Kodiak Area Native Association Makes Mike Pfeffer CEO

Mike Pfeffer can take the “interim” away from the CEO title he’s held at Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) for the last year. The nonprofit healthcare affiliate of Koniag regional corporation chose Pfeffer for the position after a nationwide search. Prior to becoming interim CEO last year, Pfeffer has served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer during his sixteen years with KANA.

In making its selection, the KANA board cited Pfeffer’s passion for the association’s mission, his experience with the organization and partnership with the board, his relationships with other Alaska tribal healthcare entities, and his commitment to the Kodiak community.

“Under Mike’s leadership this past year, KANA was able to continue operations uninterrupted,” says Board Chair Loretta Nelson. “While working within the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, we underwent a rigorous program evaluation by our accrediting agency and earned re-accreditation. We hosted the Health Resources and Services Administration for an operational site visit and gained the highest marks possible. We are extremely pleased to have Mike as our new leader. We look forward to working closely with him as we enter the next phase of KANA’s development and make a positive impact for beneficiaries and the communities of the Kodiak region.”

Pfeffer earned a master’s degree in business administration from UAS and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Colorado Technical University.

“In my sixteen years of service at KANA, I have been proud to be part of an organization committed to service and excellence,” Pfeffer says. “The last thirteen months have been a whirlwind, but the partnership demonstrated by the board and staff allowed us to not just maintain but to excel as an organization.”

Pfeffer’s promotion is effective immediately, with the full support of the board to keep KANA on the leading edge of innovation, to leverage its strong financial position to build on past successes, to advance economic development projects for sustainable communities throughout the region, and to develop strategic solutions to address community needs.