Denali Universal Services Transitions to New Private Ownership
Originally from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in the Russian Far East, Maria Bourne came to Alaska for college and worked her way up to president and CEO.
Photo Credit: Denali Universal Services
Denali Universal Services (DUS) is under new ownership. A team of investors took over, effective September 1, from French conglomerate Sodexo. The new owners include the current president and CEO of DUS, Maria Bourne.
Women-Owned Business Enterprise
Formerly a joint venture of Sodexo and Doyon, Limited, the company split away from the Alaska Native corporation for the Interior region while maintaining offices in Doyon’s South Anchorage building. Now DUS is going its own way, separate from Sodexo entirely.
DUS provides facilities management (housekeeping, camp catering, and sundry support tasks) and security services (including emergency medical services and firefighting) to private sector and public sector clients.
Current Issue
January 2026
“We’re multiple businesses under one roof,” says Bourne, who has led the company since December 2020, promoted from chief financial officer with a degree in accounting from UAA.
The new ownership qualifies DUS as a women-owned business enterprise, aligning with clients who prioritize diversity in hiring and procurement.
“Our transition in ownership enables us to be more agile and better positioned for future success. We are excited about the growth opportunities ahead as we expand our operations nationwide,” says Bourne.
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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.
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