ANNUAL ELECTION BALLOT

The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has five seats up for election and/or re-election. These seats are three-year terms beginning September 11, 2026.

The election closes July 28 at 5 pm. Following verification by the Executive Committee, the results will be announced August 4.

The nonprofit board represents both large and small businesses with diverse backgrounds and vocations, and makes decisions about issues with the needs of the entire membership in mind.

The board is composed entirely of volunteers who support the business community, attend monthly board meetings, and Anchorage Chamber events.

Election Process & Procedures:

Each primary representative for an Anchorage Chamber member in good standing can vote for up to FIVE (5) candidates for the Board of Directors.

Please read about each candidate below before continuing to place your votes.

LIMIT ONE VOTING BALLOT PER COMPANY OR ORGANIZATION.

• If multiple votes are received from the same member business, the official vote will be the account's listed Primary Contact, or the first received submission.
• Your name and votes will be kept confidential.

Individual, Honorary, Additional Listing and Trade member classes do not have voting rights per the Anchorage Chamber bylaws.

• Please submit even if you aren't certain of your membership class or current standing, but understand your vote may be deemed ineligible upon review.

Deadline to vote: 5 pm on July 28, 2026

Originally from North Carolina, Emily first moved to Anchorage in 2013. She graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s of Science in International Marketing and Travel & Tourism. Emily joined the Alaska Airlines team as a Sales and Community Marketing Manager, working closely with the cruise and tourism industry, as well as the communities of Anchorage, Kodiak, and the Kenai Peninsula. Emily has been an active member of the Anchorage Chamber, serving on the Legislative & Advocacy Committees. She is also active on the boards of the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and the Alaska Travel Industry Associations’ Marketing Committee. She looks forward to continuing her service to the Anchorage community and Anchorage Chamber.

Driven by a deep connection to his community, Anderson goes above and beyond to provide financial solutions to new and growing businesses. With more than a decade of banking and financial planning experience, he instills a sense of security and confidence in customers. Anderson is a proud member of Business Network International Alaska, Anchorage Assembly Housing and Homelessness Committee, and Anchorage South Rotary. He is also on the Alaska Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassadors Board. Anderson holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Pacific Lutheran University. He and his family are also involved in many community activities and sports.

Leah Boltz, FSMPS, CPSM, is a Principal/Owner at Bettisworth North Architects and Planners, an Alaska-owned commercial and civic design and planning firm in Anchorage and Fairbanks, serving 90+ communities statewide. She is celebrating her 25th anniversary in Alaska. Leah works at the intersection of business development, strategic communications, workforce initiatives, community outreach, and client engagement, helping connect organizations, stakeholders, and community partners to advance projects that strengthen Alaska’s economy and quality of life.

Throughout her 25-year career in the marketing and design industries, Leah has focused on building relationships and creating opportunities for collaboration among industry leaders, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. Her work supports projects that shape Alaska’s communities, from economic development and healthcare initiatives to civic, educational, and community-focused facilities.
Leah became an owner of Bettisworth North in 2020. The firm has grown significantly during her tenure and is celebrating its 50th year of being Alaska Community Builders in 2026.

Leah is a firm believer that thriving communities depend on strong businesses, engaged leaders, and a shared commitment to achieving what's possible. She has contributed to initiatives that support employee growth, strengthen organizational culture, and align business goals with community needs.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Leah is actively engaged in community and civic organizations. She values opportunities to connect with business and community leaders and is a strong advocate for building these relationships through service and community building. Her work and volunteer service are deeply personal, focused on building an Alaska where her kids (Anna, 19, and Adeline, 8) and all Alaska kids can find their future and thrive here at home. In 2009, she co-founded Parks for ALL, a grassroots movement that has now brought 20+ inclusive playgrounds to Anchorage. Leah is past president of the Rotary Club of
Anchorage, and her community work has earned her a place in the ATHENA Society, a Top Forty Under 40 award, and awards from UAA and other organizations for her community service and leadership.

In addition to serving on the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce board of directors, she also serves on the boards of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts and the Anchorage Museum. Her volunteer activities include Challenge Alaska, Anchorage Park Foundation, Building Owners and Managers Association of Anchorage, and local and national engagement in the Society for Marketing Professional Services.

As a candidate for the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Leah is committed to helping ensure that Anchorage remains a vibrant, welcoming, and economically strong community where businesses can succeed, employees can thrive, and future generations can build meaningful careers.

As a business owner who works across a variety of sectors, Leah hopes to channel her committee service into consistent growth of the Chamber and its offerings, along with efforts that strengthen workforce development, create an inclusive community, encourage business growth and investment by Alaskans, foster the next generation of leaders, grow our connection with our military communities, and build on Anchorage’s great assets as sources of innovation and future opportunity.

Shareen was born and raised in Minnesota and moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1990. After working one summer for Trident Seafoods on Akutan Island on the Aleutian Chain, she started her career as operations manager for the highly successful Alaska Blockbuster Video franchise. She handled HR and public relations.

While working at Blockbuster, she attended UAA and earned her BA in English-Creative Writing. As a freelance writer, she wrote a weekly restaurant review column for the Anchorage PRESS, two Anchorage organizations’ histories, and several articles published in local and national newspapers and magazines.
Shareen is also a long-time event planner.

Starting in 2015, Shareen became involved in politics and policy. She has run and worked on several successful candidate campaigns. For six years, she was chief of staff to a state senator in Juneau, Alaska, where she carried the Capital Budget (FY20 and FY21) and was committee aide for the bicameral Legislative Budget & Audit Committee. While later running the governor’s Office of Infrastructure, Shareen further developed her passion for economic development and statewide infrastructure. Her connections and in-depth knowledge of the State of Alaska are a unique benefit wherever she serves.

Shareen is a long-time Anchorage South Rotarian and sits on the boards of the Anchorage Chamber and University of Alaska Anchorage Alumni Association.

Sean Jordan was born in Lakeland, Florida and raised in Bartow, Florida. After high school, he chose to serve in the U.S. Army for 32 years. He moved through the enlisted ranks and went on to become a senior officer. As a retired Lieutenant Colonel, Sean has served his country and continues to serve his community.

Sean is the President and CEO of Jordan Consulting Group, LLC, an IT and business development company. He leverages his vast experience in the IT field to support businesses and nonprofits to grow and expand their reach, efficiency, and capabilities.

Sean is the owner of J’s BBQ Joint. His commitment to providing high quality, affordable home cooked meal options quickly made him a favorite on JBER, Anchorage and within the Matsu valley. In addition to the amazing food, Sean also provides job opportunities for veterans, military spouses college students and local youth.

In addition to his for-profit business, Sean is the founder and President of Wilderness Adventures for Kids Everywhere, Inc. (W.A.K.E., Inc.) W.A.K.E., Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing mentoring and outdoor experience programs for youth in grades K-12 from low-income and marginalized communities, particularly youth in grades 5 - 8. W.A.K.E., Inc. was created to foster a commitment to youth that will promote pro-social friendships, strong interpersonal skills, resiliency, and self-awareness while developing outdoor sportsman skills.

Sean is also an avid outdoor sportsman who loves fishing, hunting, and camping. Coming from a modest background, and limited resources as a child, he understands the need to have a strong mentor and opportunities to do and see things that seem impossible. He is committed to providing young people with invaluable, life-changing experiences and mentors that will positively impact them for years to come. Sean holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Information Technology.

Sean also served as an elected member of the Board of Directors for the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce and is a co-chair for the Diversity and Military committees.

Justin Mills, AIF®, CWS®, MBA, is a military veteran, financial advisor, nonprofit leader, and Anchorage business professional who serves as Vice President, Wealth Management with Mills Wealth Advisory of Raymond James. Since separating from the military nine years ago, Justin has built a strong professional and personal foundation in Anchorage, with the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce playing a central role in that journey. 

Before entering the financial services industry, Justin served as an officer in the United States Army, where he developed a leadership style rooted in accountability, service, strategic thinking, teamwork, and mission focused execution. Those values continue to guide his work today as he helps individuals, families, business owners, veterans, and nonprofit organizations plan for their financial futures. 

Justin's career in financial services has included experience as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, a relationship manager with Key Private Bank, and now as Vice President, Wealth Management with Mills Wealth Advisory of Raymond James. In his current role, he provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management, helping clients align their financial decisions with their long-term goals. 

Beyond his professional career, Justin is deeply involved in nonprofit and community leadership. He currently serves as First Vice Commander for The American Legion Department of Alaska and as Commander of American Legion Jack Henry Post 1, one of the largest American Legion posts in Alaska. Through these leadership positions, he works with veterans, military families, community leaders, and organizations throughout the state while helping advocate for issues important to Alaska's veteran community. He has also served in leadership and board roles with organizations including Anchorage Opera and Rotary. 

Justin has been actively attending Anchorage Chamber events since his transition from the military and attributes many of his professional relationships, community connections, and friendships in Anchorage to the Chamber. The Chamber has helped him connect with local business owners, civic leaders, nonprofit partners, military-connected professionals, entrepreneurs, and community advocates. On a personal level, Justin met his spouse through the Chamber community, making the organization an important part of both his professional and personal story. 

Justin believes strong communities are built through relationships, service, and shared purpose. He is passionate about strengthening Anchorage's business community, supporting veterans and military families, and helping others experience the same sense of opportunity and belonging that the Chamber has provided him. Serving on the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors would allow Justin to give back to an organization that has played a defining role in his Anchorage story while helping strengthen its impact for future members. 

Dan Newman is a professionally certified auctioneer, having graduated from the Missouri Auction School, the “Harvard” of auction schools, and the National Auction Association's Certified Auctioneers Institute program.

As the founder and CEO of Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals, he proudly employs a team of over 40 full-time Alaskans, all supporting the company, which has been recognized and received awards for its outstanding performance by top publications, including the US Chamber of Commerce's Americas Top Small Business, the Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific's Torch Award forEthics, The Anchorage Daily News' Best of Alaska, and Inc. 5000's Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America.

In addition to providing auctioneer services for individuals, businesses, and governmental entities, Dan helps dozens of schools and non-profits raise millions of dollars annually through emceeing, fundraising consulting, and professional auctioneer services.

Dan is an Alaska Journal of Commerce Top 40 Under 40 honoree, an active Anchorage South Rotary past-president, and is honored to serve as the first Black & Hispanic Chairman of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in its 110+ year history.

He and his wife, Jordana, and three children, Anthony, Xavier, & Layla, are all born-and-raised Alaskans and proudly live, work, and play in Anchorage.

Victoria Dragiev first came to Alaska in 2017 as a seasonal employee with Holland America Line Princess Alaska/Yukon (HAP – Alaska), beginning what has grown into a strong and diverse career across both the tourism industry and state government. In 2018, she transitioned into a year-round role as Assistant Manager of Escorted Tour Operations, building a foundation in managing complex travel logistics and partner coordination. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she expanded her experience in public service as Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. In this role, she supported executive leadership during a critical time for the state, gaining valuable insight into government operations, policy coordination, and cross-agency collaboration. That experience strengthened her ability to navigate complex challenges, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and understand how public policy and infrastructure impact Alaska’s broader business environment. 

In 2023, she returned to HAP – Alaska/Yukon as Manager of Escorted Tour Operations. In her current role, she leads the planning and coordination of guided travel experiences across Alaska and the Yukon, overseeing the many moving pieces required to deliver a seamless guest experience. She works closely with transportation teams, hospitality partners, and local businesses throughout the region, bringing a practical, hands-on approach to leadership and operations. 

She has a strong ability to problem-solve in real time, align teams and partners, and build strong working relationships. Through her work in tourism, she has developed a deep appreciation for how interconnected Anchorage’s business community is, along with a well-rounded perspective on key challenges such as seasonality, workforce needs, and maintaining a consistent, high-quality visitor experience. 

She is passionate about the role tourism plays in Anchorage’s economy and believes strongly in supporting a vibrant, year-round business environment. As a member of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, she values the organization’s role in connecting businesses, advocating on key issues, and supporting economic growth. She is committed to contributing her experience, relationships, and collaborative approach to help support Anchorage’s continued success.

I was born and raised in Anchorage, and this community has shaped who I am. Growing up here gave me a deep appreciation for the people, businesses, and organizations that make our city unique. As I've grown professionally, I've become passionate about giving back to the community that has given me so much by helping create stronger connections between businesses, healthcare providers, and the people they serve.

In my role as the Local Community and Partner Advocate at Frontier Psych, I focus on building relationships that expand access to mental health resources throughout Alaska. I work with healthcare providers, businesses, and community organizations to create partnerships that make it easier for individuals to find the care they need. I believe that mental health services should be accessible, approachable, and available to everyone, regardless of where they live. Telehealth has become an important part of that mission by helping remove barriers to care and connecting Alaskans with quality behavioral health services.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is bringing people together around a common goal. Whether I'm developing new partnerships, engaging with local organizations, or advocating for increased awareness of mental health resources, I enjoy finding opportunities to connect people with solutions that can improve their lives. I believe that supporting mental health doesn't just benefit individuals, it strengthens families, workplaces, and our entire community.

I also believe that a thriving business community and a healthy community go hand in hand. Businesses succeed when employees and families have access to the resources, they need to live healthy, productive lives. That is why I am committed to collaborating with business leaders, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and civic partners to create lasting, positive change throughout Anchorage.

As someone who has spent my life in Anchorage, I care deeply about the future of our city. I want to continue building relationships, supporting local businesses, and helping connect more Alaskans to the mental health resources they need. I see every partnership as an opportunity to strengthen our community, and I am excited to continue serving Anchorage through collaboration, advocacy, and a shared commitment to improving the well-being of those who call this city home.