Changes to the Leadership Team at MTA
MTA is celebrating several promotions in its leadership team.
Ryan Ponder
MTA
Ryan Ponder has been promoted to Vice President of Legal, Regulatory, and Government Affairs. His previous title was Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs; in his new position, Ponder continues to advance MTA’s tribal and government relations strategies. Ponder is dedicated to navigating the complex regulatory landscape, and his leadership has enabled his team to excel.
Carin Yeh
MTA
Carin Yeh, previously a Grants Officer, is promoted to Manager of Grants and Regulatory Affairs. Since joining MTA, Yeh has demonstrated an exceptional level of expertise and dedication to ensuring MTA’s regulatory compliance. The co-op says her new leadership role will yield opportunities to make positive impacts on the telecom regulatory environment.
Jess Gilbert
MTA
Jess Gilbert has been promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications, after serving as Corporate Communications Manager since 2019. In this new role, Gilbert will continue to empower her teams while overseeing marketing along with all external and internal communications at MTA, including initiatives involving the MTA Foundation and MTA Gaming.
Current Issue
January 2026
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.
Moore Takes Over GCI Consumer Services for Retiring Landes
With the impending retirement of longtime GCI executive Paul Landes, leadership for overall consumer services transfers to Maureen Moore.
Walmart Pro Steps Up as New Boss for TOTE Maritime Alaska
Corey Nichols, previously a distribution official for Walmart, succeeds Art Dahlin as Vice President and Alaska General Manager for TOTE Maritime 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!