(Anchorage, AK) – The Alaska Chamber is pleased to announce the selection of life-long Alaskan Curtis Thayer as President and CEO. He replaces Rachael Petro, who moved out of state after guiding the Chamber for almost five years.
Thayer’s first day with the Chamber will be on Monday, November 16. As President and CEO, Thayer will oversee the Chamber’s operations as well as work with staff to ensure Chamber programs and services run with a high degree of excellence that its membership has come to expect.
“Alaska is at a unique crossroads. The price of oil is at a 20-year low, the proposed gas line is a moving target and the State must manage shrinking budgets. Thayer is strong leader who will ensure the ‘Voice of Alaska Business’ is heard and policies are adopted to attract investments and grow jobs. The Chamber has seen steady growth in the past five years. We have Rachael to thank for this and wish her all the best,” said Chamber Board Chair Casey Sullivan.
Thayer brings over 20 years of experience in the private and public sectors, and has unique qualifications, connections and perspectives that will be of great value to the diverse membership, Sullivan said. Thayer served as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Administration and as the deputy commissioner of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. Prior to joining state government, he was special assistant to Congressman Don Young. He also brings private-sector experience, having served on the management team of Alaska’s largest utility, ENSTAR Natural Gas, as well as with the Alaska Gas Pipeline Team. He owned his own small business and is licensed in real estate. A graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Thayer has served on many boards, both public and non-profit, and was selected as a “Top 40 under 40” community leader.
“I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and collaborating with the talented team and the board of directors to ensure Alaska has a healthy and productive business environment,” Thayer said. “As we start a new chapter in Chamber history, we have great challenges but extraordinary opportunities.”
Matt Acuña Buxton is a long-time political reporter who has written for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and The Midnight Sun political blog. He also authors the daily politics newsletter, The Alaska Memo, and can frequently be found live-tweeting public meetings on Twitter.
