Arctic Directory October 2015: Calista board selects first chairwoman in history

Calista Corp.’s board of directors voted in the first chairwoman in corporate history. Margaret Pohjola, a shareholder with ties to Chuathbaluk, was voted in on July 23. Board officers, like the chair, serve one-year terms following a vote by fellow directors. Outgoing Chair Willie Kasayulie had served the maximum of three consecutive annual terms. Directors are voted upon by shareholders and serve three-year terms.

“It is humbling to follow in the footsteps of early directors like Nora Guinn and Gladys Jung,” said Pohjola. “Calista is currently riding a wave of operational and shareholder successes. I look forward to partnerships with the directors, management and shareholders over the next year.”

Pohjola’s background includes accounting work for Cook Inlet Tribal Council, NANA and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Pohjola graduated from UAA with a degree in management.

Reelected to vice-chair is Paul George Guy. Robert L. Beans was voted in as secretary. Johnny Evan was voted in as treasurer.