CIRI Shareholder Deanna Sackett read about the CIRI Shareholder Participation Committees in her annual meeting packet and decided it was time to become more involved in her corporation. She filled out the application and her name was randomly selected to serve a three-year term on the Lower 48 committee.

“CIRI has helped me with scholarships and dividends, and I wanted to give back to the company through the Shareholder Participation Committees,” said Sackett.

During her first year on the Shareholder Participation Committee she learned about CIRI’s investments and how the corporation is involved in the community through the non-profits like The CIRI Foundation, Cook Inlet Tribal Council and others.

“I’ve learned the importance of how the corporation supports the shareholders and strengthens the Alaska Native culture through the non-profits,” said Sackett. “I’ve also learned a lot about the company and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and be a voice for the shareholders.”

After learning more about CIRI, its subsidiaries and non-profits, Sackett’s committee initiated business and community projects to assist shareholders and CIRI’s management. After a presentation on housing issues, the committee decided to help the elders at Cook Inlet Housing Authority’s elder facility in Anchorage, and successfully raised funds for a new washer and dryer to be placed in their housing complex. Sackett was also able to utilize her computer skills by reviewing a prototype of a redesigned CIRI Alaska Tourism web site and presented suggestions to improve the web site.

“The committee members are able to share their expertise with CIRI’s management and board. We’ve spent many hours on presentations to provide feedback and help management understand the needs of the shareholders,” said Sackett.

Sackett is the daughter of the late Wassillie Ekopak, an Aleut from Alaska, and Mona Jasper of Sacramento, Calif. Sackett grew up in Sacramento with a large family of seven brothers and sisters.
She attends California State University and will graduate with a computer science degree next year. Her husband, Rob Sackett, is also studying computer science and works full-time at Hewlett-Packard. After graduation, she hopes to work in the computer science field in a management position that allows her to help people.

During her leisure time, Sackett enjoys traveling, especially to Europe and Las Vegas, and attending live plays and performances. She also volunteers at her local church, feeding homeless families, and at a women’s shelter, sharing information on employment and interview skills.

Sackett’s hopes for the future of CIRI include a financially strong company that continues to strengthen the Alaska Native culture. “I hope that the company continues to keep the interests of shareholders in mind when making decisions and continues to focus on the future and long-term goals. I love how the company is involved in the community, and I hope that they continue that support,” Sackett said.

To contact Deanna Sackett regarding shareholder issues, please email her at robanddeanna@hotmail.com or call (916) 390-0156.