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 Simon
Chair
At-Large, Seat E
GERALDINE 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. Ms. Simon attended University of Alaska Fairbanks before graduating from University of Washington in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts. 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. Ms. Simon’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. Term ending in 2025.
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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
SAM lives in Galena, AK 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, Mr. Ned 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 and was elected chief and was a 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 2024.
Darrell Vent, Sr.
Huslia, Seat I
DARRELL VENT, SR. lives in Huslia, Alaska where he is employed as the Water Plant Operator for the Huslia City Council. Darrell earned a food service certificate from the Kotzebue Technical Center, a building maintenance certificate from the Alaska Vocational Technical Center and an Associate’s of Applied Science: Electronic Technology from the University of Alaska. Darrell works as a on-call technician for General Communications Inc (GCI) and KIYU radio. Furthermore, he is a seasonal wildland firefighter and installs satellite dishes for Viaset Internet (formerly Exede.) Mr. Vent is currently serving on the Tanana Chiefs Conference Hunting and Fishing Task Force and previously served on the Huslia Tribal Council and village representative to the Alaska Village Electrical Cooperative. Term ending in 2025.
Tanya C. Kaquatosh
Hughes, Seat F
TANYA KAQUATOSH lives in Fairbanks, AK where she is employed as Senior Vice-President of Administration at Doyon, Limited. Tanya’s previous employment was as a Financial Specialist then Director of Regulatory Affairs at Doyon Utilities. She has been with the Doyon family of companies since 2012. Tanya graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and earned a Master’s degree in Business with a focus in Finance from Arizona State University. She was also a participant in the Doyon Leadership Training and was a Top 40 Under 40 recipient in 2021. Other boards and committees she served on include Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, Catholic Schools of Fairbanks, UAF ACUASI Strategic Planning Advisory Board and Doyon Utilities Management Committee. Tanya’s community involvement has been with Alaska Native Education – Parent Advisory Committee, Kids Voting and Get Out the Native Vote. Tanya currently serves on the Yukon Fire Protection Services and Soos Holding Company board. Term ending in 2025