By Sentinel Staff
Shee Atiká Inc. shareholders elected two new board members and re-elected one Saturday at their annual meeting, which was held online.
Shee Atiká is the Sitka urban corporation for Sitka formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971.
Results of the voting and biographies of the new board members and officers were announced by Shee Atiká in a news release today.
Elected to three-year terms were G. Ken Truitt (Kadashan) of Juneau with 50,246; incumbent Laurence Garrity (Kichnaalx) of Sitka, with 47,833 votes; and Alysha Guthrie (Yaanas ix Ch’aak) of Juneau, with 46,222 votes.
Results for the other five candidates were Faleene Worrell (incumbent), 40,727; Lowell Frank 35,994; James Wilkins, 33,037; Martina Ruhle, 30,056; Martin Strand, 17,521.
The 90-minute annual business meeting was open only to shareholders via videoconference. A shareholder said there were 78 shareholder participants, of the corporation’s more than 3,500 shareholders. Voting was by proxy ballots returned by mail or email.
The new board of directors convened during the section of the meeting closed to shareholders and re-elected Karl Potts as president and CEO, and chose Rob Allen chairman, Roxanne Drake Burkhart vice chairman, Laurence Garrity secretary, and Norma Perkins treasurer.
The news release said 1,866 shareholders, a participation rate of 55.6 percent, voted in the election, representing 60.8 percent of shares.
The first part of the meeting was open to shareholders, who were updated on new subsidiaries created to pursue new business opportunities in the federal market space, including those participating in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program, the release said.
“These subsidiaries have been awarded several contracts in 2020,” the announcement said. “This business growth is anticipated to result in employment opportunities for Shee Atiká shareholders over the next several years.”
The news release said Shee Atiká has three subsidiaries with 8(a) certification:
– Alaska Northstar Resources, LLC, based in Montgomery, Alabama, which provides IT / cybersecurity services and solutions to the U.S. Government.
– Shee Atiká Enterprises, LLC, based in Orlando, Florida, which focuses on science, technical and engineering services for the U.S. Government.
– American Marine and Technical Services, LLC, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which is working in the U.S. Government’s ship repair industry.
“Each of these companies is working to win contracts to increase shareholder value,” the news release said.
New board chairman Rob Allen thanked the out-going chair, officers and board directors for their service.
“Pam Steffes, as chair, provided steady and wise leadership during a time of transition for Shee Atiká,” Allen said in the news release. “I am glad she will continue to provide her wisdom and experience on the board. I also am grateful for the years of service provided by Faleene Worrell on the board.”
Allen said his priorities as chair are “increasing transparency and accountability, creating more opportunities for communication with shareholders, and instituting policies to ensure long-term sustainability of the corporation and its assets.”
“As we enter a period of exciting growth for Shee Atiká, we are looking to the future generations to continue to provide economic and cultural opportunities,” he said.
Allen added today that the financial performance of the corporation is generally stronger this year than last, mostly due to the final sale of the Cube Cove property on Admiralty Island, and the success of the 8(a) subsidiaries.
“We’re having a positive year,” he said.
(More details about the corporation’s financial performance will appear in a future edition of the Sentinel.)
Shee Atiká listed biographies of the elected directors.
Laurence Garrity (Kichnaalx) is Deisheetan (Raven/Beaver) and was re-elected to the board. He is one of the original Gajaa Heen Dancers and has spent a couple of years volunteering with the Sitka Native Education Program instructing dance. He has been a certified journeyman electrician for almost 40 years and currently resides in Sitka.
Alysha Guthrie (Yaanas ix Ch’aak), a newly elected director, is Kaagwaantaan (Eagle/Wolf) and Haida Gut ga niis (Raven/Owl). She grew up in Sitka and spent time as a Gajaa Heen dancer. She currently works in an international marketing capacity with Alaska seafood. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in marketing and a master of business administration degree in finance. She resides in Juneau.
Ken Truitt (Kadashan and Tuk’ Sāēk), a new director, is Raven/Coho. He is the son of the late Gil Truitt, a former director. He works as an attorney and is a legislative aide for the House Rules Committee. He has worked to be a qualified professional and in positions to contribute to the improvement of Alaska Natives. He currently resides in Juneau.
Bios also were included for the newly elected officers.
Rob Allen (L’uxshakee) is Eagle/Kaagwaantaan of the Box House. He is the son of Betty and Bob Allen of Sitka. He holds a bachelor of arts in history and a master of public administration, both from Harvard University. He has extensive board experience and is currently residing in Sitka.
Roxanne Drake Burkhart (Hohka Seix) is Raven/Dog Salmon. She has 33 years in the accounting profession currently working for the Inside Passage Electric Cooperative. She was born and raised in Sitka and currently resides in Juneau.
Norma Perkins is Eagle, the daughter of the Kiks.ádi clan and daughter of the late Ray Perkins, a former director. She worked more than 30 years for SEARHC and holds a bachelor in business administration. She lives in Sitka.
