About Achievement in Business Leadership

The Achievement in Business Leadership Awards were created to honor the individuals and organizations shaping Alaska’s economy and communities. From its earliest years, the program has highlighted leaders whose work goes beyond the bottom line- those who innovate in their industries, mentor future generations, and help Alaska adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Over the years, honorees have come from nearly every sector of the state’s economy, including energy, finance, construction, healthcare, technology, and the nonprofit community. Together, their stories reveal the diverse talent and resilience that define Alaska’s business landscape. Being recognized is not simply a personal achievement; it is a reflection of the teams, mentors, and communities that make success possible.

The awards are presented by the Alaska Journal of Commerce (AJOC), the state’s leading source for business news and analysis for more than four decades. Through reporting and events like these, AJOC connects readers with the people and stories driving progress in Alaska.

This program is made possible by the support of Northrim Bank, our presenting sponsor. Northrim’s commitment to strengthening Alaska’s communities aligns with the mission of these awards: to celebrate leadership, encourage innovation, and inspire others to strive for excellence.

Recognition matters because it shines a light on the hard work that often happens behind the scenes. It reminds us that leadership is not just about personal achievement, it’s about lifting others, building stronger organizations, and contributing to the vitality of Alaska. By sharing these stories, the Achievement in Business Leadership Awards create a ripple effect: inspiring young professionals, reinforcing the value of mentorship, and fostering a culture of collaboration that helps our state move forward.

Leaders of 2023
Northrim Bank and Anchorage Daily News are proud to announce the 2023 Achievement in Business Leadership honorees.

The recognition program honors talented business and nonprofit leaders throughout our state. Honorees were selected for consistently demonstrating strong leadership, integrity, values, commitment to excellence and diversity.

The selection panel based their criteria on leadership and vision, competitiveness and innovation, company history and growth, and community leadership and service.
Congratulations to the 2023 Achievement in Business Leadership HONOREES:
Barbara ClausenBarbara's School of Dance
Besse Odom-Virgil
NAACP
Geoff Welch
Geoff Welch Consulting and Coaching
Graeme DeishlAlaska Escape Rooms, Inc
Ian K. Tassie
Sanpierre Assisted Living
Jason CarlsonNANA Management Services
Jennifer M. CrossAlaska Raptor Center
Coral Cumming-Howe
Alaska Photobooth Company
Kimberly Fischer
Main Event Services, LLC
Laura Dean
Ameriprise Financial, Clark & Associates
Michael Burke
Matanuska Telephone Assoc. (MTA)
Patti Buist
Anchorage re:MADE
Paula BradisonPeople AK
Rachel Mentzel
Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services
Sheri BurettaChugach Alaska Corporation
Amy Lacher-Thompson
Pediatric Resource Center of Alaska
Erin Mitchell
TBA Theatre
Joyce Ibanga, MSc. RRT
Wellspring Home Health LLC
Jeffrey Clapp
Alaska Industrial Hardware
Kyle Spernak & Chasity Blanchard
The Mobile Tire Guy
Sean Hickel
Roger Hickel Contracting, Inc.
Misha-el BaskervilleSankofa Dance Theatre
Mandy Kolean
Bear Tooth Grill
Calesta Ayer, Motley Moo Creamery
Rob Bochenek, Axiom Data Science LLC
Dave Cavitt, Furniture Enterprises of Alaska
Susan DeLoach, Bright Beginnings Early LearningCenter
DennisDolandHearts and Hands Inc dba LifeWorksAmberDoyleMidnight Sun Tanning & Tranquility Manor LLCDr. AromEvans, MDOrion Behavioral Health NetworkBillFischerMain Event Grill & CateringLeeAnnGarrickCook Inlet Tribal CouncilShawnIdomHair Science Barbershop & Barber SchoolJessiJessi CherryMeridian Systems IncShane MarcLanglandAirglas; Eagle EnterprisesLeighton J.LeeNew Horizons Telecom, Inc.StaceyMattesonUmialik Insurance CompanyKaraMoriatryAlaska Oil and Gas AssociationTanyaPontUniversity of Alaska AnchorageGregPorterArctic Energy, Inc.KishaRodriguezHearts and Hands of CareSilviaSillamidesAlaska Hospitality RetailersJasminSmithBaby VendAutumnSmith Amyamy_consultingElizabethSteeleKeller Williams Team DimmickKassandraTaggartReal Property Management - Last FrontierHollyWellsBirch Horton Bittner & Cherot
Rachel Lawler
Beacon OHSS

For information on event sponsorships, tickets or advertising in the special publication please contact Jada Nowling at jada.nowling@alaskajournal.com.