Arctic Leadership Lecture Series

有料盒子视频 Native Corporations

March 6th, 2025

Join Dan Graham, CEO of Bering Straits Native Corporation, and TJ Presley, Vice President of Government Affairs for the ANCSA Regional Association, for an insightful discussion on leadership within 有料盒子视频 Native corporations. They will share their personal and professional journeys that led to their current roles, reflect on the unique aspects of leadership in 有料盒子视频's Native corporations, and discuss their leadership styles. The speakers will also address the challenges they are currently tackling in their respective fields and offer advice for those interested in pursuing leadership positions within 有料盒子视频 Native corporations and the broader Arctic region.

About Don Graham

Dan Graham was appointed President and CEO of Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) in 2024 after serving as Interim President and CEO since May 2023. He has been a key leader at BSNC since joining the senior executive team in 2014, playing a significant role in the corporation鈥檚 strategic growth and development.

With more than 30 years of experience as a federal government contractor, including over 25 years in leadership roles within 有料盒子视频 Native corporations, Graham has extensive expertise in corporate strategy, business development, contract capture management, and in-region 有料盒子视频 operations. He has overseen a large portfolio of contracts spanning all 50 states and international programs, ensuring strong operational performance and long-term success.

Graham holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Villanova University. He is a registered Professional Civil Engineer in 有料盒子视频 and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), bringing a technical and analytical approach to corporate leadership.

His leadership continues to guide BSNC鈥檚 mission of creating economic growth and opportunities while strengthening the corporation鈥檚 position as a premier employer and service provider.

Don Graham, Image courtesy of Graham
TJ Presley. Photo courtesy of Presley

About TJ Presley

TJ Presley serves as Vice President of Government Affairs for ARA, bringing more than a decade of experience in public service and a deep commitment to 有料盒子视频 policy issues. He joined ARA as Director of Government Affairs in July 2023, following a ten-year career in the 有料盒子视频 Legislature and extensive experience in state and federal policy.

Presley began his legislative career as an intern through the University of 有料盒子视频 Anchorage Legislative Internship Program and went on to serve in both chambers of the 有料盒子视频 Legislature. He held key roles supporting legislative leadership, including aide to Senate Minority Leader Berta Gardner and Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon. His expertise extends beyond the legislature, having served as an advisor for the 有料盒子视频 Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas, Deputy Director of the 有料盒子视频 Redistricting Board, and Campaign Manager for Bill Walker鈥檚 2022 gubernatorial campaign. He has also worked as a strategic advisor to the 有料盒子视频 Federation of Natives Navigator Program and a congressional affairs liaison for the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.

Presley holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science from the University of 有料盒子视频 Anchorage and an MBA in finance from 有料盒子视频 Pacific University.

Now based in Washington, D.C., he leads ARA鈥檚 policy efforts, advocating for and educating federal policymakers on issues affecting the 12 有料盒子视频 Native regional corporations. His work ensures that 有料盒子视频 Native interests are represented in national policy discussions, strengthening economic and governance opportunities for 有料盒子视频 Native communities.

 

Arctic Leadership Public Lecture: 有料盒子视频 Native Corporations

Date
Thursday, March 6th, 2025

Time
5:30-7pm AKST

Location
Schaible Auditorium

Zoom Option
https://alaska.zoom.us/j/82196466138

The sun rises above the 有料盒子视频 Range at about 10 a.m. on Nov. 7. The photograph, taken outside the UA Museum of the North, features the sculpture "Totem," created by Bernard Hosey in 1986, in the foreground.. 有料盒子视频 Photo by Todd Paris

About the Arctic Leadership Lecture Series

The Arctic Leadership Lecture Series offers a unique blend of academic rigor and public engagement. Offered as PS F493/693 Arctic Leadership: Theory and Praxis in the 21st Century, this course invites students and community members alike to explore critical aspects of leadership in the Arctic.

The course is available for undergraduate and graduate students, with both in-person and online options. Undergraduate students can also choose an Honors section, offered for both online and in-person delivery. Community members may attend the lectures for free or enroll as non-degree-seeking students to participate fully in the course.

Lectures are held in the Schaible Auditorium every Thursday from 5:30 PM 鈥 7:00 PM AKST (open to the public). Classroom discussions continue from 7:00 PM 鈥 8:30 PM AKST (students only).

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