Alaska Business Publishing Company’s sales department gained a new team member. Josh Wilks applies his experience as market director for NAPA Auto Parts to print and multimedia advertising as Account Manager. He’s been on the other side of advertising, so he brings that experience to his new position. Wilks was born in Fairbanks and started his career there. By 2018, when he was promoted to statewide sales manager, Wilks moved to Anchorage. The Alaska State Fair hired Blake Allen as its new CEO. Allen was previously lodging operations manager at Denali Park Village, returning to Alaska this year after a tenure at Glacier National Park in Montana. He worked in retail as a District Manager for ALDI, overseeing operations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Allen has experience in events and security as a regional manager with Stadium People, supporting universities and concert halls in the South. Allen earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Georgia and attended graduate school at Appalachian State University in North Carolina.
Alaska’s hospitality trade association has a new boss. The Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant & Retailers Association (CHARR) appointed BreeAnna Erickson as President and CEO. Since joining CHARR in 2019, Erickson has served as ProStart coordinator, workforce development director, and operations director. Erickson has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Western Governors University.
Codie Costello returns to Spawn Ideas as Director of Account Management, leading the client relationship and strategy team. Costello ended a seven-year tenure as president of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts last year. She holds an MFA degree from The New School in New York City.
Media director Kathy Norford, a longtime Spawn vice president, moves into a new role as Vice President, Client Strategy & Growth. Norford holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Richmond and an MBA in marketing from the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business.
April Cook is promoted to Vice President, Project Management and Operations, from her previous role on the executive team as director, client service. A twenty-three-year veteran of the agency, Cook is a graduate of Montana State University in Bozeman. 
Amy Adams, previously creative lead and director of social and digital engagement, is promoted to Creative Director. A fourteen-year Spawn veteran, Adams is a social media expert and Alaska influencer who graduated from Millersville University in Pennsylvania. Elizabeth Hall adds CEO to her previous title as President. Hall earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration. She grew up immersed in the motorcoach industry alongside her father and became COO in 2011.
Her brother Joe Hall, who became COO last year, takes on CFO duties as well. Like his sister, he has worked for the company since 2001.
John Hall III becomes President/Chair of the Board for the three brands under Anderson House Tours, Inc., the Minnesota-based umbrella company for John Hall’s Alaska, Black Label Experiences (which focuses on premium international travel beyond Alaska), and Bucket List Travel Dreams (specializing in once-in-a-lifetime trips).
As Director of Tour Operations, Erica Gindele joins the team to oversee tour operations, Alaska and World Adventure partnerships, and product development.
As Director of Strategic Accounts and Partnerships, Jeremy Schuler cultivates relationships in Alaska and Minnesota operations. Schuler has experience owning an Alaska small group tour company himself.
As Director of Motorcoach and Charter Operations, Haley Walleser manages charter and group partnerships for Alaska and Minnesota. Walleser brings nearly fifteen years of Alaska tourism experience.
As Director of Art Production, Brian Teague is responsible for brand identity and creative representation in catalog production, website design, and social media visuals.
As Social Media and Content Producer, Emily Burton manages social media channels, written content, and all guest communication and support.
Constance Aguilar joined Credit Union 1 in December as Vice President of Member Operations, leading the Member Service Center. With seventeen years of experience in financial services, Aguilar brings a strong background in branch leadership, risk management, and team development.
Sean Baski is a new hire after working for sixteen years at the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF). He spent the last four years as the DOT&PF Central Region Highway Design Section head. Baski earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at UAA. He was awarded DOT&PF Central Region Employee of the Year in 2025.
The firm’s newest Senior Engineer is Jhon Landicho, who recently passed his Principles & Practice of Engineering exam to become a professionally licensed engineer. Landicho has worked at PND since January 2021, specializing in structural engineering with a focus on bridge design and marine infrastructure.
The Alaska branch of Hawai’i-based commercial furniture and storage dealership Systemcenter has a new Business Development Manager. Kim Fontana was hired to drive strategic growth, strengthen relationships, and build new partnerships throughout the Alaska market. Fontana has more than a decade of experience in commercial furniture, previously at Capital Office Systems. She returns to the industry from a sojourn in healthcare. Fontana earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UAA and received a master’s degree from Alaska Pacific University.