New CEO and President for Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation

A board member of Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) is promoted to President and CEO. Dr. Pearl K. Brower has served on the UIC board of directors since June 2021.

Brower received her PhD in Indigenous studies with an emphasis in Indigenous leadership from UAF in 2016. She has a master’s degree in Alaska Native and rural development from UAF and obtained a double bachelor’s degree in anthropology and Alaska Native studies from UAF. Brower also received an associate of arts degree in Iñupiaq studies from Iļisaġvik College in 2018, while she was working at Alaska’s only tribal college in Utqiaġvik. Between 2007 and 2020, Brower was president of Iļisaġvik College for eight of those years.

Brower’s recent business and employment experience include serving the past year as the senior advisor to the UA System focusing on Alaska Native success, institutional diversity, and student engagement. Prior to this work, she ran her own consulting business focused on strategic planning and leadership development.

Brower has served on many boards and commissions throughout Alaska and the nation, including the National Museum of the American Indian, Storyknife Writers Retreat, The Foraker Group Operations, Alaska Airlines Community Advisory Board, and the AlaskaCAN! Network board of directors. Brower was an Alaska Top 40 Under 40 recipient, awarded the First Alaskans Institute Young Native Leader Award, and was recognized by the YWCA as a Woman of Achievement.

In accepting the position, Brower says, “I am incredibly honored and privileged to have been appointed to serve as UIC’s president and CEO. After serving as a member of the board of directors this last year, I know we have an amazing team across our entire company, and I look forward to building on the foundation our board and outgoing President Delbert Rexford has laid for us. A bright future for our families, and our corporation, are important to me as we envision a healthy, strong community for generations to come. I look forward to serving our shareholders and company. Quyanaqpak for your support!”

Brower is the daughter of Price E. Brower, and Lillian and Bruce Arnold. She is married to Jesse Darling, and they have two daughters.