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Successor Steps Up as Design Alaska President

Feb 3, 2026 | Engineering, Right Moves

Photo Credit: Design Alaska

With the departure of Chris Miller as President after twelve years with Design Alaska, the Fairbanks-based engineering firm is promoting Emily Winfield as his successor. Winfield takes the helm of a fifty-five-member staff providing architecture; structural, civil, mechanical, fire protection, and electrical engineering; landscape architecture; surveying; and commissioning services.

Winfield had been leading the firm’s Mechanical Department. Eleven of her twelve years as a licensed professional mechanical engineer have been with Design Alaska. She has led the design of a wide range of projects, including healthcare and recreational facilities, utility distribution systems, and projects in remote locations throughout Alaska. Her client experience spans private industry, municipal, state, and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations.

Current Issue

Alaska Business Magazine March 2026 cover

March 2026

Winfield holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Before pursuing her engineering career, she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia. As a Certified Commissioning Authority and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional, Winfield is committed to sustainability and believes sustainable solutions must be both practical and resilient.

As Miller transitions into retirement, he is stepping into a supporting role. Jeff Putnam continues as Vice President, leading Business Development and Operations and supporting Winfield. The Mechanical Department gets a new leader, with Marcus Curley earning the promotion.

Alaska Business Magazine March 2026 cover
In This Issue
ARCTIC DEVELOPMENT
March 2026
While all of Alaska is “arctic” to the rest of the country, our focus in the March 2026 Arctic Development special section is on projects more closely aligned to the actual Arctic, including an update on the Port of Nome deep-draft project, offshore oil activity, plans for projects on Savoonga and on the North Slope, and our cover story about the transportation industry’s efforts to operate responsibly in waters worldwide, which has direct applications to Arctic Seas. Also in this issue: learn more about the Chin’an Gaming Hall, USACE projects, the new Wildbirch Hotel, and the transportation and logistics of Girl Scout cookies. Enjoy!
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