Koniag Announces CEO Hire
Koniag has hired Seattle business executive Elizabeth M. Perry, Ph.D., as its Chief Executive Officer. Perry comes from SWCA Environmental Consultants, a National firm where she is currently Vice President of the Pacific West region, which includes operations in Alaska.
Koniag Board Chairman Ron Unger said Perry is an excellent fit for what Koniag needs. "Our Search Committee evaluated a large pool of qualified candidates, Native and non-Native, with diverse and impressive skills," he said.
"Liz stood out because of her strong operations and business development background. She has a track record of financial success in business industries similar to Koniag's current business sectors," Unger said.
Perry will begin her new post at Koniag on March 1, 2014. Perry has risen steadily at SWCA Environmental Consultants since she joined the company in 2002. As Vice President, Pacific West Region, she oversees operations and profit and loss responsibility in 13 offices across the Western States and territories; roughly half of SWCA's 650 employees and $71 million in revenues.
In addition to her business experience, Unger noted, Perry has professional education and training in anthropology, past experience working with Native Tribes in the Lower 48, and more recent experience working with Native communities in rural Alaska and Kodiak.
Longtime employee Tom Panamaroff has been serving as Interim President since late March. "I'm thrilled with this announcement. Liz is exactly what our team needs and I really look forward to working with her," he said.
The hiring of Perry concluded a comprehensive and deliberative search, Board Chairman Unger noted. "Hiring the CEO is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a board. It was important that we take the time to find the right person for the job. The perseverance paid off."
About Koniag, Inc.
Koniag, Inc. is one of the 13 Alaska Native regional corporations established in 1971 by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). Koniag represents the Alutiiq people from Alaska's Kodiak Island region. Koniag manages a diverse portfolio of real estate holdings and operating companies.
KI press release