For shareholders interested in running for Sealaska’s board as an independent candidate, a March 9 virtual event provided the perfect opportunity to learn more. Shareholders were able to ask questions and find out more about the process, requirements and associated deadlines for independent candidacy in Sealaska’s annual shareholder elections.  

Shareholders tuned in from across Alaska and around the country to learn more about running as an independent candidate. The event was hosted by Nicole Hallingstad, Sealaska director and former corporate secretary and Jaeleen Kookesh, Vice President of Policy and Legal Affairs, who currently serves as Sealaska’s corporate secretary. They were joined by directors Karen Taug and Vicki Soboleff, both of whom ran successful campaigns as independent candidates. 

The Sealaska Board of Directors finds tremendous value in the voices of independent candidates and their fresh perspectives. Independent candidates play an important role on the board, helping to address community concerns and using their unique insight to develop innovative solutions for the future.  

Nominations are currently open for independent candidates. The application period closes on March 27 at 5 p.m. Alaska time. Interested shareholders can find the online application form on MySealaska or request a paper copy of the application by sending an email to corpsec@sealaska.com.  

Directors Hallingstad, Soboleff and Taug shared their experiences running as independent candidates, detailing the highs and lows of their campaigns along with lessons learned along the way. All three directors ran several times before finding success and emphasized the commitment and tenacity required to run a successful independent campaign. However, each found the experience incredibly rewarding, especially the opportunity to connect with shareholders and listen to their needs.  

Questions asked of the group were related to time commitment and finding balance between board responsibilities and their everyday lives; campaign cost and related expenses; and acceptance of independent candidates by the rest of the board. Any questions not addressed during the event can be sent directly to corpsec@sealaska.com.  

“At Sealaska, we believe it takes many voices to help shape our collective future,” said Kookesh. “By working together and broadening our perspectives, we can learn from each other and ensure our businesses remain healthy and thriving. To this end, we invite any qualified shareholder to run as an independent candidate, to help us all grow — together.” 

The deadline to apply to run as an independent candidate is Monday, March 27 at 5 p.m. Alaska time.