Anchorage Daily News

Shareholders of Fairbanks-based Doyon Ltd. on Friday night showed their discontent with their board of directors' recent decision to boot the company's top executive.

At their annual meeting Friday night, the Native corporation's shareholders elected the ousted executive, Orie Williams, to the Doyon board as a write-in candidate, according to Doyon officials.

Long-time Doyon leader Georgianna Lincoln was also re-elected to the board, but the former state legislator is stepping down as board chairwoman. Miranda Wright will be the new chairwoman, according to a Doyon press release.

Doyon shareholders also elected Jerry Carroll and re-elected Victor Nicholas and Andy Jimmie.

They voted down a resolution to request extension of the public comment period for a proposed land exchange between Doyon and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The land in the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge that Doyon would receive in the swap may contain a large amount of oil and gas.

Doyon board members are elected for staggered three-year terms. In recent years, Doyon has experienced increased profits but also internal power struggles.

The board has refused to explain in detail why it voted this winter to remove Williams, whom many credit with the company's recent success.

Activist shareholder Michele Wiley said Saturday the board election sent a clear mandate to Doyon directors that the shareholders do not want petty bickering or secrecy.

"I think (the shareholders) walked away very happy," she said.

Find Elizabeth Bluemink online at adn.com/contact/ebluemink or call 257-4317.

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