Continuing Koniag’s growth and stability requires putting the right people on the team. In January, Koniag’s Board believes it did just that, appointing Tony Drabek to the Board of Directors.

Tony was the President/CEO of Natives of Kodiak for more than a quarter century and helped start Northrim Bank, serving on its Board for more than two decades. He knows his way around financial statements and has been involved in more than a few mergers and acquisitions. However, his experience and leadership goes well beyond business and Alaska. He served in the United States Army for four years, including one tour in Vietnam and one in Korea.

“Serving our Shareholders and building our company; it is at the heart of all we do at Koniag,” shared Ron Unger, Koniag Interim CEO and Board Chairman. “Tony’s background and experience are going to help us with that as we continue our positive trajectory in providing meaningful benefits to our Shareholders.”

When accepting the seat, Tony was humble. “It is an honor to have this opportunity,” he said. “I am excited at the prospect of working with and learning from the dedicated men and women on this Board. This is a group that has done a very good job of managing our corporation and I am glad to be a part of it,” Tony said.

Tony’s home is Kodiak and he enjoys spending time with his family: his wife Sandee, his brother Roger McCracken, daughter Alisha, her husband Helm Johnson and Tony and Sandee’s three grandsons, Teyo, Fayd and Taavi. The family has many cousins they see regularly as well. 

Board Secretary Tyan Hayes said, “We are blessed to have someone of his caliber accept this role. His resume, as well as his ties to our community and company fit perfectly into what Koniag needs on its Board.”

Tony replaces long time Board member Brent Parsons who passed away unexpectedly in November of last year. “Our Board and Shareholders miss Brent terribly because of his kindness, commitment to Koniag and business acumen,” said Ron Unger. “While Brent cannot be replaced, Koniag committed to replacing Brent with someone of similar skills, and Tony fits in that mold.” Tony’s term goes through 2020.