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Weekly UpdatesWith a resume to envy, and a spirit to match. Helvi Sandvik, president of NANA Development Corp., stands out as a remarkable person as well as an informed businesswoman. If the idea of the Junior Achievement Award is to inspire young people to learn about the concept of free enterprise, then Sandvik has the credentials to do just that.
"When I was younger I didn't know what I wanted to be, although I was interested in aviation," explained Sandvik "I've been lucky to be in the right place at the right time."
GETTING AHEAD
The right place to find what she wanted to be started out in the village of Kiana in the NANA region, where Sandvik was born. NANA is an acronym for Northwest Alaska Native Alaskan.
Sandvik's journey then led her from Kiana to Kalamazoo College in Michigan where she earned a bachelor's degree in economics, This was followed by a master's degree in business administration from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Sandvik subsequently utilized her education and intelligence as past chairman of the board of directors for the Alaska State Chamber, as a former board member of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, the Alaska Energy Authority, and the United Way. During 2004, Sandvik served as one of seven conferees of the "Conference of Alaskans" and was subsequently inducted into the Anchorage Athena Society.
Sandvik presently serves on the executive Committee of the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce, as a trustee for the Aqqaluk Trust, and as a director of the Seattle Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
REACHING DREAMS
In addition to these commitments, Sandvik was able to satisfy her interest in aviation with 12 years in the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. She moved from transportation planner to director of statewide aviation before becoming its deputy commissioner.
"Aviation is a big part of Alaska," explained Sandvik. "The airstrips in rural Alaska bring in everything that the people need to have. The goal of the agency was to identify system needs, obtain funding for upgrades and changes, and schedule work so that aviation in Alaska evolved newer and safer."
NANA-BOUND
Sandvik eventually left State work and freelanced for awhile before joining NANA as vice president of operations for the NANA Development Corp. As such, she was responsible for the operation of various NANA business units, and for identifying new business opportunities. She also served as vice president of resources for the NANA Regional Corp. where she was responsible for overseeing resource development projects on NANA lands, as well as for evaluating new development opportunities.
As president of NANA Development Corp., Sandvik works under the direction of NANA's board of directors. Her focus is on fulfillment of NANA's commitment to provide job opportunities for shareholders while continuing to grow into a billion-dollar revenue corporation.
NANA Development Corp. is involved in more than 35 subsidiaries, or partnerships, that serve a clientele in a variety of sectors, including professional and management services, government contracting, mining, oil development, tourism and hospitality.
"NANA has helped to improve the quality of life of its shareholders," said Sandvik. "What we earn in income can help to improve the quality of life of NANA's owners, the Native Alaskans. The income the company generates can also be used to fund social programs, as well as go back into the parent company to generate growth and more income. It used to be that the individual who was a shareholder had to have been born before 1971 to be enrolled in NANA, but an amendment now allows for those who were born after that date to become shareholders in the companies. The act was brought about by a sense of common issues, a recognition of aboriginal rights. It is also about the question of the future of our children. I definitely find my work fulfilling.
"There is opportunity here," continued Sandvik, "to work with a team of dynamic people. The last few years have been a challenge, what with the cost of oil, $7.50 a gallon for diesel, which causes terrific economic problems. Any limits we have are caused by infrastructure here in Alaska, so we must use our voice to help direct public policies in that area.
"I joined NANA at a dynamic time," said Sandvik. "I want to stay here as long as I can contribute, and we are moving in the right direction, and they are satisfied with me."
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