To the Alaska Hospitality Community,
I want to start by saying thank you. This industry has literally raised me. From my very first job at Culver ' s, to the valuable life skills I gained while working at a hotel for most of my teenage years and early 20s. I have learned everything I know about grit, service, and resilience from being on the floor, a housekeeper, and behind the desk. You helped me grow as an individual long before I ever stepped into a leadership role, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
When I joined Alaska CHARR Future Hospitality Leaders Program in 2019 as the ProStart Coordinator, I was stepping into a world I didn ' t fully know yet. I had a background in Workforce Development in the Construction Industry, and a Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management High School Curriculum was new territory for me. What I did know, is I was hungry to learn, something that hasn ' t changed, and I had the drive to ensure that students going through and coming out of the ProStart program weren ' t just experiencing competition and learning how to feed themselves, but were being connected to real pathways, resources, and opportunities within our industry.
3 years later, that led me to become the firstever employee of the Alaska CHARR Educational Fund as the Workforce Development Director and being an advocate for our industry workers and those experiencing challenges and deserving of second chances to become some of the most loyal employees in our industry. I eventually transitioned into the role of Operations Director for the Association in 2025, which gave me a new perspective on representing and advocating for the industry as a whole. Now, as I step into the seat of your President & CEO, that mission has only sharpened. I ' m here to be a champion for you, for this industry, to grow alongside you, and to be your voice in every corner of our state.
Of course, this transition has come with a few learning moments. I ' ve always believed in showing up, regardless of how tired I am or how imperfect the situation is. For my first official meeting with Senator Dan Sullivan in D. C during the NRA Public Affairs Conference, the unpredictable weather and the rain GOT ME.
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I walked into the Senate Building absolutely drenched, not the most polished entrance, I may have forgotten my business cards but hey, I made the most of it and had a great conversation about Credit Card Swipe Fees with the Senator and his wonderful staff.
As I transition into this role, I am a happiness advocate at heart, doing my absolute best to be the champion this industry deserves. But the confidence I have in our future isn ' t just about me; it ' s because of the incredible people I have in my corner.
I want to take a moment to introduce the Alaska CHARR team working for you every day:
Our Admin Team: Lexi and Mikaela are the voices you hear when you call or sign up for classes. Their perspective and energy are an absolute breath of fresh air. Membership & Communications: Corrine is always on your side, constantly brainstorming how CHARR can better serve you. The Foundations: Rebecca leads our education and workforce development. Her passion for training future leaders and providing second chances is a torch I am so proud to pass on. Training & Gaming: David and Terry are the faces you see in our TAP classes, and David is out in the field every day delivering pull tabs and acting as one of our greatest advocates. Our Board & Executive Committee: Your Board brings a depth of perspective and wisdom from across Alaska that continues to guide our path forward. And the gentlemen of the Executive Committee have been a steady foundation through this transition for our team.