Chugach Alaska Promotes Holdings President, Communications Exec

Welch joined Chugach in 2002 and has experience in finance and operations across both government and commercial sectors.

“I’ve spent most of my career at Chugach because I believe in what we’re building,” Welch says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead CCH and for the trust of our Board and executive leadership. Moving forward, CCH will continue to be a strong partner to our operating companies and customers, as we pursue disciplined, values-aligned growth that creates long-term value for our shareholders and the communities we serve.”

A lifelong Alaskan, Welch earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UAA. She is also active in community engagement, supporting organizations including St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Breakthrough T1D.

“Gwen has the depth and breadth of experience to connect strategy to execution,” says Chugach COO Peter Andersen. “She has navigated through complex operational challenges and opportunities, and led multiple acquisitions that are integrating, performing, and adding value. Sellers trust her, our teams respect her, and our customers rely on her. Naming her President of CCH is the right next step as we continue to build our growth engine.”

To oversee brand strategy and media relations, Chugach promoted Randi Jo Gause to Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Gause joined Chugach more than a decade ago as Communications Manager and has advanced into senior leadership, most recently serving as Marketing and Communications Director.

“Randi brings a combination of strategic discipline and creative leadership to how we communicate Chugach’s purpose and performance,” says Chugach CEO Jonathan Dalrymple. “She has strengthened our brand and elevated how we engage with customers, employees, shareholders, and communities.”

Gause earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Utah and an MBA in International Business from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona. Before joining Chugach, she held marketing roles in both agency and nonprofit environments. Under her leadership, Chugach’s marketing and communications team has also received multiple honors from the Public Relations Society of America Alaska Chapter and Ragan Communications. As a lifelong Alaskan, she is also active in the community, supporting Covenant House Alaska, STAR Alaska, and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.

“I’ve been privileged to be part of Chugach through many seasons of change, and I’m grateful to our leadership for the opportunity to support this next chapter of growth,” says Gause. “Our business portfolio and our shareholder community are expanding and diversifying, and there’s real momentum across the enterprise. My focus is helping us show up with one clear voice even as we evolve—sharing our story in a way that’s authentic, people-centered, and grounded in the value we create for shareholders and customers.”