GCI Taps Utility Lawyer for Chief Administrative Officer
Photo Credit: GCI
A lawyer for one Anchorage-based utility is joining the executive team of another. GCI selected Moira Smith as Senior Vice President Law and Chief Administrative Officer. Smith most recently served as general counsel for ENSTAR Natural Gas, where she led the company’s legal, regulatory, and compliance functions since 2012.
In her new role, Smith directs GCI’s state and federal external affairs strategy, leads the company’s HR department, and oversees its legal and compliance functions.
“Moira brings years of regulatory experience, strong leadership in state and federal affairs, and deep understanding of how to get things done in this state,” says GCI CEO Ron Duncan. “We are happy to welcome someone of Moira’s professional caliber and history of commitment to Alaska.”
A graduate of Juneau-Douglas High School, Smith completed her undergraduate studies at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, where she received a bachelor’s degree in foreign service. She earned her JD from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.
Before joining ENSTAR, Smith practiced law at Ashburn & Mason, where she specialized in litigation, corporate law, and regulatory matters. Smith is credited with playing a pivotal role in navigating complex legal transactions and initiatives within the energy sector during her tenure at ENSTAR.
Smith has served on the boards of the Alaska Humanities Forum, the American Lung Association, Perseverance Theatre, and Standing Together Against Rape, and as a volunteer with the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group and the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Smith was inducted into the Anchorage ATHENA Society in 2022 and was honored as a YWCA Woman of Achievement in 2020. Smith has also served as mentor for the Women’s Power League of Alaska and the Berkeley Center for Law and Business.
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Also in this issue: building a company and planning an exit strategy; several ESOPs, and UAS’ foray into a new model for tuition. Enjoy!