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ANCHORAGE - The chief operating officer of Bristol Bay Native Corp. has retired.

Tom Hawkins worked for the Anchorage-based Native corporation for 16 years before retiring May 30.

Company officials said that during Hawkins' tenure, the company gained 26 subsidiaries and many were launched or acquired with Hawkins' guidance.

The company also grew to more than $1 billion in revenue.

Before joining the company, Hawkins worked as a deputy commissioner at the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.

He also worked as chief executive officer of Choggiung Limited, the village corporation in Dillingham.

The company appointed vice president April Ferguson as interim chief operating officer.