EJ McCrea joins Ampersand as new Vice President of Operations
Matanuska Telephone Association’s tech subsidiary, Ampersand, is bringing a former Alaskan back as its new Vice President of Operations. EJ McCrea joins Ampersand from his previous position at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, where he led teams responsible for planning, launching, and maintaining technology initiatives supporting $600 million in projects across five hospital campuses and 300 medical clinics. McCrea brings nineteen years of military, healthcare, and nonprofit leadership experience in technology, operational redesign, professional development, and process optimization to the Ampersand team.
While his previous work was out of state, it led McCrea to know he wanted to return to Alaska, to “return to family and the community,” after having previously lived here for nearly two decades.
In his new position, McCrea is responsible for managing all facets of client service delivery and developing evolving client service and client engagement strategies.
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January 2026
“EJ’s background in implementing technology solutions with a focus on making technology work for people, instead of the other way around, makes him the perfect fit for running operations at Ampersand,” says Justin Burgess, Ampersand president. “His experience with scaling IT processes to reach even greater heights for large businesses will provide the support Ampersand needs to reach the next level.”
McCrea says, “Ampersand is already doing great work in bringing a uniquely human approach to technological processes, and I am excited to begin developing processes behind the scenes, to improve on the process side, and focus on the people side of this growing company.”
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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.
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!