New Faces Join Koahnic Broadcast Corporation
Anchorage-based media nonprofit Koahnic Broadcast Corporation added some new hires to its news, production, and administrative teams.
Award-winning presenter Shawn Spruce is the new permanent host of Native America Calling, a nationally syndicated radio program. Spruce, of the Laguna Pueblo, was a frequent guest on the show and made an impression as someone who could connect with audiences. Coming from a financial education and economic development background, Spruce was awarded the 2021 Ketchum Prize for outstanding contributions to financial education and inclusion for Native Americans.
Sol Traverso joins Native America Calling as associate producer. Originally from Alaska, Traverso is a University of New Mexico journalism graduate with three years of experience that includes reporting for the university’s Daily Lobo and New Mexico News Port and the weekly Taos News.
Andi Murphy is promoted to senior producer on Native America Calling after working on the show for eight years. The frequent fill-in host specializes in Indigenous multimedia storytelling, production, and research. Her “Toasted Sister Podcast” covers Indigenous cooking and food sovereignty. Murphy is a two-time winner of the National Native Media Award for general excellence in podcasting and radio.
Koahnic’s Anchorage-based radio station KNBA also welcomed two new junior-level positions: Hanna Bissett as news intern and Kayla Rearden as administrative assistant.
Current Issue
January 2026
2026 Alaska Business Hall of Fame
Five new inductees to the Alaska Business Hall of Fame share some odd coincidences. Meet the leaders honored for their lifelong support of Alaska’s economy and for commitment to Junior Achievement of Alaska.
Evans Becomes North Pacific Fisheries Management Council’s Fifth Executive Director
The North Pacific Fisheries Management Council promoted Diana Evans to become the federal regulatory panel’s fifth-ever Executive Director.
RDC’s Hajdukovich Elevated to Executive Director
Experienced military advisor Connor Hajdukovich can remove “interim” from his title as Executive Director of the Resource Development Council for Alaska.
We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!