On March 3, 2011, Matt McDaniel, Chugach Alaska Corporation Vice Chairman received the “Alaska’s Top 40 Under 40 Award” from the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce and the Alaska Journal of Commerce at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Many important people from the business community were there including Anchorage Mayor, Dan Sullivan who addressed the crowd as keynote speaker. This award is given to 40 individuals each year to recognize the state’s top young professionals younger than age 40. Each recipient is nominated annoymously by other business professionals and the award criteria is based on professional accomplishments and their dedication to community service.

In 2005, Matt was elected to the Chugach Alaska Corporation Board of Directors, becoming the youngest regional native corporation director in Alaska at the age of 29. His maturity, leadership and willingness to engage and chart an aggressive growth plan for the corporation ultimately led to his election as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chugach Alaska Corporation. To date, Matt has served over 10 years on his village and regional corporation Board of Directors and both companies have seen historic growth and prosperity. Eyak and Chugach Alaska Corporation are perennial nominees to Alaska’s Top 49er list with Chugach hitting a milestone in 2009 grossing $1 billion in revenues.

Matt is a recognized leader in Alaska as evidenced by his service on his village and regional corporation Boards of Directors, Alaska Pacific University Board of Advisors, Alaska Native Professional Association Board of Advisors, and as coach/mentor for the Alaska School Activities Association. He has unselfishly invested his time and energy using his training, education and experience to give back to his community and mentor youth through swimming and the state’s annual business plan competition.

In addition to his community service, Matt has distinguished himself as a leader in the business community, helping two native corporations reach a level of financial and organizational success not thought possible twenty years ago. Moreover, his service as an advisor to the Alaska pacific University business department puts him in a unique position to help shape academic offerings that are relevant to the current market demands and helps provide a meaningful experience for students getting ready to enter the work force. He has consistently contributed his time and energy to make a difference in the community and the state. He takes on tough projects and issues and is committed to making an impact in his community and creating opportunities for others. Matt McDaniel has distinguished himself personally as an athlete, business leader, mentor, and community servant. Matt currently works as the Director of Finance for the Pebble Limited Partnership.

Matt’s Chugach roots stems from the little fishing town of Cordova. His parents are Ann & Steve Sleighter and his uncle and aunt are Jim & Peggy McDaniel. He currently lives in Anchorage with his wife Yuliya and his two kids. Chugach Alaska Corporation is very proud to have Matt serving our communties, our state, and to be on our Board of Directors. Way to go Matt!