NOTN- Sealaska Corp. has appointed Sarah Dybdahl as its new president, making her the first woman to lead the regional Native corporation.
The Sealaska Board of Directors voted unanimously to select Dybdahl after a national recruitment process, the corporation announced Monday. Her appointment comes as Sealaska updates its strategic plan and works to refine its mission and vision.
Dybdahl, Sarah Dybdahl (Aanshawatk’i), Taakw.aaneidi clan, grew up in Klawock, Alaska, and has dedicated her career to advancing cultural heritage, education and the prosperity of Native communities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and currently serves as the Director to the Office of the President for the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, She also serves on the boards of the Alaska Federation of Natives and Native Americans in Philanthropy, as well as the Klawock Heenya Corporation.
“The board of directors devoted significant time to selecting the right individual to lead Sealaska. We are at a pivotal moment in our growth — taking the lessons learned from our international businesses and bringing that knowledge home to Southeast Alaska,” said Richard Rinehart, Sealaska board chair. “As we recognize the strengths that Sarah brings to Sealaska, we also honor the deep roots she has established not only with surrounding Tribes but with community partners as well. We look forward to strengthening these relationships as Sealaska grows under her leadership.”
Dybdahl succeeds interim president Joe Nelson, who will continue to serve on Sealaska’s board.
“It is an honor to serve Sealaska and our shareholders,” said Dybdahl. “Growing up in Klawock, I was shaped by the strength of our people and our culture, and I look forward to building on that foundation to create opportunities that uplift our communities for generations to come.”
In the coming months, Sealaska will share more about President Dybdahl and the vision for sustaining Sealaska’s growth.
“I hope our shareholders and Southeast communities can feel the same excitement and confidence we do — that President Dybdahl will carry forward the growth we’ve achieved in recent years and open new doors for working together in ways that truly benefit Sealaska, our people, and our communities,” said Rinehart.
