ALASKA – On Dec. 14, the Alaska Region celebrated many major achievements in restoring, sustaining and enhancing the forests and local communities by recognizing employees and partners at the annual Regional Forester’s Awards ceremony.

Deputy Regional Forester Chad VanOrmer opened the awards by congratulating this year’s winners. “These awards really showcase the outstanding work we do here as Team Alaska and how we create a work environment where we can support and elevate each other’s work when it stands out.”

There are eight award categories in which 75 employees were recognized individually or as part of a team.

The Hector Gandara award was one of these categories and seeks to recognize individuals who promote a healthy and safe work environment in which all employees in our diverse workforce are enabled to reach their full potential and carry out their work and responsibilities successfully.

This year, employee Lauren McChesney won the individual category for always showing up with a passion, drive and attention to diversity, equity and inclusion when it comes to people, the climate, partners, COVID-19 and fellow employees. The award was presented by Regional Forester Dave Schmid. McChesney expressed her appreciation in feeling valuable outside of her regular work duties and the space that Region 10 gives for that important effort.

The partnership group award went to the Cultural Use of Forest Resource Team for their collaborative efforts to manage access and use of Forest Resources to perpetuate Alaska Native Culture. Internal and external team members included Nick Reynolds, Melinda Hernandez-Burke, Shona Donnelly, Organized Village of Kasaan and Hydaburg Cooperative Association. Glenn Hamar, tribal council member for the Organized Village of Kasaan, spoke to seeing the collaboration as a new beginning and working together for a better forest and better Alaska.

While awardees were honored, the common theme was noted throughout the ceremony was the invaluable support from peers, supervisors and partners.

A list of all the awardees and a recording of the full ceremony are available through Sharepoint.