Bill Allen began his career as a banker while attending college in Texas. A graduate of Lathrop High School, Bill held the job of coin wrapper in 1961. At the end of his banking career, 21 years later, he held the title of "Vice President" at Alaska Pacific Bancorp.
During the administration of Governor Jay Hammond, Bill served as Commissioner of the Department of Administration. He held that post from 1976 until 1979.
Returning to Fairbanks, Bill was elected Mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough in 1982. After serving as Mayor, Bill owned and operated a commercial property management company. He was also active in the commercial real estate development sector.
In 1997, Bill was tapped by Morris Thompson, President of Doyon, Limited, to create and manage a commercial real estate development business for the corporation. Bill stayed with Doyon until March of 2001 when he was appointed by President Bush to be the Alaska State Director for USDA Rural Development. Rural Development serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs, and administers program assistance through three agencies: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service. The goal of Rural Development is to improve the quality of life for residents of rural Alaska. The organization's mission statement is "no one gets left behind."
Bill Allen was active in the Fairbanks local community and was a member of the Greater Fairbanks Board of Realtors, the Board of Resource Center for Parents and children foundation, and the Alaska Airlines Community Advisory board. He has also served in numerous leadership positions for such groups as the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, where he was Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chairman and Founder of the State of Alaska Economic Development Forum, and others.
Bill served on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly. He is now the City Manager for the City of Palmer and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Foraker Board of Governors. Bill and his wife Sharon live in Palmer.
Jamie Barrett Wise Board Member
Having been raised in Palmer since 1966, I have always considered the Valley my home. I was educated in Palmer and graduated from Palmer High School and then from Montana State University in Bozeman with a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Political Science and another in French.
Since graduating, I focused my business experience by selling for large wholesale lumber companies and then establishing, managing and performing all business functions for my own small wholesale lumber company. I was elected and served two years on the Board of Directors of the Western Building Materials Association, Olympia WA before moving back to Alaska to live near my family. This experience enabled me to build strong business acumen, work ethic, gave me the ability to negotiate, solve problems and provided me with excellent communication and computer skills.
I have taken these valuable assets into my private life where I have actively volunteered in many aspects within communities. My hospital setting experience includes working with the Cancer / HIV Network in hospice care in California. I also volunteered in Tacoma, WA in the renal dialysis unit at St. Joseph's Hospital before being asked to become the trainer for new volunteers in the unit.
Finally, my leisure activities vary greatly. Running, bicycling, hiking, skiing and fishing pique my interests outside while my indoor hobbies include reading, computer research, drawing, oil painting, music and the arts.
Paul DuClos, Jr. Board Member
Paul DuClos, Jr. is retired, but is still very active. He is 73 years old and has been married to his wife Sally for 48 years. They have three grown children and nine grandchildren.
Mr. DuClos came to Alaska in 1954. He attended University of Washington from 1953 to 1958. He lived in Anchorage for 40 years and has been a property owner in the Valley since 1971. He has been a resident of Big Lake since 1998. His previous board experience includes eight years with the Associated General Contractors participating on labor, manpower & training committees, Hope Cottages, Inc. for twenty-two years participating on the Buildings Committee and two years with Boys & Girls Club participating on the Buildings Committee.
In addition, Mr. DuClos was Chairman of the Southern Alaska Carpenter apprentice and training trust for 22 years.
Mr. DuClos was associated with the construction industry for 50 plus years as an assistant engineer on the Alaska portion of the DEW Line along the Arctic ocean and as project manager and vice president on several major projects including hospitals, schools (Colony High), airport, offices, government and commercial buildings. Paul is a Commissioner for the Port of MacKenzie and a committee member on the Big Lake Comprehensive Plan. He is a member of SCORE, a branch of the SBA volunteers who advise potential new business owners. Also was involved with the start up of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School. A member of the Financial and Pastoral council of Our Lady of the Lake Church.
Linda Menard Board Member
Linda Menard has resided in Wasilla for 37 years with her husband of 46 years, Mayor Curt Menard. She has been a Mat-Su School District Board Member for twelve years. She received the distinguished honor of "Outstanding School Board Member" from the Mat-Su principals when she served as President. In addition, she received the First Champion for Children Award in 2007.
Linda holds a BA degree in elementary education, with a major in psychology and minor in music. In 1999 she received the "Citizen of the Year" award from the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce. In 1994, Mrs. Hickel recognized her as the "Volunteer of the Year." She was appointed member of the Governor's State Arts Council and has served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board for nearly 20 years.
Additionally, Linda is the Vice-Chairperson of the Valley Hospital Association d.b.a. Mat-Su Health Foundation Board, retired CFO for the Wasilla and Palmer Dental Centers, Inc. and President of the Mat-Su Schools Foundation Board.
Raising five children and running three marathons rank as her greatest accomplishments.
Teri Namtvedt Recording Secretary
Teri Namtvedt is a Certified
Public Accountant
experienced in healthcare
operations and challenges,
nonprofit financial management, grant
management and was a representative on the
Mat-Su Rural Health Planning Network.
Ms. Namtvedt graduated from Dimond Senior
High in Anchorage.
She attended Oregon
State University in Corvallis, Oregon and
University of Alaska, Anchorage.
Her skills include financial statement analysis,
leadership, public speaking and presentations,
analysis of program proposals and financial
viability of proposal management and
fundraising.
She stated experience has taught her the value
of having not only affordable, quality health
care available but also the importance of
having the full continuum of healthcare
available in the community.
While working
for Mat-Su Health Services, Inc., she became
very familiar with the current healthcare
transitions taking place in our growing
community. She was involved in assessing
the current and future community needs for
primary and preventative healthcare, mental
healthcare, detox facilities and emergency
services. She would like an opportunity to
use the knowledge and experience gained to
contribute to the positive and exciting
transitions that are taking place in our
beautiful borough.
Mary Olson Board Member
Mary Eicher Olson has lived in the Valley since 1982 and is married with three grown children.
She received a Bachelors Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas in 1976 and a Master's Degree from the University of Washington in 1996.
She worked as a physical therapist in the Mat-Su School District until 2004 and currently contracts with rural school districts in Alaska. She worked part-time for Valley Hospital Home Health from 1992-1994. From 2001-2005, she served the Pediatric Section of the American Physical Therapy Association on the Board of Directors.
Local volunteer work has included VPA, MYAC, 4-H and ministries at St. Michael's Church. Her interests include life long learning, travel, gardening and theater.
Deborah Prator Chairman
Deborah Prator arrived
in Alaska in 1965, one
year after the
earthquake. She was in the first
graduating class of Dimond High School
in Anchorage. She attended college in
Arlington, Texas.
Currently she manages Aurora Dental
Care of Wasilla. Deborah is married to
Dr. Mark Prator, a local dentist. The
couple has been married 38 years and
have two adult children, David Prator, Jr.
and Laura M. Maxwell.
Through the years, Deborah has always
taken an active role in her community
and has served on boards and
committees, including United Way,
MADD, Junior League, Hospice, Church
Financial and Building Committees and
library boards. She has served the Valley
Hospital Association Board, Valley
Hospital Operating Board, Mat-Su
Regional Joint Venture Board of
Directors, Healthy Communities and
others. In addition, she has served in
capacities of leadership on all of these
boards. Deborah’s commitment to her
community is strong and she has a
passion to serve people in need.
Words
can not express the joy she has received
from having had the privilege to be used
in such a way.
Cheryl Riggs Board Member
Cheryl Riggs has lived in the Mat-Su Valley for over 29 years. She has been a board member for numerous foundations and nonprofits involved with fundraising and finance in the community. She graduated from University of Oregon with a Master of Science in 1979.
She has worked for over 20 years in the education's mental health arena. She has worked for the Mental Health Services in the valley and University of Alaska Anchorage. She is a member of the National Association of Persons with Disabilities and the Greater Wasilla and Palmer chamber of commerce. She is presently a board member with the Salvation Army and Valley Healthy Communities.
Since 1982, she and her husband, John, have been partners in an established engineering firm in the valley. She and her husband have been involved volunteers in this community over the last 29 years. She states “As a civic minded person it is important to be an active community member.” She noted that the rapid growth occurring in the Valley has a direct consequence to our health care services and facilities. Therefore, it is imperative to be a good steward for our valley.
She was awarded patriotic employer supporting the national committee for Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserves in 2005.
.
Andy Reimer
Board Member
Andy moved to Alaska in 1975 after receiving his Bachelors degree in Biology at Humboldt State University in Northern California. He has since continued his education with an MBA from Alaska Pacific University and the Certified Financial Planner designation in 1987.
He has provided investment advice and financial planning services in the valley since 1985 as an independent advisor and Certified Financial Planner. He currently owns several ongoing business concerns in the valley in addition to his investment advisory and financial planning practice.
Andy has been a director of the Boys and Girls Club of Alaska, United Way of Mat-Su, and the Wasilla Rotary Club, serving as President for two terms of the Rotary Club and one term as President of United Way. He was also one of the first members of the predecessor to the Mat-Su Borough Economic Development Commission.
Andy and his wife, Sandi, have made the Valley their home since 1983, raising two sons here, Andy and Alex, ages 26 and 17. They enjoy all the valley has to offer and look forward to all of its potential.
Stacie Stigar
Board Member
Stacie Stigar is President/CEO of Marcie Project D.B.A. the UPS Store in Palmer. Since coming to Alaska in 1993, she has been actively involved in the community.
Stacie was Executive Director of United Way of Mat-Su Borough for six years starting in 1995. As a volunteer, she had a role in founding Mat-Su Community Transit (MASCOT), Mat-Su Info- Community Connections, The Children's Place and Boys & Girls Club of Palmer and Wasilla. Stacie has received the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year" in 1994 and 1997, International Association of Administrative Professionals "Boss of the Year" in 1999, Dorothy A. Jones, "Volunteer of the Year" in 2000, Frontiersman Newspaper "Business Person of the Year" in 2003 and received a legislative citation for her assistance during the Millers Reach Fire. She also belongs to many local boards and community services organizations.
Stacie, her husband Mark and daughter Sterling, enjoy all that the Mat-Su Valley has to offer - the beautiful outdoors, the strong sense of community, and the wonderful people.
Craig Thorn
Board Member
A lifelong Alaskan, Craig has been employed with First National Bank for over twenty years. He received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Western Washington University in 1984.
Since joining First National, he has served in a variety of positions including Palmer Branch Manager, Main Branch Manager, Special Assistant to the President, and Manager of the Wasilla Branch. For the last ten years, he has served as the Mat-Su Regional Supervisor where he oversees the lending and operations of the Palmer, Wasilla, and Eagle River Branches. In January 2004 he was appointed Sr. Vice President and serves on the Senior Management team of the bank.
Craig has been married to his wife, Debbie, for 21 years and they have three children; Taylor, Braden, and Annalene.
Craig has been very active in the community, serving as past-president of the Palmer Chamber of Commerce, Campaign Chairman and member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Mat Su, past President of the Palmer Rotary Club,
and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Valley Hospital Foundation. He currently serves as an Elder at Wasilla Christian Church.
Linda Conover
Board Member
Linda Conover and her husband Dale have lived in Alaska 43 years, 30 years in the Valley. Ms. Conover has a Masters Degree from University of Alaska, Anchorage and a Bachelors Degree in Education from Western Washington.
Ms. Conover has worked as a teacher, licensed insurance agent, office manager and school administrative secretary in Mat-Su Valley. Linda previously owned an educational consulting company, and is currently owner/designer of a web design business.
She would like to improve the quality of health among Mat-Su residents and has a special interest in children’s health, senior health and substance abuse. Her organizational skills, managerial experience, as well as experience running her own business, web design skills and computer skills will be an asset to the Mat-Su Health Foundation.
Jack Williams
Board Member
Jack Williams has been a resident of Alaska since 1976 and a resident of the Matanuska Susitna Valley since 1990.He is the owner of First Montauck Securities Corporation in Wasilla Alaska and owns Alaskan Sampler Bed and Breakfast, also in Wasilla.
Jack graduated from high school in LaGrande Oregon. He graduated from college at Eastern New Mexico University with a BBA in Accounting and History in 1976.
His previous Board experience includes Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Directors where he participated on the Investment Committee. He was on the Board of Directors of the Blood Bank of Alaska from 1998 to 2004 where his responsibilities included committee work on the Finance Committee, Budget & Audit Committee. He held positions as Treasurer, Vice President and President. He later accepted the position of CEO.
Jerry Troshynski has lived in the Mat-Su Borough for over 16 years with his wife and children.
His field of expertise is in public health, health promotion, health and human services systems, public administration, management, community health assessment and communicable disease prevention.
He attended Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and later attended University of Alaska Anchorage, receiving his Masters of Public Administration.
He believes that it is every citizen’s responsibility to give back to their Community and this belief resulted in numerous opportunities to serve on many boards and committees. He comes from a family of community servants and as a younger professional in Wyoming he and his wife participated in their community. His father was school board president for over 32 years in the rural Nebraska community that he was raised in. His mom was a long time city council member there. Through their example he learned how important it is for each of us to give back.
He stated “MSHF offers an opportunity to serve the community using my knowledge and particular expertise. And, this board has a unique and real opportunity to improve the health of both individuals and the community as a whole. Alaska’s health problems are serious and complex. Solutions won’t come from government alone, and often can’t be solved only through individual effort. I understand both local needs and what the research and evidence tells us about community interventions that work. I know that, while individual interventions can impact the health status of individuals, we need a population based or systems approach if we really want to change the health status of the borough.”
Jerry worked for ten years as the Mat-Su Public Health Center nurse manager. He has served on the Mat-Su Borough Community Services Block Grant steering committee, member and chair of the Mat-Su Agency Partnership, board member of the Mat-Su Recovery Center, and board member and president of the Alaska Public Health Association.
He stated “Alaska has tremendous problems with alcohol and other substances. Our leading causes of death are still cancer and heart disease, symptoms of tobacco use. We have tremendous domestic violence and child abuse issues that have up until recently been “under the radar screen”. And we have a large number of both children and adults in Mat-Su who for many reasons have no access to primary health care. What this board does, or has the potential to do, is important and can really make a difference. Perhaps I can help.”
Jerry enjoys fly-fishing, golf and other sports as well as watching high school sports (Wasilla Warriors!) and professional sports. He also enjoys reading, history, travel and family.
Scott Johannes owns Criterion General, Inc., a construction company with annual sales of approximately $40,000,000 and has owned and operated businesses in Alaska for the last 27 years. In addition, he is the owner and managing partner of several real estate development partnerships with over $30,000,000 in real estate holdings. He has successfully developed financial plans and managed budgets for a wide range of organizations: two different construction companies, 6 different real estate development partnerships, two nonprofits, a recreational sport and fitness center and many large construction projects. He has experience with youth sports from many different angles and has been involved as a parent, coach, board member, board executive and as a supporter. He is currently the board president for Community Sports, Inc.
He has been heavily involved in youth sports in the valley. In 2008 he opened the AT&T Sports Center with a stated mission to "foster community wellness through physical activity, fellowship and sports". He graduated from Tok High School. His children have or do attend Wasilla High School. He has been very active in the basketball and soccer booster program at Wasilla High as well as supported the programs and individual athletes at Colony and Palmer High School and has a great interest in the physical and social health of the youth in our valley. His personal hobbies are Basketball, Flying, Hunting and Fishing.
He stated, “The Matanuska Susitna Valley is a great place to live and raise a family. As we grow and make decisions about what life in the valley will be like, there is the opportunity to nourish what is good, work to eliminate what detracts, and develop new and exciting enhancements to what we have. The Mat-Su Health Foundation has, and can continue to be a positive influence and catalyst on these decisions.”
