- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Economic Development
A roundup of tribal business and Native nonprofit executives on the move in Indian Country.
Sealaska Corp. CEO Anthony Mallott will be stepping down effective January 1, a move that follows Sealaska's recent announcement of a reduced annual dividend, marking the corporation's first such adjustment in many years. In a press release, Mallott expressed his departure as a strategic move to assist the Alaska Native Corporation in shaping a new leadership structure for the future. Mallott joined Sealaska in 2006 as its chief investment officer and treasurer, and became president and CEO in June of 2014.
KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. named Ben Rechkemmer as the new head of Native American Financial Services (NASF). He steps into the new role following the retirement of longtime NASF leader Mike Lettig (Diné) retired earlier this month. Rechkemmer, previously a relationship manager with the NAFS team at Key for 19 years, will play a pivotal role in representing Key in Native American communities. His career in banking began with Bank One (later JPMorgan Chase) and involved commercial banking and capital markets roles.
Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach) has announced significant leadership changes as part of its strategic plan for long-term, sustainable growth. Josie Hickel, who has served in various leadership roles during her nearly eight-year tenure and as President since 2022, will retire in early 2024. Hickel has played a crucial role in advancing strategic initiatives related to Chugach’s lands, land resources, community and regional development, and cultural resources, according to an announcement.
In the announcement, Chugach also announced that Katherine Carlton will assume the role of vice president of ANCSA and community affairs and take on many of Hickel’s former responsibilities. Gwen Welch, a veteran within Chugach for the last 20 years, will step into the role of vice president of operations for Chugach Commercial Holdings.
The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma’s Business Committee announced the new leadership team for its Eastern Shawnee Companies, LLC unit as part of its strategic plan to pursue federal contracting via the SBA’s 8(a) program. The new membership team includes Chief Executive Officer Matt Metcalf, Chief Operating Officer Judy Reagan, Director of Strategic Initiatives Katie Summy, and Marketing and Communications Director Kerry Patterson. The ESC team brings 50 years combined experience in the 8(a) arena and over 100 years of combined experience in the federal market.
