Carl Marrs received an Honorary Doctorate at the 2002 Alaska Pacific
University spring commencement.
"Carl has demonstrated exemplary leadership in service not only to Alaska Natives, but to all Alaskans," said Dr. Douglas M. North, APU president. "Because of his time and commitment to Alaska Pacific University, many of our students have achieved their educational goals and dreams."
"Carl has made great effort to improve the lives of countless Alaskans, both Native and non-Native, particularly in our urban and rural communities. Since becoming president of CIRI, his integrity, personal generosity and sincere concern for his fellow Alaskans have guided his stewardship of CIRI. With Carl at the helm, CIRI increased its efforts to make the lives of shareholders better and worked actively to help close the urban/rural divide that has separated Alaskans," U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens said.
A CIRI shareholder of Aleut descent, Marrs was born and raised in Seldovia, Alaska. He became CIRI's president in 1995 and CEO in 1996, and has been a CIRI employee for 28 years. A respected Alaska business leader, Marrs recently received the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce 2001 William A. Egan Outstanding Alaskan Award, as well as the 2001 Alaska Federation of Natives Citizen of the Year Award. The Alaska Journal of Commerce has repeatedly named Marrs as one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Alaskans.
Marrs has a long history of service to Alaskans. He currently serves on several boards, including the national board of trustees of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Fiscal Policy Council of Alaska, Alaska Railroad Corp., and Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. He is the president of the Association of ANCSA Regional Corporations Presidents/CEOs, Inc., and a member of the Alaska SeaLife Center board of governors. He is also a member of the Alaska Oil & Gas Association, Western Alaska Council Boy Scouts of America, and the Alaska Highway Natural Gas Policy Council.
