Sealaska Announces Appointment of Sarah Dybdahl as First Female President

Juneau, Alaska (August 26, 2025) — The Sealaska Board of Directors has unanimously voted to appoint Sarah Dybdahl as the corporation’s new President, following a thorough recruitment process. This leadership transition comes in parallel with updating the Sealaska strategic plan and refining the institution’s mission and vision.

Sarah Dybdahl (Aanshawatk’i), Taakw.aaneidi clan, grew up in Klawock, Alaska, and has dedicated her career to advancing cultural heritage, education and the prosperity of Native communities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and currently serves as the Director to the Office of the President for the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.

Dybdahl formerly served as Executive Director of the Huna Heritage Foundation and has contributed her leadership at a statewide and national level, including serving on the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Board of Directors as the Southeast Village Representative and the Native Americans in Philanthropy Board. She also continues to serve her community locally as a member of the Klawock Heenya Corporation Board of Directors. Her lifelong commitment to strengthening cultural identity, education and shareholder opportunities reflects the values at the heart of Sealaska.

“The board of directors devoted significant time to selecting the right individual to lead Sealaska. We are at a pivotal moment in our growth — taking the lessons learned from our international businesses and bringing that knowledge home to Southeast Alaska,” said Richard Rinehart, Sealaska board chair. “As we recognize the strengths that Sarah brings to Sealaska, we also honor the deep roots she has established not only with surrounding Tribes but with community partners as well. We look forward to strengthening these relationships as Sealaska grows under her leadership.”

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Joe Nelson, who has admirably served as interim president. His leadership and commitment have provided stability and continuity at a crucial time for Sealaska. Joe will maintain his directorship on the Sealaska board, where his vision and guidance will continue to benefit Sealaska and its shareholders,” said Rinehart.

“It is an honor to serve Sealaska and our shareholders,” said Dybdahl. “Growing up in Klawock, I was shaped by the strength of our people and our culture, and I look forward to building on that foundation to create opportunities that uplift our communities for generations to come.”

In the coming months, Sealaska will share more about President Dybdahl and the vision for sustaining Sealaska’s growth and strengthening the cultural and economic prosperity of our people. “I hope our shareholders and Southeast communities can feel the same excitement and confidence we do — that President Dybdahl will carry forward the growth we’ve achieved in recent years and open new doors for working together in ways that truly benefit Sealaska, our people, and our communities,” said Rinehart.