Alaska Business Hall of Fame Names 2025 Laureates
Junior Achievement of Alaska
In advance of the induction ceremony next January, Junior Achievement (JA) of Alaska announced four laureates being honored by the Alaska Business Hall of Fame. The class of 2025 includes Linda Leary, founder of FisheWear and Linda Leary Consulting; Joe Schierhorn, chairman of Northrim Bank; Ralph Seekins, president of Seekins Ford-Lincoln dealership in Fairbanks; and, posthumously, US Congressman Don Young.
The event will also present awards for Junior Achievement of Alaska Volunteer and Educator of the Year for 2025.
Lauding Professionals, Supporting Students
Erin Byrne is credited with touching the lives of nearly 700 students as a JA volunteer, empowering each of them to own their economic success. Byrne, the chief financial officer of Delta Leasing, has been a strong supporter of JA and its mission to give Alaska’s youth workforce readiness skills, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen financial literacy.
Current Issue
January 2026
Clare Fulp, the principal of Mountain View Elementary School in Anchorage, has been involved with JA for more than ten years and continues to innovate financial literacy programs with Junior Achievement for her students. Fulp brings programs like JA in a Day to schools, where volunteers can work alongside teachers.
“For more than 100 years, volunteers and educators have partnered with JA to empower the next generation’s success, and promote economic mobility,” says Flora Teo, JA of Alaska president. “We have amazing heroes in our schools. JA is grateful for the opportunity to recognize these individuals for their contributions that at the end of the day, make a huge difference for our youth.”
Awardees and Hall of Fame laureates were selected based on their direct impact toward furthering the success of Alaska business, demonstrated support and commitment to JA programs, and demonstrated commitment to Alaska business.
Alaska Business magazine began the Alaska Business Hall of Fame in 1987 to honor outstanding individuals in Alaska businesses. The annual ceremony is a fundraiser for JA of Alaska.
The 37th annual celebration will take place at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage and includes a reception beginning at 5:30 p.m., dinner and induction ceremony at 6:30 p.m., and concluding by 8:30 p.m. The evening will also include a special recognition of the many past inductees who will be in attendance.
Individual tickets are $175, with limited sponsorship opportunities available. Tickets and tables can be purchased online at alaskabusinesshalloffame.com.
Donlin Gold Signs Up for Alaska LNG Pipeline Gas
Glenfarne and Donlin Gold signed a letter of intent to supply natural gas to power the mine site, uniting two of Alaska’s long-sought megaprojects.
A Christmas Gift: M/V Kennicott Returns to Service
The state ferry M/V Kennicott returned to service after a generator project and overall refresh; now M/V Columbia goes into annual overhaul.
Fleet Order for 100+ 737s the Largest in Alaska Airlines History
Alaska Airlines executed an option to order 105 new Boeing 737-10 aircraft and five new 787 aircraft, while also unveiling a new global livery design.
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!