New PGS Consultant Brings Military Leadership Experience
Professional Growth Systems
Professional Growth Systems (PGS), an Anchorage-based business consulting firm, brings Chris Dykes to the team as a Consultant. Dykes adds to the company’s planning and leadership services by applying skills he acquired in the US military.
During his nine years in the US Army, Dykes served in leadership positions with Special Operations. “I prioritized personal development as well as professional goals to ensure that all members of the team were both effective leaders and well-rounded individuals,” Dykes says. To that end, he motivated and encouraged two of his direct reports to complete their bachelor’s degrees while on duty in the US and Afghanistan.
Current Issue
April 2026
Dykes received his bachelor’s degree in criminology from The College of New Jersey.
His strong focus on development and growth is what attracted Dykes to PGS. “I found that the most rewarding experiences do not come from promotion, advancement, or awards. They come from cultivating genuine relationships, building effective teams, and striving for improvement every day. Improvement, not perfection,” he says. “What I find true value in is building strong, trusting relationships and helping people and teams grow, both personally and professionally.”
Outside of work, Dykes enjoys hiking, hunting, fishing, and snowboarding with his family and three dogs.
New Leadership Team for Next Generation of John Hall’s Alaska
Elizabeth Hall succeeds her late father as CEO of John Hall’s Alaska, while a new leadership team guides the tour company’s next generation.
Characteristics of Leadership: Disconnectedness
Throughout 2026, this series on effective leadership interviews knowledgeable Alaskans and shares their methods of aligning values with ethical conduct. This month’s topic: the detachment caused by disconnectedness, with a business educator weighing in with advice.
CHARR Promotes Erickson to President and CEO
Photo Credit: Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers AssociationAn industry association for hospitality businesses in Alaska has a new boss. The Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association (CHARR) appointed BreeAnna Erickson as President and...