NANA
NANAtkut Leadership Acceleration Program
Growing leaders from within
NANA’ s commitment to developing and advancing our people is reflected in the NANAtkut Leadership Acceleration Program. Designed for current and emerging leaders across the NANA family of companies, the program builds leadership capability and prepares employees for greater opportunities across the company.
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The strength of NANA has always been our people. By growing leaders from within, we honor our values, expand opportunity for our shareholders, and prepare the next generation to lead.” Dana Tuimalealiifano Shareholder, NANA North vice president of human resources Through practical tools, leadership training, and coaching, participants gain the confidence and skills to lead more effectively in their roles. At the heart of the program is NANA’ s belief that investing in our employees and shareholders strengthens the future of our company.
Grounded in the principles of the Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat, participants learn to lead in ways that reflect our cultural values while building stronger communication, collaboration, and accountability across NANA.
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Everyone incorporated respect and humility— the values were always pasted on the wall for us to view— it was a reminder of why I am here today and how I should carry myself as a professional and who I am as a person coming from the region.” Nick Kotch Shareholder, NANA North senior director of IT
Program Outcomes Since its launch, three cohorts have graduated, with a fourth cohort beginning in March 2026. Across all four cohorts, 58 employees have participated, including 36 shareholders.
Among program graduates, nine participants have earned promotions, including seven shareholders. We look forward to seeing the opportunities that will emerge for those currently participating in cohort 4.
All graduates recommend the program, and many report stronger collaboration across NANA companies. This increased collaboration has led to improved teamwork and greater productivity.
The NANAtkut Leadership Acceleration Program continues to strengthen NANA’ s leadership pipeline by preparing employees to take on greater responsibility and leadership roles.
Impact Across NANA The program is building a strong network of capable leaders who share a common leadership foundation. Graduates are applying what they learn to strengthen collaboration, support their teams, and contribute to NANA’ s continued success.
A major milestone
NANA regional broadband network construction begins
Graduates from the third cohort of the NANAtkut Leadership Acceleration Program. From left to right: NANA Director of Shareholder Communications Fallon Fairbanks, NANA North Human Resources Business Partner Tami Krukoff, NANA Shareholder Records Director Joanne Harris, NMS Operational Excellence Director Alycia Thomas, NANA Director of Shareholder Relations Coordinators Nina Lie, NANA Worley Senior Project Manager Elijah Stine, NMS Corporate Controller Robert Bailie, NANA North Recruiting Manager Stefan Novotney, NANA Director of Shareholder Programs, Development, and Impact Lani Newlin, Kuna Civil Engineer in Training Brett Kirk, NMS General Manager Angel Barr, Qavvik Air Pilot Adam Ferguson, NANA Construction General Foreman Wade Meehan, and NANA North Director of Enterprise Applications Manoj Savalia.
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I feel like the world is opening up— there’ s so many opportunities to find and so many ways to put myself out there. I have so many ideas to open up opportunities for my team and my community and for NANA as a whole.” Kara Cronan Shareholder, NMS assistant corporate controller
Most importantly, the program reflects NANA’ s commitment to creating opportunity for our people and our shareholders. By growing leaders from within, we are strengthening our workforce, supporting career advancement, and preparing the next generation who will guide NANA forward.
Through initiatives like the NANAtkut Leadership Acceleration Program, NANA continues to invest in its people, ensuring employees have the support and opportunities they need to reach their full potential while strengthening our company and the communities we serve.
On Jan. 7, 2026, members of the Economic Development and Sustainability Committee joined NANA’ s Board Chair, alongside leadership from the Northwest Arctic Leadership Team, to formally bless the NANA Regional Broadband Network. The moment reflected years of planning and partnership, and the generational importance of this investment for our people and communities. With that blessing, construction is now underway on one of the most significant infrastructure projects our region has undertaken.
The NANA Regional Broadband Network will connect villages across the region with reliable, high-capacity broadband, strengthening access to education, healthcare, public safety, economic development, and communication for decades to come.
“ After more than four years of advancing this project, it’ s exciting to see fiber going into the ground,” said Albie Dallemole, vice president of economic development and sustainability for NANA Regional Corporation.“ This project represents years of strategic planning, partnership building, and persistence. We are building more than a network. We are building opportunity that will serve our region for generations.”
Construction activities began this winter in the Kotzebue area and are progressing north and south along designated corridors.
Sturgeon Electric Company is serving as the prime contractor for the project, bringing extensive technical expertise and infrastructure experience. Cruz Construction is supporting the effort as the subcontractor and logistical team, providing critical regional knowledge and on-the-ground coordination. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to quality, safety and long-term regional impact.
Crews are working along designated corridors using specialized equipment to install primarily ground-laid fiber optic cable. Progress and schedules may shift depending on weather and ground conditions, but the work ahead is substantial and ongoing.
Planned village construction schedule In 2026, construction is planned for Kotzebue, Buckland, Deering, Noatak, and Kivalina. If weather conditions allow, work may also extend to Noorvik, Kiana, and Selawik.
In 2027, construction is planned for Noorvik, Kiana, Selawik, Ambler, Kobuk, and Shungnak.
Safety is essential to project success Safety is a shared responsibility and a top priority as construction moves forward. Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid construction trails and work areas. While fiber optic cable is placed and covered with snow wherever possible, wind and weather can expose sections of cable, creating a potential hazard for snowmachines and other vehicles.
Potential hazards may remain on construction trails after crews leave, including exposed cable, uneven terrain, settled snow, and equipment staging areas. Residents are encouraged to give crews and equipment plenty of space while work is underway and to continue avoiding construction corridors afterward.
There is no signage along construction routes, making community awareness and caution when traveling especially important.
Staying connected and informed NANA Broadband is committed to transparent and regular communication throughout construction. Updates will be shared with city and Tribal councils and communicated to residents through VHF
After the NANA NET project blessing in Kotzebue on Jan. 7, 2026, construction is now underway on one of the most important infrastructure projects our region has undertaken in generations.
From left to right: Ambler Board Director Gladys Jones, At-Large Board Director Eva Harvey, Board Chair Linda Lee, At-Large Board Director Greta Schuerch, and Vice President of Economic Development and Sustainability Albie Dallemolle in Kotzebue for the NANA NET project blessing.
announcements, KOTZ radio, flyers, and online at NANANET. com.
NANA Broadband also welcomes invitations to city and Tribal council meetings to provide project updates and answer questions directly. Community engagement and shared understanding are critical to the success of this project.
The Hunter | 2026 Spring Edition
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