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Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Mission Statement
The Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Committee advocates to advance Interior Alaska’s energy independence through responsible, science-based resource development and diversified energy production. The Committee supports the Chamber in ensuring the economical delivery, production, and end use of energy for residents and businesses, while advocating for the responsible development and stewardship of Alaska’s natural resources through informed, collaborative, and technically grounded policy decisions.
Meeting Time
9:00 - 10:00 AM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month
Committee Chair
Voting Members
- Genevieve Bell, Flowline Alaska (Vice-Chair)
- Ashley Bradish, Golden Valley Electric Association
- David Fish, Aurora Energy
- Terri Froese, TDL Staffing
- Tyler Kilgore, First National Bank Alaska
- Vanessa Larimer, Black Gold Transport
- Eric Matson, Lynden
- Joni Scharfenberg, Fairbanks Soil & Water District
- Justin Seavey, Usibelli Coal Mine
- Elena Sudduth, Interior Gas Utility
2026 Key Focus Areas
- Alaska LNG Project (lateral line and alternatives)
- Oppose Oil & Gas / Mining Tax Increases
- Energy (production and costs)
- Permitting & Regulatory Reform
- Electric Transmission
- Natural Resources (in addition to energy and agriculture)
Government Relations
Mission Statement
The Government Relations Committee advocates for strengthening Interior Alaska’s economy by advancing business-friendly policies that support investment, housing, innovation, and livability. The committee supports the Chamber in proactively monitoring, evaluating, and influencing legislation, regulations, and public policy to ensure a strong, competitive, and predictable business environment for both the Interior and the State of Alaska.
Meeting Time
9:00 AM on Tuesdays
Committee Chair
Voting Members
- Andrew Adlesperger, Holland America Princess
- CB Bettisworth, Bettisworth North Architects and Planners
- Jimi Cash, Legacy 6 Construction
- Chris Darrah, Shannon & Wilson
- Cheyenna Kuplack, Doyon, Limited
- Vanessa Larimer, Black Gold Transport
- Sarah Lefebvre, Exclusive Paving & University Redi-Mix
- Meg Nordale, GHEMM Company
- Lisa Putnam, Usibelli Coal Mine
- Meadow Riedel, Kinross Alaska
- Andrew Rossow, Golden Heart Waste Management
- Elena Sudduth, Interior Gas Utility
2026 Key Focus Areas
- Housing
- UAF Initiatives & UA President's Residence in Fairbanks
- Permanent Fund Corpus Consolidation
- Alaska LNG
- Meet the Match Transportation Funding
- Professional Licensure
Military Affairs
Mission Statement
The Military Affairs Committee advocates for strengthening Interior Alaska’s position as the nation’s Arctic defense hub by supporting military readiness, mission growth, and long-term investment. The Committee supports the Chamber by fostering strong partnerships between the military, local businesses, and the community to enhance the strategic, economic, and national security value of Alaska’s military installations.
Meeting Time
9:00 - 10:00 AM on the 2nd Friday of each month
Committee Chair
Voting Members
- Michael (Mick) Braun, Individual
- Roger Brown, Middle Fork Logistics
- Charity Gadapee, Explore Fairbanks
- Ron Johnson, Centinel Public Partners LLC
- Tim Jones, Doyon Utilities
- Megan Murray, Alaska Waste
- Lisa Putnam, Usibelli Coal Mine
- Vanessa Larimer, Black Gold Transport
- Mallory Williams, Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation
2026 Key Focus Areas
- Housing
- Military Installation Mission Support
Transportation and Infrastructure
Mission Statement
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advocates to maintain and modernize Alaska’s transportation and infrastructure systems to improve safety access, and economic vitality across the Interior and Arctic. The committee supports the Chamber in advocating for strategic investment in roads, rail, aviation, utilities, terminals, and public facilities that reinforce Fairbanks as Alaska’s transportation hub and expand the region’s capacity to support statewide and international commerce.
Meeting Time
7:00 AM on Thursdays
Committee Chair
Voting Members
- Brad Connell, Alaska Airlines
- Pat Cotter, RESPEC
- Tom George, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association
- Lori Harmon, Individual Member
- Doug Isaacson, Individual Member
- Tyler Kilgore, First National Bank Alaska
- Vanessa Larimer, Black Gold Transport
- Sarah Lefebvre, Exclusive Paving & University Redi-Mix
- Chris Miller, Design Alaska
- Clark Milne, Individual
- Melissa Osborn, DOWL
- Brenna Schaake, Kinross Alaska
- Juliet Shepherd, Shepherd, et. al.
- McKenna Staudenmayer-O'Keefe, Alaska Auto Rental
- Kim Swenson, Fairbanks International Airport
- Christy Terry, Alaska Railroad
Workforce Development & Education
Mission Statement
The Workforce Development and Education Committee advocates to strengthen Alaska’s current and future workforce by supporting a high-quality education system, expanding workforce training opportunities, and promoting policies that help workers and families thrive. The Committee supports the Chamber in advocating for strong collaboration among educators, employers, and policymakers to better align education, training, and workforce needs across Interior Alaska.
Meeting Times
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month
Committee Chair
Volunteer Committee Members
- Debra Steed, UAF CTC
- Juanita Webb, Explore Fairbanks
- Vanessa Larimer, Black Gold Transport
- Andrea Wade, FNSB School District
- Monique Love, Alaska Auto Rental
- Katrina Erick, Doyon Foundation
- Heidi Haas, ACCA, Inc.
- Shelby Cook, Literacy Council of Alaska
- Tricia Cray, Great Harvest Bread Co.
- Sharon Senkalski, TDL Staffing
- Andrew Adlesperger, Holland America Princess
- Jacqueline Muehlbauer, Individual
- Susan Rice, Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival
- Amanda Langhorst, UAF CBSM
- Shea Bredlie, Alaska 529