PRESS RELEASE: ANHB Hires New President/CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2021

ALASKA NATIVE HEALTH BOARD

ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Anchorage, Alaska – The Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB) Board of Directors and Executive Committee selected Chief Operating Officer Alberta (Aakaq) Unok as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. In her new position, Alberta will oversee the day-to-day management and operations of the organization.

Over her ten years with ANHB, Alberta has been a successful member of the executive leadership team, facilitating statewide meetings and advocating for Tribal health needs. Alberta, who joined ANHB in 2011 and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer bringing experience with advocacy and program development to the position. In 2016, she was the recipient of the National Impact Award from the National Indian Health Board. Before joining ANHB, she was the lead program administrator in the development of the federally-recognized Behavioral Health Aide Program for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.

“We are grateful for Alberta’s experience with ANHB and steadfast dedication to our organization,” said Andrew Jimmie, ANHB Board of Directors Chairman. “The Board chose Alberta for her ability to continue fostering a culture of respect and improvement while moving forward with strategic priorities and advocacy for the Alaska Tribal Health System.”

Originally from Kotlik, Alberta is Yup’ik, a shareholder of Calista Corporation and a Tribal citizen of the Village of Kotlik. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from Alaska Pacific University. She is active in the community and currently serves as the technical advisor for the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee and Indian Health Service Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee. She has dedicated her work to fostering constructive communication with government agencies, elected officials, industry stakeholders and fellow advocacy organizations to raise awareness of Tribal health issues by promoting meaningful dialogue on strategies for effective policy changes at the state and federal levels.

On accepting the position, Ms. Unok shared, “I am so honored to be granted this opportunity to continue to work with Tribal representatives from across the state and ANHB’s partners. I believe whole heartedly in the strength of the Alaska Tribal Health System and ANHB’s advocacy efforts.”

Founded in 1968, ANHB is a private, statewide, nonprofit organization with a mission to promote the spiritual, physical, mental, social and cultural well-being and pride of Alaska Native people. ANHB is the voice of the Alaska Tribal Health System.

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