Tlingit & Haida Elevates Communications, Customer Service, and Printing & Engraving Leaders

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May 6, 2024 | Alaska Native, Right Moves

Tlingit & Haida

The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) elevated some new leaders, hiring a new director in the Communications department and promoting managers for the Customer Care and Printing & Engraving departments.

Dixie Hutchinson

Tlingit & Haida

Dixie Hutchinson has been hired as the Communications Director based in Juneau. In that role, she oversees and implements a communications strategy supporting Tlingit & Haida’s mission to preserve sovereignty, promote self-sufficiency, and enhance economic and cultural resources.

Hutchinson most recently worked as a community outreach manager with Sealaska regional corporation. Prior to that, she served as the news director for KNBA, the urban Native radio station based in Anchorage. Hutchinson brings more than sixteen years of communications experience and thirteen years working as a journalist in Alaska.

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Hutchinson is Tlingit of the Yéil (Raven) Kiks.adí (Frog) clan from Wrangell. She is also Unangan (Aleut) and was born on her father’s traditional lands, part of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. Her Tlingit name is Tináa Shwáat, and she was one of the former co-dance leaders of Wrangell’s Shx’at Kwáan dance group.

“This is an exciting time to join Tlingit & Haida,” Hutchinson says. “I look forward to leading the communications team showcasing the Tribe’s growth in delivering existing and new resources to tribal citizens.”

Judean Gordon

Tlingit & Haida

Tlingit & Haida is forming a Customer Care Department and promoted Judean Gordon as Customer Care Manager. The new department will streamline customer service operations and ensure efficient handling, resolution, and tracking of customer-related inquiries and concerns.

Gordon previously served as the Rescue Funds Program Coordinator for Tlingit & Haida. She has extensive experience in customer service and dedication to tribal welfare. She also teaches a certified customer service class through Generations Southeast Community Learning Center.

Gordon is Yéil (Raven) of the L’uknax.ádi (Coho) clan from the Xixch’ hit (Frog House). She was born in Juneau and raised in Skagway. She raised her family in Connecticut and moved back to Skagway in 2014.

“I am committed to upholding our mission and values and our tribal citizens through exceptional service and support,” Gordon says.

The Printing & Engraving Department is a key part of the Shop Tlingit & Haida online store, capable of embroidery, screen printing, heat press transfers, and laser engraving. Sam Grubitz is promoted to Manager of the department.

Grubitz joined Tlingit & Haida as a communications specialist in 2019. In 2023, he moved to Printing & Engraving. As manager, he leads a team producing custom apparel and other promotional items. Recent work includes designing custom gear for the new Cultural Ambassadors who greet visitors at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area in Juneau. The department also supports outside clients, such as the Juneau Lions Club Gold Medal Basketball tournament, Native Youth Olympics, and Southeast Indigenous Guardians Network.

Sam Grubitz

Tlingit & Haida

Grubitz is Choctaw from Arizona. He has been involved with the printing industry since graduating with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.

“I’m thrilled to step into this new role,” Grubitz says. “My Choctaw heritage enriches my approach, allowing me to embrace and celebrate the diversity and strength of our traditions. This position is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to connect cultures and create lasting memories through the power of art.”