On May 15, 2009, the Chugach Board of Directors announced Ed Herndon as CEO of Chugach Alaska Corporation. Ed is a Chugach shareholder and the former president of Chugach Alaska Services Inc. (CASI), a 100%-owned Chugach subsidiary that focuses on commercial support to the oil and gas industry, pipeline maintenance and repair, oil response cleanup, and major construction services.
“After carefully considering several qualified candidates, the board of directors unanimously decided to offer the position to Ed. It’s an exciting and historic time for Chugach, and we are pleased that we have qualified shareholders willing to serve and grow the company through its next stage of diversification and development,” said Sheri Buretta, Chairman of the Board. “The coming year will be challenging, but we are confident that Ed will work in unison with our President, Barney Uhart, and our experienced executive management team, to lead the company and excel during this transition.”
Ed began his career with Chugach in 2002 when he was recruited for an Executive Placement Coordinator position with Chugach North Technical Services (CNTS). He supported Chugach’s contract with Alyeska Pipeline Services Company from 2003 to 2006 and was promoted to the position of corporate Business Services Manager in early 2006 where he traveled frequently marketing Chugach’s capabilities to government clientele. He accepted the position as president of CASI, Chugach’s first commercial subsidiary, in July 2008.
"I am grateful for this opportunity and embrace the challenges of working with the board and executive management team, said Ed. “I find it extremely gratifying to be able to relate from a shareholder’s position to how and why Chugach does what it does and how it benefits the shareholders. In particular, I believe I can assist the current executive management team and offer a fresh perspective as we sustain our track record of excellent customer service.”
The decision to fill the CEO position with a qualified Chugach shareholder accomplishes important strategic planning and succession planning goals set by the board and executive management over the past five years.
“I’m pleased with the board’s selection of Ed for this position. I’ve worked with him for the past seven years and I’m confident that we will continue the positive relationship we have developed over this time,“ said President Barney Uhart. “I believe in his commitment to Chugach, and as we move forward, I will work with Ed to ensure Chugach’s continued growth and success.”
During previous annual strategic planning sessions, the board introduced a succession plan aimed at providing the opportunity for a new generation of Native leaders to transition into top leadership positions.
“Over the past year, we have been diligently working with the executive management to restructure Chugach’s executive leadership with the goal of securing a qualified Native shareholder to provide shareholder guidance and vision,” added Sheri. “We would like to thank the executive management team for their willingness to work towards these essential milestones.”
Ed was born and raised in Cordova, Alaska, and has a B.A. Degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. He currently lives in Anchorage with his wife and their three children.