INTRODUCING

our team

INTRODUCING

our team

INTRODUCING

our team

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD
OF
 
DIRECTORS

Kootznoowoo, Inc. is overseen by a seven-member Board of Directors who are responsible for establishing the direction, strategy, and policies for the corporation. Each Director is elected to a three-year term by shareholders with voting status. Directors are all Alaska Native and enrolled shareholders in Kootznoowoo.

FRANK JACK III

FRANK JACK III

BOARD CHAIR

Frank Jack III was elected to the Kootznoowoo Board in 2017 and formerly served on the Executive Committee. He was elected to Chair in 2025.

Frank is a resident of Angoon and is employed as a Miner with the Hecla Greens Creek Mine. Previously, he worked as a Miner with the Hecla Greens Creek Mine and a Site Supervisor for 12 years with Tlingit Haida Regional Housing and also was a member of the Angoon City Council. Frank is committed to supporting the community with strong involvement in local cultural activities and preservation.

Frank is the son of Frank Jack, Jr. and Martha Henniger-Jack. His paternal grandparents are the late Frank Jack, Sr. and Elizabeth (Beth) Jack and his maternal grandparents are the late Bernard Henniger and Marion Valle-Henniger. Frank is Galyàx Kaagwantaan from Yakutat.

Frank’s term ends in 2026.

“My priority for Kootznoowoo is to think outside of the box and develop a portfolio of diverse businesses that are strong and viable. It is our responsibility as Directors to ensure that our corporation is profitable in order to safeguard continued benefits and dividends for not only the shareholders of today, but also the shareholders and descendants of tomorrow.”

ALBERT HOWARD

ALBERT HOWARD

VICE CHAIR

Albert Howard was appointed to the Board in 2021 and 2023 and elected to his first full term in 2024.  Previously he served on the Kootznoowoo Board and the Kootznoowoo Cultural & Education from 2015-18. Albert was elected Vice Chair in 2025.

Albert resides in Angoon, Alaska. He is currently employed as a seasonal guide and commercial salmon fisherman.

Albert’s term ends in 2027.

TIADOLA PAYTON

TIADOLA PAYTON

TREASURER

Tiadola Payton was elected to the Board of Directors and as Treasurer in 2024. She currently works as a Wellness Court Case Manager at Tlingit & Haida Central Council. Additionally, she also serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Tlingit & Haida Youth Commission Board.

Tia holds a Bachelor of Science in Native Environmental Science from Northwest Indian College and an Associate of Science in Biology from Fort Lewis College.

Tia’s term ends in 2027.

EUNICE E. JAMES

EUNICE E. JAMES

SECRETARY

Eunice E. James was elected to the Board in 2022. She began serving as Secretary in 2025.

Eunice has been employed with the Central Council Tlingit & Haida as Family Casework II since 2014.  Previously worked for the Alaska State Department of Fish and Game.  Eunice also has served as president of the Juneau Lion’s Club, Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 7 (Angoon), and Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 1 (Sitka).  Additionally, she has served on several committees in support of the Gold Medal tournament.

Eunice holds an Associate of Science in Human Services and a Certificate in Rural Human Services from the University of Alaska Fairbanks as well as an Administrators Certificate from Sheldon Jackson College and recently completed a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska Southeast.

The daughter of the late Robert G. James Sr. and Helene R. James.  She is of the Kaagwaantan from the Ch’aak Koodi Hit house. 

Eunice’s term ends in 2028.

“As directors, it is our responsibility to be watchful stewards over the land as well as pursuing opportunities for our corporation that is beneficial to shareholders.”

MARY JEAN DUNCAN

MARY JEAN DUNCAN

DIRECTOR

Mary Jean Duncan was elected to the Board in 2022. 

A lifelong resident of Angoon, Mary Jean recently retired from the Chatham School District where she served in multiple positions throughout her 30-year career including as an elementary school teacher and later as the district’s Indian Education Coordinator. In addition, she also is a council member of the Angoon Community Association and has held the position of Treasurer. 

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Sheldon Jackson College and completed additional training in education technology at the University of Alaska Southeast.

Mary Jean is the daughter of Barbara and Joseph Johnson, Sr. and she is the granddaughter of Maggie Harry, Neechx yaa nas.at of the Kwasshkakwaan clan.

Mary Jean’s term ends in 2028.


It is my sincere desire to work hard for our people in an ethical and effective manner.  I am glad to be a part of the effort to improve the quality of life for our shareholders by creating new opportunities for employment, job training, and higher education.”

BRENDA JACK

BRENDA JACK

DIRECTOR

Brenda Jack was elected to the Kootznoowoo board in 2025 and began serving as Secretary. 

Brenda resides in Anchorage, Alaska, and is currently employed as a Community Navigator with the Central Council Tlingit & Haida.  

Breanda’s term ends in 2028.

 

SHARON LOVE

SHARON LOVE

DIRECTOR

Sharon Love was re-elected to the Kootznoowoo board in 2023. Previously she served on the Board from 2017-20. Sharon resides in Douglas, Alaska.  She is currently employed in the Accounting Department at the Alaska Commission on Post Secondary Education.  

Sharon’s term ends in 2026.

“I continue to be a strong advocate for job creation in Angoon.  Over the years, I have spoken with countless shareholders.  I have listened to their frustrations, struggles, and their hopes for Kootznoowoo’s future.  I am proud to take their voices with me into the boardroom.”

Ralph “Chico” Bierely

K-Plaza Maintenance Manager

Chico serves as a jack-of-all-trades for the corporation. His main responsibility is overseeing the maintenance and upkeep of the K-Plaza building. However, he provides additional support when needed on a variety of projects. He is based in Juneau.