Sarah Dybdahl was named the new president of the Sealaska Corporation on Monday, after a “thorough recruitment process” and unanimous vote of the Sealaska Board of Directors.
Dybdahl, whose Tlingit name is Aanshawatk’i, grew up in Klawock “and has dedicated her career to advancing cultural heritage, education and the prosperity of Native communities,” according to a release from the corporation on Monday.
Dybdahl, the release says, holds a degree in anthropology and serves as director to the office of the president for the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. She also serves on the Kawock Heenya Corporation Board of Directors. She previously headed the Huna Heritage Foundation and served on the Alaska Federation of Natives Board of Directors and Native Americans in Philanthropy Board.
“It is an honor to serve Sealaska and our shareholders,” says Dybdahl in the release. “Growing up in Klawock, I was shaped by the strength of our people and our culture, and I look forward to building on that foundation to create opportunities that uplift our communities for generations to come.”
The “lifelong commitment” Dybdahl as shown to “cultural identity, education and shareholder opportunities,” the release says, reflect Sealaska’s values. Per the release, Sealaska is an Alaska Native corporation serving Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people.
“The board of directors devoted significant time to selecting the right individual to lead Sealaska. We are at a pivotal moment in our growth — taking the lessons learned from our international businesses and bringing that knowledge home to Southeast Alaska,” says Sealaska Board Chair Richard Rinehart in the release. “As we recognize the strengths that Sarah brings to Sealaska, we also honor the deep roots she has established not only with surrounding Tribes but with community partners as well. We look forward to strengthening these relationships as Sealaska grows under her leadership.”
Rinehart also credits Joe Nelson, who served as interim president while the board was recruiting, for providing stability “at a crucial time.” Nelson will remain on the Sealaska Board of Directors. The Sealaska Corporation has been without a president since Anthony Mallott resigned at the beginning of 2024.
More information about Dybdahl and the vision for Sealaska’s future will be shared “in the coming months,” the release says.
For more information, visit sealaska.com.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
