BOARD MEMBERS

K’oyitl’ots’ina’s Shareholders

The K’oyitl’ots’ina, Limited board of directors consists of nine (9) members elected by the shareholders. Because K’oyitl’ots’ina, Limited is made of the merging of four village corporations – Alatna, Allakaket, Hughes and Huslia – the make-up of the board represents each constituent corporation. Each village is represented by two seats, and the ninth seat is at large, and can be held by any shareholder. Two of the nine directors must have their primary place of residence in one of the four villages of Alatna, Allakaket, Hughes or Huslia.

Geraldine "Geri" Simon
Chair
At-Large, Seat E

GERALDINE “GERI” SIMON lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she works as Executive Director of Business Operations and Strategic Initiatives at Tanana Chiefs Conference. Her prior employment experience includes work as Senior Vice-President of Doyon, Limited from 2012 to 2019. Geraldine attended University of Alaska Fairbanks before graduating from University of Washington in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts in justice. She then attended Seattle University School of Law and graduated in 1993. Her volunteer activities include contributing to community and family fundraising events in the villages of Alatna, Allakaket, Hughes and Huslia along with supporting KRFF, KUAC and KIYU radio, American Heart Association, UAF, Doyon Foundation and many other organizations. Geraldine’s community engagement activities include serving or have served on The Foraker Group, the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation, UAF Chancellors Advisory Council, UAF School of Management Business School Advisory Council, the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, and the American Heart Association. Geraldine previously served on the K’oyitl’ots’ina board from 1991 to 2007 and was reelected in 2010. In addition, Geraldine has served as President from 2021 to 2025. Term ending 2028.

Shane Derendoff

Vice Chair
Huslia, Seat G

SHANE DERENDOFF lives in North Pole, Alaska where he is currently a Maintenance Strategy Manger for Tallgrass Energy. His previous employment includes Arctic IT where he worked as an Application Developer and owner of Koyukon Consulting from 2012-2023. His education includes an undergraduate degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science in 1998 and then attended Alaska Pacific University to earn an Executive Master in Business Administration in 2021. Other boards he has served on include Doyon Foundation as President and Director, as well as the Morris Thompson Cultural Center as a Director. Term ending in 2026.

Susie J. Sam
Secretary/Treasurer
Alatna, Seat D

SUESIE SAM lives in Galena, Alaska, where she is employed as an Administrative Assistant at Galena City School District. Her prior employment includes Accountant and Tribal Administrator at Louden Tribal Council, Administrative Clerk for the State of Alaska, and Administrative Assistant for Gana-a Yoo Limited. Susie graduated in 1988 from Alaska Pacific University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Susie previously served on the Galena City School District and KIYU radio station boards. She is an active community member who volunteers for activities such as Little League and fundraising events. Her brother Gerald Sam also serves on the K’oyitl’ots’ina, Limited Board of Directors. Susie is currently 57 years of age. Term ending in 2024.

Stanley Ned

Allakaket, Seat B

STANLEY NED lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, and has been retired since 2010. After graduating from high school, Stanley served in the U.S. Army and is a Vietnam Veteran. After his military service, Stanley attended the University of Alaska for the 1973-74 school year and again from 1989 – 1991. Stanley’s previous employment was as a wildland firefighter, carpenter, staff researcher, and biological technician. Stanley previously served as the Chief and council member of Allakaket, Alaska, along with serving on the boards of the Yukon River Panel, Yukon-Koyukuk School District, and Subsistence Resource Commission for the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Term ending in 2026

Gerald Sam
Alatna, Seat H

GERALD SAM lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he is employed as an Environmental Technician for Tanana Chiefs Conference since 2002. His education includes graduating from high school and earning an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2000. From 2010 to 2020 he has served on the Fairbanks Native Association board of directors. Previously, he served on the Alatna Tribal Council, was elected chief, and held the positions of city council member and mayor of Allakaket. He represented the Interior Alaskan villages at the Alaska Federation of Natives from 1998 to 1993. His sister Susie Sam also serves on the K’oyitl’ots’ina, Limited board of directors. Term ending in 2026.

Merrill H. Moses
Allakaket, Seat A

MERRILL “HERBIE” MOSES lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, and is a long-standing member of the Heavy Equipment Operators 302 union. After graduating from high school, Herbie served numerous years as a seasonal wildland firefighter. After joining the operator’s union, Herbie continues to be employed throughout the state of Alaska for many companies and attended numerous trainings in health, safety and heavy equipment operations. Mr. Moses previously served as the Chief and Mayor of Allakaket, Alaska. Term ending in 2027.

Edwin Bifelt
Huslia, Seat I

EDWIN BIFELT lives in Huslia, Alaska, where he is employed as Founder/CEO and Project Manager at Alaska Native Renewable Industries, LLC (A.N.R.I.), President of Scorched Earth Services, LLC (S.E.S. Fire), Co-Founder/CEO of Sun Dog Telecom, and Co-Founder/CFO of Black Spruce Elite. Edwin was Lands and Shareholder Relations Manager for K’oyitl’ots’ina from 2009-2013. His business, Alaska Native Renewable Industries, was named 2024 American Indian Business of the Year by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Edwin graduated from the Jimmy Huntington School in 2004. From the University of Alaska Fairbanks, he received both a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance in 2009 and a Master of Business Administration in 2013. He also received certifications from Solar Energy International in Residential and Commercial Solar PV Systems/Solar Business & Technical Sales and from The Fiber School in fiber optics installation. Since 2024, Edwin has served on the Huslia Tribal Council. His community involvement includes trying to help out when and where he can. Edwin’s father is former Director Fred Bifelt. Term ending 2028.

Harold Attla
Hughes, Seat F

HAROLD ATTLA lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he works self-employed with Koyukuk River Cargo and part-time for Hughes Tribe Expediting. His prior work experience includes a start-up freight service and capital heavy industry. He was previously employed as General Manager of K’oyitl’ots’ina from approximately May 1995 to March 1997. Harold graduated from Tanana High School and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1995. His community involvement includes working with the Fairbanks Native community and, through his employment, working with Hughes Tribe with rehab projects and materials. Harold’s father was a former Director, the late Alfred Attla, Sr. Term ending 2028

Ella D. Sam

Hughes, Seat C

ELLA D. SAM lives in Hughes, Alaska, and is employed by Hughes Tribal Council as a TFYS. After graduating from Mt. Edgecombe High School, Ella attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks for 1 year and Alaska Business College. Ella previously served as the city Postmaster (1970-2011), and she is a founding member of the Hughes City Council, Hughes Village Council, and Community Schools Council on which she continues to serve. Ella is currently 78 years of age. Term ending in 2027.