Heartfelt Thanks and Warm Welcomes

Changes to AGC staffing lineup is opportunity for members to communicate priorities

By Alicia Amberg

e hear the adage all the time: change is the only constant. In these dynamic times, never has that been more true. While some may resist change, we find it often offers opportunity for reflection and growth.

Perhaps the biggest recent change at Associated General Contractors of Alaska, or AGC, is the retirement of two beloved, longtime employees. While we will miss them, we are grateful for the many years of service both Margaret Empie and Kimberley Gray have provided to the organization. Given the size of the crowd that joined us May 13 at the Petroleum Club to wish them well in their retirement, we are not the only ones who appreciate all they have done to advance the construction industry in Alaska. The impact Margaret and Kimberley have made on our association is profound and clearly recognized by members who attended their party. Thank you, ladies, for your dedication and tireless work on our members’ behalf. We wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement!

We are excited to announce the hiring of our two newest team members, Michaella Anderson and Cassie Ostrander, both of whom are superstars in their own right. Michaella will serve as our new Government Relations and Fairbanks Branch Manager. Michaella is a lifelong Fairbanksan and has worked in the legislature since 2017. She will make a strong addition to our team and elevate the advocacy efforts of AGC while also managing our Fairbanks office. Known for her bias for action and no-nonsense approach to getting things done, we’re thrilled to put Michaella’s talents to work for AGC’s members.

Cassie is our new Events & Communication Coordinator. Cassie’s reputation also precedes her. She joins us most recently from Partners for Progress, where she worked as an administrative officer. Before that, Cassie spent years serving the Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium (formerly known as APICC, now known as the Alaska Safety Alliance) as their communications director. Her prior experience will serve AGC well as we continue to strive for excellent events and communication. We’re excited to put her skills to work for members and are confident she will help shine a light on AGC and all the good things we’re doing to promote the construction industry in Alaska.

When new staff come on, it is up to all of us to ensure a fast start. I can think of few instances where investing your time pays bigger dividends: the better they do, the better our members do! It is our collective responsibility to “onboard” new AGC staff members. Help them understand your priorities and the association’s priorities. Tell them about successful AGC efforts in the past and where you see opportunity for the future. Events, communication, government relations, and a strong presence in our Fairbanks office are pillars of our association and can literally make or break the organization. Let’s all work together to ensure the success of these promising new hires. Call them, meet for a cup of coffee, or set up a Zoom meeting; however you do it, I am sure they will welcome your advice and input.

Despite all the changes outlined above, some things remain the same: AGC is unwavering in its commitment to our culture and mission. Internal and external changes can be overwhelming, but AGC is there, like the ballast of a ship, steadying our industry in stormy seas. That is our commitment to you, our most valued asset—our members. You have our word that, no matter who is in charge or what challenges are thrown our way, we will work hard every day to represent you to the best of our ability. Indeed, it is our privilege to do so.