Eunice E. James was elected to the Board and began serving as Chair in 2022. In this role, she is responsible for presiding over all board and shareholder meetings, working closely with the corporation’s leadership, and serves as ex-officio on all committees.  

Currently, 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.  She is currently pursing a bachelor’s degree.

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 2025.

“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”

Melissa M. Kookesh serves as the Vice Chair of the Kootznoowoo, Inc. Board of Directors. She has been serving on the Board since 2016 and also served as Board Chair from 2016-2022.  

Melissa is currently employed as the Tribal Liaison for the Alaska Broadband Office at the State of Alaska’s Commerce, Community & Economic Development. Previously she held positions with the Alaska State Legislature from 2015-22, and in the Office of the President at the Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Melissa holds an Associate of Arts and Sciences and Certification in Tribal Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Melissa is the daughter of Lena Woods and the late Floyd M. Kookesh and is the granddaughter of the late Matthew and Ramona Kookesh. Melissa is Raven Dog Salmon from the Central House in Angoon, and her Tlingit name is X’eetoow.

Melissa’s term ends in 2025.

“It is an honor to serve the shareholders of Kootznoowoo and to be a part of leading the corporation into a new direction of success. Working to make the corporation profitable and one that we can all be proud of has not been an easy task, but we continue to make significant advancements towards our vision.”

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.

Sharon Love was re-elected to the Kootznoowoo board in 2023. Previously she served on the Board from 2017-20. She was elected to the role of Secretary in 2024.

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.”

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 2025.

“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.”

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

Albert’s term ends in 2027.

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

Frank is a resident of Angoon and is employed as a Miner with the Hecla Greens Creek Mine. Previously, he worked as 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.”