The CIRI Board of Directors has selected CIRI shareholder Margie Brown as president and chief executive officer when Carl Marrs steps down on Jan. 1, 2005. The Board made a unanimous decision at the December board meeting following a three-month search.

Brown, a Yup’ik Eskimo originally from Takotna, has many years of service with the company. She has been a CIRI Board member since 2002 and previously served on the board from 1984 to 1987. She was first employed by CIRI in 1976, when she was hired as CIRI’s assistant land planner. From there she rose through the ranks as vice president, land and resources from 1978 to 1983; vice president, oil and gas from 1989 to 1992; and senior vice president from 1993 to 1995.

During her tenure, Brown was instrumental in CIRI’s land negotiations including the implementation of the Cook Inlet Land Exchange. In addition, she managed the resources operations when CIRI’s oil and gas businesses made significant contributions to the company’s annual income.

“I am very pleased the Board has made their selection for this position. With Board support Margie is capable of leading this company,” said Marrs, who announced his resignation on Aug. 5 after more than 30 years of service with CIRI. “I have worked with her off and on since 1976 when she joined the CIRI land department.”

“Most importantly, while Margie is committed to the company, my hope is that she will be equally committed to CIRI’s non-profit organizations and to our community,” added Marrs.

Brown, who holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado, was a founding board member and board chair of The CIRI Foundation, which was established in 1982. In addition, she currently serves on the 21-member national board of The Trust for Public Land; served as Alaska’s representative on the National Park System Advisory Board from 1999 to 2003; and served on the board of Assets, Inc. from 1990 to 1996.

“I look forward to the challenge of being president and CEO of CIRI. I believe my background and familiarity with CIRI are strengths I bring to my new role, and I am pleased that the Board has the confidence to appoint me to this position,” Brown said. “It is certainly exciting to take the helm of such a successful corporation and embrace our mission of enhancing the lives of our shareholders.”

CIRI Chairman William Prosser, who has praised Marrs for his successful leadership of the corporation, is pleased that the CIRI Board has selected a successor with a proven track record, integrity and a commitment to the company and its shareholders.

“The Board felt that Margie has the experience and business acumen to further the financial strength of the company and to lead a successful team of employees for the benefit of all of our CIRI shareholders and the future generation of shareholders,” said Prosser.

The CIRI Board and its executive search committee was looking for a successor with proven business success, an executive leadership background and effective communication experience, as well as a commitment to CIRI’s corporate values and a high regard for ethical standards.

Margie Brown