Biography

I am an Alaskan, born and raised. I was born in Fairbanks, when my Dad was the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System Site Manager in Clear, Alaska. I grew up in Anchorage, attended Lake Otis Elementary School, Wendler Middle School, and graduated from East High School. I love sports, and participated in cross country skiing, running and track at the varsity level.

In college I studied nursing, but ultimately graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in healthcare. I managed a small sporting goods and outdoor equipment business, but my continued interest in healthcare pulled me back to the healthcare industry, and I worked as the Operations Manager of Medical Park Family Care. In 1989, I worked as the Assistant Business Office Manager of the Trinity Medical Center in Carrollton Texas while my husband worked in ARCO’s Research Center. We returned to Alaska after the 18 month assignment in Texas, and I chose to broaden my experience in the healthcare industry, accepting a position as a Pharmaceutical Representative for Bristol-Meyers-Squibb. In 1994, I became the Alaska Team Leader, and in 1995 won the highest award for achievement (Pinnacle Award). With a proven track record of success, I became the first, full time, Bristol-Meyers-Squibb Alaska based District Business Manager for Alaska. As a new District Manager, I helped lead the Alaska team to achieve top national sales in nearly every product.

I have been married to my supportive husband Eric for twenty-five years. Eric, who was also born and raised in Alaska, is a Petroleum Engineer. Together we have raised two high achieving, upstanding young men: Zachary (20), and Rydell (18). Both of our boys graduated with honors from Eagle River High School, participated in varsity sports, and are involved in their community. I helped successfully pilot my kids through their formal public & private education for 10 years as a substitute teacher. Zachary and Rydell are off to college studying engineering, Zachary at Colorado School of Mines, and Rydell at Montana State.

Like many who live here, I love the outdoors. My favorite outdoor activities are fishing, hiking, running, and skiing (I leave hunting to the boys!). I enjoy the local trails and have played a key role in the development of the Eagle River Trails around Eagle River High School, and the Eagle River Campground.

To view a list of my past and current positions within the Alaska community, please click here.