs over 2,900 employees and reported total revenues of $624.7M in 2023.

By maintaining a sustainable, transparent, and growing enterprise, Afognak strives to provide its Shareholders with a perpetual source of land use and shared financial and cultural wealth to the maximum extent possible. Since 2010, Afognak has provided over $85M in benefits to its now 1,318 Shareholders. Benefits provided include yearly dividends, Elder benefits, burial benefits, high school and college internships, an apprentice program, scholarships, occupational training, cultural and community support, and many other services. Afognak fosters a corporate culture that values its employees, who are guided by their traditional Alutiiq values and work to achieve their collective goals.

Afognak Purpose

Shareholders will have a perpetual source of land use, shared financial and cultural wealth to an extent justified by resources available. The Corporation will provide social, cultural, and economic benefits to Shareholders by building a sustainable, growing enterprise.

Afognak Vision

Grow sustainably to provide benefits today and invest in their future.

Organizational Goals

1. Shareholders will have a perpetual source of land use, as well as shared financial and cultural wealth, to the maximum extent possible.
2. Ensure that Shareholders will have the opportunity to belong to the Alutiiq community and share a connection to their culture and history.
3. Ensure that individual Shareholders will have the skills and opportunities for desired personal success and support cultural sustainability and community self-sufficiency.
4. Ensure a land base that is culturally secure and capable of providing a traditional Alutiiq way of life, without loss of size or location, with opportunity of first use by Shareholders.

Corporate Values

• Harmony: Afognak accomplishes goals in the spirit of teamwork, strength, and unity while supporting each other.
• Appreciation and Respect: Afognak will take only what they need and leave some for the next generation.
• Efficiency: Afognak will expand only what is needed to accomplish tasks at hand.
• Communication: Communication with Afognak is truthful, positive, open, and fair.
• Trust: Afognak earns the trust of their Shareholders while building trust throughout the corporation by honoring commitments, honesty, and full disclosure.
• Elder Knowledge: Afognak is built on the ingenuity and resiliency of their Elders, while guided by their traditional knowledge and lifeways in our modern times.
• Heritage and Culture: Afognak honors their heritage and culture through a lifetime of learning.
• Commitment to Community: Afognak celebrates Shareholders and employees by contributing to their villages and the communities in which they do business.

More information on Afognak can be found at www.afognak.com.

Position Overview

The President is responsible for the overall administration and communication of Afognak’s goals, operations, services and matters of strategic importance to Afognak’s 1,318 Shareholders, specifically focused on the achievement of Afognak’s mission and vision related to ANCSA. This newly created role bears significant responsibility, accountability, and authority within Afognak. The successful candidate will collaboratively work with the CEO, the Board, and executive team members to drive and oversee the success of the corporation. The President will oversee shareholder, land-related services, and programs towards maximizing the quality and quantity of services delivered to Afognak’s Shareholders. The President will report to the CEO and, on a dotted line, to the Board of Directors.

This role requires exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills. The President will be expected to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including Shareholders, and represent the corporation’s interests. The ability to foster collaboration, navigate complex organizational dynamics, and drive results will be paramount to success in this position.

This leader must be able to work closely with, and across, the corporation, with a strong approach to collaboration and an ability to influence. The President will be part of Afognak’s Executive Management Team. The role can be based in either Anchorage, Alaska or Kodiak, Alaska, with significant travel to either location as required, with the goal of establishing a strong presence in both offices.

This is an exceptional opportunity to play a critical role in driving and overseeing the success of Afognak while prioritizing the needs and interests of its Shareholders.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Communication and Coordination

• Emulate Afognak’s corporate values and ethics by adhering to Alutiiq values;
• Represent and promote Afognak’s goals, objectives and priorities with Shareholders, community partners, governments, civic and professional associations;
• Establish and maintain an effective system of communication with Shareholders and throughout the organization;
• Create, communicate, and implement Afognak’s ANCSA mission and ensure all employees at all organizational levels understand their individual roles in accomplishing that mission;
• Advocate for Afognak community and corporate interests, serving as an ambassador for the Afognak Alutiiq people through presentations, public forums, legislative hearings, lobbying, press releases, Shareholder communications, marketing materials, and media interviews;
• Develop comprehensive regional and national media strategies through both proactive campaigns and in response to any opposition initiatives, maintaining corporate and community interests and reputation, representing Afognak at meetings and functions as set forth by the CEO or the Board of Directors;

Planning and Development

• Ensure, develop, and promote opportunities for individual Shareholder skills and access to personal success in education, safety, welfare, cultural practices, traditions, natural resources, employment, and connection to the Native community;
• Establish current and long-range goals, objectives, plans and policies for Afognak Shareholders, subject to approval by the CEO and the Afognak Board of Directors;
• Work with the CEO, the Board of Directors, and other committees to identify and prioritize current, mid-range, and long-range topics and plans;
• Implement strategic plans that guide the direction of the corporation using input of employees at every organizational level, providing leadership and direction for all employees throughout the organization, with an emphasis on accomplishing ANCSA’s objectives;
• Form, staff, guide, lead, and manage the organization in order to ensure it accomplishes the strategic plans;

Administrative Oversight and Supervision

• Lead, guide, direct, and evaluate the ongoing success of the organization and the work of other senior managers, including senior vice presidents, vice presidents, and directors, in the areas of Shareholder services, community investments, corporate affairs, governmental affairs, board support, and lands in accordance with Board policies and applicable laws;
• Meet regularly with senior managers, ensuring all business decisions are thoughtful and timely, and partner with this group to ensure every employee throughout the organization understands their roles and responsibilities for contributing to Afognak’s heritage, community commitments, and Shareholder relations;
• Oversee the adequacy and soundness of the Shareholder functions’ financial structure, including: preparing and monitoring budget within parameters of funding; approving payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable documents; and ensuring financial integrity and accuracy of financial data;
• Evaluate, monitor, and adjust organizational design, staffing levels, and task priorities to best achieve Afognak’s goals;
• Plan, coordinate, and control the daily operation of the organization within the President’s purview; provide advice, guidance, direction and authorization to carry out major plans, standards, and procedures consistent with established policies and CEO and Board of Director approval;
• Review operating results of the organization, compare them to established objectives, and take steps to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to correct unsatisfactory results;
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws, including: interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints, and resolving problems;
• Participate in Board meetings and provide support as needed for any board committees;
• Maintain awareness of both the external and internal competitive landscape and highlight opportunities for expansion of ANCSA-related goals and objectives;

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an accomplished and experienced executive with ANCSA corporate Shareholder status, with strong connections to Afognak Shareholders; Afognak Shareholder status is highly preferred but not a requirement. This leader will bring a track record of success working for an ANCSA with extensive knowledge and understanding of ANCSA issues and programs. This leader will have familiarity or prior experience working with or connecting with Alutiiq communities, building shareholder development opportunities, and individually connecting with Shareholders so that they feel their voice is heard with the best interest of all Shareholders at heart.

The ideal candidate has a background in shareholder engagement, policy, communications, government affairs or related field. This role requires someone who has a deep understanding and experience in these areas, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, develop and implement policy strategies, communicate key messages, and navigate government relations. 

Afognak is seeking an accomplished leader with a track record of leading people and teams across multiple functions and capabilities. This individual should be a humble servant leader with an untarnished reputation. Also, a demonstrated track record of success working collaboratively with other executives, Board of Directors, and team members is highly preferred.

The ideal candidate is someone with a high level of ethics and integrity, a mature professional who values compromise and can balance the needs of today alongside the needs of future generations. This leader must be an excellent communicator. This role will require a leader who can speak publicly in a clear, calm, organized, and effective manner.  This individual must display humble confidence, balancing the need to be collaborative and team-oriented with the ability to influence and constructively challenge.

Key competencies the CEO and the Board of Directors are seeking in the next President of Afognak include the following:

Leadership Capabilities: A leader who can build, motivate, and develop diverse, high-performing teams in order to meet an organization’s vision, mission, and goals by creating an inclusive workplace that respectfully fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive conflict resolution both internally and externally. The ideal candidate will be a charismatic leader who leads with an entrepreneurial mindset, ensuring outstanding organizational decision-making with the big picture in mind.

Drive Strategic Positive Change: A leader who can drive strategic positive change, both within and outside an organization, by setting a vision, building innovative solutions, and meeting goals within a continuously changing environment. This leader should be capable of driving and creating innovation, staying informed about the external environment, and being attentive to trends, developments, and challenges.

Judgement: A leader who exercises good judgement, is resourceful, can make well-reasoned decisions, and respects confidentiality and discretion on corporation matters.

Strengthen Relationships and Build Coalitions: A leader who is able to strengthen relationships and build coalitions internally and externally.

Corporate Governance: A leader with in-depth knowledge of corporate governance best practices is considered an asset. A leader who has successfully collaborated with ANC and/or other Board of Directors and other senior executives.

Results Driven: A result orientated leader capable of leading a team to meet organizational goals, performance management principles, customer expectations, and seek process efficiencies, while ensuring that all business decisions contribute to heritage, community and Shareholder relations, and produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.

Other qualifications the CEO and the Board of Directors are seeking in the President of Afognak include the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Public Policy or related field; Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related field is preferred
• Minimum of ten years of business and financial management experience, with at least three years at an executive level
• Understanding of government contracting, commercial business, and non-profit industries including risk management, performance management principles, corporate compliance, regulatory requirements, and legal aspects of operations
• Prior experience navigating internal corporate politics
• Demonstrated track record of maintaining independence from undue influence and effectively addressing needs and requests in a diplomatic and respectful manner
• Experience working or living in rural Alaska
• Knowledge of political process at the local, state, and federal levels
• Prior experience negotiating legislative structures would be considered an asset

Application Process

Afognak Native Corporation has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to support the Board in the recruitment process for the President role. Russell Reynolds Associates is a leading executive search and leadership advisory firm. More information on Russell Reynolds Associates can be found at https://www.russellreynolds.com/en

All expressions of interest in this exciting opportunity, should be directed to Russell Reynolds Associates. If you are interested in the role, please contact Saya Fryer or Curt Ross by phone or email. Contact details are listed below:

Saya Fryer

Russell Reynolds Associates

4080, 525 8th Avenue S.W.
Eighth Avenue Place, East Tower
Calgary, Alberta T2P 1G1
Mobile: +1-403-807-3043

saya.fryer@russellreynolds.com

Curtis A. Ross

Russell Reynolds Associates

609 Main Street, Suite 3500
Houston, TX  77002-3106
Direct: +1-346-320-5860
Mobile: +1-281-844-5071

curt.ross@russellreynolds.com

Afognak Native Corporation, Afognak Commercial Group, LLC, and their subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender expression or gender identity (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws (“protected status”).

Afognak Shareholders

Afognak Native Corporation and Afognak Commercial Group, LLC are committed to Shareholder hire.  Employment opportunities are available through full-time and seasonal employment with Afognak Native Corporation or Afognak Commercial Group, LLC, and its subsidiaries.  Afognak Native Corporation Shareholder Services also provides Shareholders with assistance in resume writing, completing employment applications, career counseling and conducting mock interviews.  If you are a Shareholder and have any questions regarding employment or the hiring process, please contact Afognak Native Corporation Shareholder Services.

Commitment to Diversity

We respect diversity and accordingly are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender expression or gender identity (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws (“protected status”). Our management team is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

In accordance with applicable law, it is also our corporate policy to give preference to qualified Afognak Native Corporation shareholders in all phases of employment and training, including, but not limited to, hiring, promotions, transfers, and training opportunities. Current or former U.S. government employees must adhere to the federal ethics rules in all phases of the hiring and employment process. These restrictions include, but are not limited to, rules regarding conflicts of interest, bribery, illegal gratuities, and the Procurement Integrity Act.

Applicant Privacy Statement for California Residents

This Applicant Privacy Statement for California residents applies to all of the information collected on this website and otherwise by Afognak Native Corporation, Afognak Commercial Group, LLC, or any of their direct and indirect subsidiaries at any level and any joint ventures or other business enterprises of those companies, including information submitted by you to facilitate your job application. The Applicant Privacy Notice can be viewed by clicking on the following link:  Applicant Privacy Statement for California Residents

38.35 Equal Opportunity Notice: Equal Opportunity is the Law

This equal opportunity notice applies to applicants and employees of Company programs and activities of Afognak Native Corporation and its subsidiaries subject to the requirements of 29 CFR Part 38. The equal opportunity notice can be viewed by clicking on the following link:

38.35 Equal Opportunity Notice