Alaska Railroad Names Seward Mayor as Director of External Affairs
The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) named Seward Port Manager Christy Terry as Director of External Affairs.
Terry joined the state-owned railroad in 2010 as the Seward operations manager and was promoted to port manager in 2015. Prior to ARRC, she spent nearly a decade working for the City of Seward. Terry’s public service includes three terms as an elected official, most recently as Seward’s mayor; her three-year term expires this year.
As head of the External Affairs Department, the director develops and executes public, community, and government relations efforts and ensures informative employee communications. The director also works to maintain ARRC’s reputation as a strong civic supporter and a partner in economic development statewide.
“I am proud and honored to continue growing professionally at the Alaska Railroad Corporation,” says Terry. “The Alaska Central Railway originated in Seward and ultimately became part of the great statewide rail operation we have today. Now I look forward to being part of a larger team serving our customers, businesses, Railbelt communities, and the entire state of Alaska.”
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May 2024
Terry has offered leadership on the boards of civic and business organizations including the Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward Chamber of Commerce, and Seward Port & Commerce Advisory group. Terry’s extensive community contributions were most recently recognized in 2021, when the Seward Chamber named her Business Person of the Year.
“We are delighted to welcome Christy to this new role at the railroad. Over the past dozen years, she has impressed us as a highly capable professional who meets every challenge that comes her way with unflappable style,” says President and CEO Bill O’Leary. “She has a strong background in local government and she’s proven adept at working with a wide range of people and perspectives. That background and those qualities will serve her—and the railroad—well as we face future challenges and embrace future opportunities that call for community partnerships and public participation.”
Through summer 2022, Terry will facilitate a smooth port management transition by supporting operations at the ARRC Seward Terminal Reserve as needed.
Making History
The track of oil and gas development in Alaska shows the footprints of bold companies and hard-working individuals who shaped the industry in the past and continue to innovate today. The May 2024 issue of Alaska Business explores that history while looking forward to new product development, the energy transition for the fishing fleet, and the ethics of AI tools in business.