In Gail’s new position as Senior Director of Organizational Development, she will support Tlingit & Haida’s leadership and management team to develop strategies that foster organizational change and promote innovation and growth, enhance effectiveness, and uphold the mission and vision of the Tribe.
“I am excited to have Gail join Tlingit & Haida’s team to help foster positive organizational change that incorporates our tribal values as the foundation of our governing structure, operations and delivery of services,” said President Peterson.
Gail holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Studies & Planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and also a Master of Arts degree in Business Administration & Management and Ph.D in Leadership & Organizational Change from Antioch University Seattle.
Gail has 18 years of professional experience with Alaska Native regional and village corporations and in fields including consulting, academia, non-profit and environmental. She is the Managing Member of Collective Change, LLC, a consulting service that focuses on organizational change, vision development and strategic planning, and previously served as the Director of Human Resources for the University of Alaska Southeast and Sealaska Corporation.
"I believe in the collective power of our people to care for our communities; we have the answers when we work together,” shared Gail. “I look forward to creating more inclusive, collaborative processes within Tlingit and Haida that work toward providing more effective support to our citizens."
Gail was born and raised in Kake, Alaska and is the daughter of Bill and Della Cheney. She is of Tlingit and Haida descent, her Tlingit name is Aan Shaa Wat Gee and Haida name is Yahl kii wahl daang. She is a Raven of the Kaach.adi clan (Fresh Water Marked Sockeye House) and Eagle of the Tiits Gitee Nei clan (Hummingbird House).