ANCHORAGE, Oct. 6, 2021 – On October 5, 2021, during a special meeting, the NANA Board of Directors named John Aġnaaqłuk Lincoln as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the company. Reporting directly to the NANA board, Mr. Lincoln will lead corporate initiatives to improve the quality of life for NANA shareholders by maximizing economic growth, protecting and enhancing regional lands, and promoting healthy communities.
“It is with a great excitement that we announce John as the new president and CEO of NANA,” said Linda Lee, NANA board chair. “Our selection process focused on finding a leader capable of managing the complex, multi-faceted organization that NANA has become, while also possessing a deep appreciation of our mission and our Iñupiat Iļitqusiat. John is absolutely that leader.”
Lincoln will remain based in Kotzebue. He assumes leadership of NANA as the organization approaches its 50th year in business, having been established as an Alaska Native Corporation in 1972 after the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).
“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead our Alaska Native Corporation. This is an exciting time for NANA, and we are blessed with amazing potential to achieve great things for our region and shareholders,” said Lincoln. “We will succeed and deliver on this potential through thoughtful, ethical, and value-driven leadership.”
Lincoln has served a combined 18 years working for NANA and the Maniilaq Association, the two largest employers of shareholders in the NANA region. He joined NANA in 2016, and most recently served as vice president for external affairs where he worked to ensure the protection of corporate, regional and shareholder interests. Lincoln also served as an Alaska State Representative from 2018 to 2021, where he was an original member of the House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs.
A native of Kotzebue, Lincoln graduated from Kotzebue High School as the valedictorian of his class. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree, concentrating in management science and public policy, from Stanford University. In 2021, Lincoln was named a “Top Forty Under 40” leader by the Alaska Journal of Commerce.
