Oil Patch Bits: Calista Heritage Foundation focused on scholarships

Calista Corp. said March 1 that it has selected Debra Call as the first president and CEO of the newly formed Calista Heritage Foundation, an organization focused on scholarships and internship opportunities for postsecondary students, plus programs and services for Elders. The Calista Heritage Foundation is the evolution and replacement of two programs, the Calista Scholarship Fund and the Calista Elders Council.

“Call’s experience and vision will benefit the Calista Heritage Foundation,” said Calista Corp. President Andrew Guy. “While guiding the leaders of tomorrow with scholarships and internship opportunities, she will help preserve the culture of the Calista region with assistance from our Elders.”

Call recently served as the Alaska Native Heritage Center’s vice president of operations and human resources. She also promoted workforce development as the Alaska Native program manager with Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. Call earned a Masters in Business at Washington State University.

The scholarship program was formed in 1994. Since then the scholarship program has gathered over $5 million in total funding through donations and special events, including a $1 million donation by Calista in 2009. In 2010 more than 300 scholarships were awarded.