Ahtna, Inc.’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce Cecil Sanford as the Board Member of the Year. Cecil, who resides in Copper Center but has deep roots in Mentasta Lake Village, has been a dedicated and impactful member of the Board since her appointment in October 2019.

Cecil was selected for this honor due to her unwavering commitment to the Ahtna community and her exemplary conduct in the boardroom. She has proven to be a vocal and effective advocate for shareholders, consistently speaking up on their behalf. Cecil is not afraid to address difficult topics, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. Her approach in the boardroom is characterized by thoughtful and respectful dialogue, even when discussing challenging issues.

One of Cecil’s standout qualities is her strong ethical compass and adherence to Ahtna’s values. She consistently takes an objective approach to Board matters, always considering what is best for Ahtna and its shareholders. Her willingness to speak up when she feels something is not appropriate reflects her integrity and commitment to ethical standards. Cecil’s participation in committees and Board meetings is marked by her active presence and constructive contributions, demonstrating her dedication to the organization’s governance.

Cecil also brings a wealth of experience to her role. She currently serves as the VPSO Coordinator for the Copper River Native Association (CRNA) and has extensive experience in various tribal administration roles, including as a Tribal Administrator, Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Specialist, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Coordinator, and Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) Coordinator. Her practical experience in managing multi-million-dollar contracts, budgets, and grants has been invaluable to the Board’s fiscal stewardship and strategic planning.

Throughout her tenure, Cecil has remained deeply concerned about Ahtna’s welfare. Whether discussing motions or engaging in general conversation, her focus is always on what benefits Ahtna as a whole. Her commitment to the community, coupled with her proactive and principled approach, has made her a respected and influential member of the Board.

Congratulations to Cecil Sanford on being named Board Member of the Year. Her dedication, integrity, and advocacy are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to her continued contributions to Ahtna, Inc.