FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 24, 2015

Calista Corporation Board Selects First Chairwoman in Corporate History

Margaret Pohjola Voted to Serve 2015-2016

(Anchorage, Alaska) – 

Calista Corporation’s Board of Directors voted in the first chairwoman in corporate history. Margaret Pohjola, a shareholder with ties to Chuathbaluk, was voted in July 23. Board officers, like the chair, serve one-year terms following a vote by fellow directors. Outgoing Chair Willie Kasayulie  had served the maximum of three consecutive annual terms. Directors are voted upon by shareholders and serve three-year terms.

“It is humbling to follow in the footsteps of early directors like Nora Guinn and Gladys Jung,” said Pohjola. “Calista is currently riding a wave of operational and shareholder successes. I look forward to partnerships with the directors, management and shareholders over the next year.”

Calista announced 2014 audit results with revenues of $402 Million. This is the second-highest in corporate history. Net income was the third-highest in corporate history at $32.7 Million. The total distribution of Calista’s shareholder dividends is $31.3 Million, with 50 percent of that total declared in the last three years.

Pohjola’s background includes accounting work for Cook Inlet Tribal Council, NANA and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Pohjola graduated from UAA with a degree in management.

Reelected to vice-chair is Paul George Guy. Robert L. Beans was voted in as secretary. Johnny Evan was voted in as treasurer.

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Margaret Pohjola (click for larger image)

The second largest of the original 13 Alaska Native Corporations, Calista Corporation was established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 and represents approximately 12,900 Shareholders. The Calista region encompasses more than 6.5 million acres and includes 56 villages, which are incorporated into 46 individual village corporations. Since 1994, Calista has provided more than $3.5 million in scholarships and since inception more than $34.9 million in dividends and Elders’ Benefit Program distributions to its Shareholders and Descendants.

Calista Corporation is the parent company of more than 35 subsidiaries in the following industries: military defense contracting, construction, communications, real estate, environmental and natural resource development, and information technology and media services. Calista can be found on Facebook and Twitter.