Sealaska Creates Shareholder Employment Coordinator Position

Sealaska announced a new initiative to assist qualified tribal member shareholders at gaining employment with Sealaska Timber Corporation (STC) contractors. The goal is to increase tribal member shareholder employment throughout Sealaska’s contractor base by creating a Shareholder Employment Coordinator position.

“We are thrilled to announce that Doreen Witwer will serve as the new coordinator,” said Wade Zammit STC president & CEO. Doreen will work with STC contractors on Prince of Wales Island and bring awareness about future employment opportunities or potential training opportunities to tribal member shareholders.”

“The benefits of the new program will also support STC contractors in meeting requirements outlined in our working agreements,” said Zammit. “That provision requires contractors to hire qualified Shareholders for positions that are available within their companies while working for STC.”

Doreen’s role will include posting employment opportunities with Shareholder communities and village corporations, screening prospective employees, and connecting prospects with the appropriate personnel. “As tribal administrator for the Hydaburg Cooperative Association since 2004, I’m confident that my understanding of the POW Native community will support this new program well,” said Doreen. I look forward to supporting tribal member shareholders and Sealaska’s business partners in my new role.”

According to a 2008 McDowell report, Sealaska contracted with nearly 300 employees in 2008. “We look forward to continuing our role as a large employer in the region,” said Sealaska President & CEO Chris McNeil, Jr “This is especially important during challenging economic times.”

"This new position aligns with Sealaska’s core value of upholding our past, present and future. In Tlingit this is referred to as Haa Shagoon,"according to McNeil. "To be successful we need qualified shareholders working at all levels for Sealaska. We encourage tribal member shareholders to reach out to Doreen and learn more about the opportunities.”

The Sealaska Shareholder Employment Coordinator office is located in Hydaburg, Alaska.

To reach Doreen click here