Class Notes

In November 2025, the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) chose Andrea Story, B.B.A. ’95, as its new president-elect. SMPS has dozens of chapters across the U.S. and Canada, comprising over 7,000 marketing professionals. Story is also the first Alaska chapter member to be honored as a fellow in the society. (Photo courtesy of the Society of Marketing Professional Services)

In January 2026, Chugach Alaska Corporation promoted Gwen Welch, B.B.A. ’96, to president of Chugach Commercial Holdings (CCH). Previously serving as senior vice president, Welch has been with CCH since 2002. In her new position, she will oversee a portfolio with about 800 employees across Alaska, Hawaii and Illinois. (Photo courtesy of Chugach Alaska Corporation)

In October 2025, Joe Aley, B.B.A. ’01, started as a partner with Summit Wealth Management LLC, in Portland, Oregon. In this role, he provides customized financial advice to individuals, families and companies. Previously, Aley was the principal of an investment management practice in the Pacific Northwest. (Photo courtesy of Joe Aley)

In December 2025, the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) established a new leadership role, director of cultural programs, and appointed Karla Gatgyedm Hana’ax Booth, B.A. ’04, to the new position. She was previously a manager for ANHC’s Ch’k’iqadi Gallery. (Photo by Jovell Rennie, Alaska Native Heritage Center)

In March 2026, Dave Valdez, M.B.A. ’09, transitioned into the role of chief strategy officer for Alaska Wealth Advisors after previously serving as chief operating officer. Valdez is also a firm partner and spearheads the recruitment of senior advisors. During his time at UAA, Valdez was a scholarship recipient of the UA Scholars Program. (Photo courtesy of Alaska Wealth Advisors)

In January 2026, Mat-Su Health Foundation, the nonprofit co-owner of Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, hired Csesalie Bates, A.A.S. ’12, A.A.S. ’15, as its chief administrative officer. Previously, she held a senior leadership position in the health care sector and supported more than 100 employees. (Photo courtesy of the Mat-Su Health Foundation)

In February 2026, RSA Engineering promoted Jeremy Maxie, B.S. ’12, from principal electrical engineer to vice president, electrical department. Having been with the organization for 16 years, he replaces Channing Lillo, who is the newly elected president of RSA. (Photo courtesy of RSA Engineering)

In February 2026, Roger Hickel Contracting (RHC) hired Kris Squires, B.S. ’13, as vice president. Squires has been with RHC since 2014 and brings a strong understanding of the construction industry to his role. Squires is a lifelong Alaskan and his wife, Brandi, also works for RHC. (Photo courtesy of Roger Hickel Contracting)

In October 2025, Great Alaskan Holidays promoted Josh Miranda, C.T.2. ’14, to the role of shop foreman. Previously a facilities manager, Miranda now oversees daily operations for the company’s fleet service shop. Previously, Miranda worked for Holland America Princess at the train yard in Healy. (Photo courtesy of Great Alaskan Holidays)

In February 2026, R&M Consultants promoted Courtney Maillet, B.B.A ’14, to the role of accounting supervisor. Maillet has been an R&M employee for 14 years and previously served as a senior project accountant. Now she manages the firm’s daily financial operations. (Photo courtesy of R&M Consultants)

In December 2025, accounting firm KPMG promoted Joy Sumner, B.B.A. ’19, to the position of audit manager. Sumner also co-chairs KPMG’s Asian Pacific Islander Business Resources Group. As a student at UAA, Sumner was a member of the Accounting Club. (Photo courtesy of KPMG)

In October 2025, Eric Jones, B.S. ’20, earned the Cathodic Protection Specialist, or CP4, certification in his role at Coffman Engineers. This is the highest certification level awarded by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance, and Jones uses it to monitor pipelines, tank farms and marine facilities across Alaska. (Photo courtesy of Coffman Engineers)

In December 2025, KPMG promoted Al Asuncion, B.B.A. ’21, to the position of tax manager. He previously served as a senior tax associate and first worked with KPMG through an internship in 2020. During his time at UAA, Asuncion was an RA for the Honors Wing. (Photo courtesy of KPMG)