Current Members

Carol has worked her way up from a dental assistant to a dental educator. She has enjoyed a dental career for over 20 years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Science with an emphasis in public health from Brigham Young University – Idaho. She also has a Master of Education degree in Adult Education and Training from Colorado State University. Carol has worked at Southcentral Foundation since August 2016 as a Learning and Development Specialist for dental.

Tayler was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska and is a first-generation College Student at the University of Alaska Anchorage studying Business Management for her bachelor’s degree. She has completed many internships with Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) and plans to continue her education in law after her business degree to further her career in public policy to bridge gaps for Native youth and low-income communities in Alaska. Tayler is a Seldovia Village Tribal Member as well as chair of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) at CITC. She is also an Arctic Youth Ambassador (2023-2024 cohort) under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a board member for Spirit of Youth Alaska. She was also the 2022 Fur Rendezvous Heritage Ambassador. Tayler is an experienced youth leader who is passionate for representing Alaska Native people in underrepresented spaces and creating safe spaces for youth to reach their endless potential. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing with fur and making Yup’ik headdresses, and painting.

Wayne was born and raised in Anchorage, AK where he currently resides with his wife and three children. He inherited his CIRI shares from his father, originally from Kodiak. Wayne grew up in an entrepreneurial family and helped start many businesses, culminating in an RV repair business that ran successfully for many years.  He attended the University of Alaska and the University of Washington where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. Wayne was commissioned through ROTC into the US Air Force and spent 10 years as a pilot teaching and flying fighter aircraft. In 2009, he moved back to Alaska and worked in the defense industry as well as the Alaska Air National Guard as a pilot. He retired from military in 2020 after 21 years of honorable service and thousands of flight hours and combat time. He now flies for UPS Airlines as an international cargo pilot. Wayne enjoys spending his free time hunting, fishing, camping and working on his family’s real estate ventures and church charities.

Aaron currently serves as the President of the Native village of Eklutna. He is the Senior Curator of Alaska History and Indigenous Cultures at the Anchorage Museum and serves as an advisor to the Smithsonian’s Arctic Studies Center. He is a member of Alaska State Museum Collections committee, the Anchorage Sister Cities Commission, and serves on the board of directors for the Cook Inlet Historical Society, and the Alaska Historical Society. In 2014, Aaron was recognized by CIRI as its Shareholder of the Year (youngest ever), by the Alaska Federation of Natives as Cultural Bearer of the Year, and by the Governor of Alaska for distinguished service to the humanities. Building on knowledge obtained from his Dena’ina grandmother and after earning a degree in anthropology from UAA, Aaron set out to change the historical narrative. He has played a vital role in indigenous curation in Alaska and has authored numerous scholarly articles and co-authored publications about the Dena’ina language and people.

Jeran was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Fort Lewis College and a Master of Arts in Global Affairs from the University of Denver. He also a director on the ENLACES Alaska Board of Directors.  Prior to moving back to Anchorage in 2020, Jeran worked for Bristol Industries as a Bilingual Community Relations Specialist specializing in environmental remediation and community outreach. Currently, Jeran works for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium as a Communications Specialist in Marketing and Communications.

Jessica grew up in Anchorage Alaska and has fond memories of set net fishing off the shores of Fire Island, hunting in Denali, and attending traditional potlaches with her family in Chistochina. She continues to live in Alaska’s largest city, where she works at the University of Alaska Anchorage and raises her family. She received her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene degree, her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree, and her Master of Education Teaching and Learning degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She works as an Assistant Professor in the Dental Hygiene program and loves helping her students learn and appreciate Alaska Native history and people.

Kalani is a member of Knik Tribe, and was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. She received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Minor in Alaska Native Business Management from the University of Alaska Anchorage. During her time at UAA she enjoyed serving on Native Student Council and learning from Alaska Native leaders. She is passionate about working in her community to advocate for and uplift Alaska Native people. Kalani has worked at Southcentral Foundation as a Tribal Relations Specialist since 2020.

Gail served the last 20 years as the Subregional Clinic Operation’s Manager with Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Consortium (YKHC). Since earning her bachelor’s in psychology with an emphasis in pre-medicine, Gail has lived and worked in St. Mary’s learning about rural and Native issues firsthand. She also has 20 years of experience serving as the Yupiit of Andreafski Tribal Council President and was a Board Member for St. Mary’s regional AVCP organization. Gail and her husband are both commercial and subsistence fishermen, and own two small businesses, Matty’s Truck Rental, LLC, and Eagles Nest Lodge. As a CIRI descendant and mother of six, Gail hopes her children continue to learn who they are as Native people.

Brittany spent the summer living in Puerto Rico working for SNC Manufacturing through a shareholder management program after graduating from college. Her time working there drove her ambition to pursue a Masters degree in supply chain management; becoming the youngest student ever accepted into the Executive Masters Degree program for Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University. Brittany is Inupiaq, raised both in Nome and the Matsu Valley. She received her Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage and later her Masters in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M. Brittany currently serves as the Director, Marketing and Communications for Sitnasuak Native Corporation (SNC). She is a shareholder of SNC and a descendant for both Bering Straits Native Corporation and CIRI.

Jessica lives on the Kenai Peninsula with her husband and their three children. She received her Associates Degree in Business Administration in Spring 2022 from Alaska Pacific University. Jessica will graduate with her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Non-Profit Organizations as well as Minors in Alaska Native Governance and Alaska Rural Management in December 2023 from Alaska Pacific University. Jessica plans to attend Law School after receiving her Bachelors with a focus on Indigenous Peoples and Federal Indian Law. In addition to being a full time mom and college student, Jessica is a Tribal Member and longtime employee of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe in Kenai, Alaska. Jessica has worked for the Tribe for nearly nine years both in Tribal Court and Tribal Administration. Jessica is currently the Tribal Member Services Supervisor, Tribal Enrollment Officer, and was recently appointed as a Tribal Court Judge.

Fred was born and raised in Seldovia Alaska and grew up commercial fishing each summer at his family’s set net sites on the west side of Cook Inlet. Fred is of Aleut decent and has served as a member of the Seldovia Native Association board of directors since 2004. Fred is employed as the General Manger of NANA Construction LLC and is responsible for overseeing all company activities in the Oil & Gas, Commercial, and Mining industries. Fred has been employed at NANA Construction since 2009.

Mishal is the daughter of Dora Tooyak of Point Hope and Dr. Elmer and Ruby Gaede of Soldotna. She grew up on a homestead outside of Soldotna and would later on obtain her BSW at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Primarily working for Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) since 1996, her pathway began as a child protection social worker. Her career would eventually lead her to working in Tribal Government and Justice Division, serving as the Tribal Court Facilitator for the last 13 years. Mishal plans to retire from TCC soon and is looking forward to new horizons and experiences. Much of Mishal’s personal journey and life experiences are connected to discovering the power of the human spirit and affirming the resiliency of our people.

Marian was born in Anchorage Alaska, raised in Tyonek Alaska, where she met and resides with her husband of 19 years.  Marian is currently employed with the Native Village of Tyonek as the Tribal Transportation Planner and operates King’s Corner Cafe along with her husband. She enjoys subsistence fishing, hunting, berry picking, arts and crafts, walks on the beach but above all loves to spend time with family and cook for them.

Jerry is a lifelong Alaskan an original shareholder of Ninilchik Natives Association. He is currently retired and resides in Juneau, Alaska. Jerry is passionate about the CIRI family of socially driven enterprises and ensuring Elders’ benefits. He is heavily involved in his community, having served on the boards of the City and Borough of Juneau Docks and Harbors, Ninilchik Natives Association, CIRI Alaska Tourism and DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery. Jerry counts among his hobbies fishing, hunting and writing.

Esther is the daughter of Ann and the late Peter Edwards. Her grandparents are the late Moses and Mary Edwards of Holy Cross and Gust and Natalia Blunka of New Stuyahok. She is the oldest of 3 sisters and is proud to come from a family of educators. Esther’s great grandfather Chief Ivan Blunka founded the school in New Stuyahok from his cabin. The school is named after him “Chief” Ivan Blunka School. Her mother is a retired educator, having taught for over 30 years in the public schools, and even served as Esther’s kindergarten teacher. Her youngest sister Sonya is also a teacher in Fairbanks along with her husband. Esther has taught in the public schools for 5 years and continues to work in the educational field. Working for Knik Tribe in their Education and Training Department, Esther started as a life skills instructor teaching job readiness to middle and high school students to young adults. She is now the assistant project manager for the STEP grant by Office of Indian Education, one of the biggest accomplishments was starting Knik Charter School, Alaska’s first Indigenous K-12th grade charter school. She still works with Knik Charter School helping with the various duties it takes to run and operate a school. Esther is also a mother of four, and a wife of a proud chef. She strives to make quality education accessible to all students and push for higher education. She also believes in cultural relevance in teaching and work to provide to all students she works with.

Suzanne grew up in Anchorage, Alaska. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from Gonzaga University, she moved to Ventura, California where she married and raised her two children. Suzanne’s background is in public relations and marketing and has experience as a trade show coordinator, marketing associate and catering liaison. She has been a board member and held several volunteer committee positions for community organizations in Ventura County. In her spare time Suzanne enjoys traveling, fishing, swing dancing, and cooking.

Chris grew up in the gateway to the San Juan Islands, Anacortes, WA, surrounded by his aunties and cousins. There were frequent gatherings around frybread tacos, corn beef hash, or Swedish pancakes. Cousins were the closest friends, playing video games and snowboarding together. Chris completed his Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a Finance emphasis from Brigham Young University and then pursued a Master’s of Health Administration from Cornell University. He has a strong desire to build community, whether in his career serving in a public health role or in supporting local group trail runs.

Charity was born and raised in Alaska, a mother of five and an Army Veteran. The Army brought her out of Alaska to Oklahoma where she now resides with her husband still active duty. Charity holds an Associates of Applied Science in Business Administration degree from Alaska Pacific University and currently works as a Fiber Project Manager with a telecommunication company bringing fiber to rural areas. She actively volunteers with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma with her family.

Symsi has been a Park & Landscape Coordinator for the City of Virginia Beach for over 16 years and her experience leading various teams to serve the public and leading or participating in various strategic committees have provided the necessary experience and skills to be a productive member of the CIRI Participation Committee.  Her family originates from Bethal and Unalakleet, Alaska. She has a passion for nature and preserving the environment while encouraging youth to embrace and protect their environment.

Sarah originates from the Kenai Peninsula. Her Grandfather Larry Oskolkoff served as CIRIs land manger and board member from 1974 to 1978. Sarah currently lives in Apache Junction, Arizona but returns to Alaska every year to see family and fish the tribal net. Sarah has earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Alaska Pacific University and has certificates in GIS and Risk Management. She currently works for an Alaska Native Corporation Umyuaq Consulting Group as a Community Relations Specialist. Sarah has also worked for Alyeska Pipeline as a Data Management Administrator and Chugach Corporation as an Administrative Assistant.

Tim is a retired Army Ranger who served 20 years in the Military, going from Private to Captain. Originally from the Kenai Peninsula, he has traveled the world and been involved in two Hollywood Movies (Blackhawk Down & We Were Soldiers). He has received a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Troy University and a Masters in Business Administration from JWMI. Tim currently lives in Ohio and works as a Consultant in the Executive Recruitment industry.

Brady was born in Yakima, WA and raised on the Yakama Indian Reservation. TeePee2 was a cattle ranch founded by his grandfather, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation and Marine who served in WWII. It was from here Brady learned about the significance of water and of how to manage it. He continued this at the University of Washington earning a bachelor’s degree in Earth & Space Science focusing on the environment, hydrology. Afterwards, he worked for the Yakama Nation and rose to the Agriculture Development Program Manager, serving in that position for 6 years. Brady initiated the program and led the acquisition of Inaba Farms, a 1,500-acre farm and multimillion dollar business. He now works for the State of Washington as a Transportation Planning Specialist working on National Environmental Protection Act documentation and compliance.

Charles is from Anchorage, Alaska and currently resides in Long Beach California. Charles enjoys all things outdoors to include fishing, boating, surfing, free diving, and skiing, as well as interests in aviation, design, music, and sustainable living. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Chaminade University, a Master of Business Management degree and graduate certificates in International Management and Organizational Change from Hawaii Pacific University, and a graduate certificate in Business Resources Management from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. Charles has served in a variety of leadership positions throughout his career within the Federal Government, Department of Defense, and public and private sectors. Charles currently serves as the General Services Administration (GSA) Region 9 Customer and Stakeholder Engagement (CASE) Division Area Manager for Southern California. As the senior CASE representative within his territory, he directs customer engagement, marketing, and solution development initiatives related to the entire suite of Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) programs.

Rebecca was born and raised in Anchorage, and currently lives in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California with her husband and two daughters. Rebecca is the VP Chief Operating Officer for an affordable housing nonprofit where she has overseen the development and operation of 37 affordable housing communities, creating over 2,200 homes for families, seniors, veterans, foster youth and people experiencing homelessness. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies from the University of California, San Diego and a Masters in City and Regional Planning from the University of California, San Diego.

Nicole is the child of an Air Force officer and a homemaker, and has had the opportunity to live throughout the U.S. and Germany during her early years. Although moving came with challenges, those moves also afforded Nicole the opportunity to experience our diverse country and world with a mindset of engaged curiosity and appreciation for the similarities and differences amongst us all. Nicole settled in Washington State where, with the help of the CIRI Foundation, she attended college and law school while building her family and professional path. Nicole ultimately fulfilled her dream of opening a law firm with a commercial real estate emphasis in 2017. She has thoroughly enjoyed being a small business owner and practicing attorney. Nicole endeavors to use an equitable and balanced approach to problem solving, which begins with working hard to be a good listener!

Neil has worked in the community planning and economic development field for more than 23 years. He is currently the Tribal Program Manager with a federal contractor that provides training and technical assistance for U.S. Department of Transportation grantees in rural and tribal communities throughout the U.S. He is also a successful entrepreneur having founded Gallegos Rodriguez Consulting LLC in 2013, a consulting firm that specializes in economic development, fundraising and regulatory affairs. Neil, is a Boxing Historian and former Alaska State and New England Boxing champion, is an active member of several Boxing Alumni Associations whose mission is to raise money to support the needs of retired fighters. He is also an accomplished distance runner. He grew up in Anchorage and is an enrolled tribal member of Orutsararmiut Native Council (ONC). Neil currently resides in Florida. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and American Studies from Brandeis University.

Evan is currently a student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Classics and Religious Studies at the University of Tennessee, with plans to pursue a Masters of Library and Information Science upon graduation. Raised in Tennessee, Evan currently works as both a Library Assistant and a Grading Assistant for the University of Tennessee. He a recipient of The CIRI Foundation scholarship, and a participant in the 2019 CIRI C3 experience. Falling in love with the state of Alaska, Evan is grateful for the opportunities to connect with his heritage. It is his dream to one day return to Alaska with his two cats, Mimi and Felony.