Get to know the individuals shaping the path forward for Fairbanks Native Association. Meet our dedicated Board of Directors, committed to the community’s growth and well-being.
Our Key Individuals Driving Fairbanks Native Association’s Operational Excellence and Community Impact.
Executive Director
Deputy Director
Finance Director
Human Resources Director
Behavioral Health Services Dir.
Communications Director
IT Director
Property & Contracting Dir.
Executive Coordinator
Corporate Compliance Director
Sharon McConnell (Inupiaq), president, has served on the board since 2024. Sharon, originally from Evansville, is the daughter of the late Russell and Helen McConnell. Sharon was recognized in 2023 as a trailblazer in diversity by the Northwest National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Northwest NATAS Emmys) for my television career in Alaska. She is a former Fairbanks North Star Borough School District school board member for nearly four terms.
Term: 2024-2027
FNA Board Committees: Finance Committee, Planning & Development Committee
Beverly Kokrine (Koyukon Athabascan), vice president, has served on the board since 2024. Beverly, originally from Huslia, is the daughter of the late Franklin Simon, Sr. and Lillian Simon from Huslia. Her grandparents are the late Edwin and Lydia Simon from Huslia and the late Grafton and Agnes Koyukuk from Allakaket. Beverly has a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a Masters degree in Education Leadership from University of Alaska Southeast and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Indigenous Studies at UAF. Beverly is a teacher for Yukon-Koyukuk School District. She is a former teacher and principal for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. Beverly started out as a preschool teacher for FNA as a JOM preschool teacher thirty years ago.
Beverly serves as a Yukon Tanana delegate on the Tanana Chiefs Conference Health Board of Directors. Beverly serves on the State of Alaska Language Revitalization Committee.
Term: 2024-2027
FNA Board Committees: Planning & Development Committee, ANE Parent Advisory Committee alternate, Gaming Committee Alternate Representative
Jolene Malamute (Koyukon Athabascan), member, joined the Board in 2022. Malamute is originally from Galena and is the daughter of Kelly Kamper and the late George Malamute. She holds an associate degree in applied science in process technology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Malamute is a realty probate specialist with Tanana Chiefs Conference and previously worked with the Interior Regional Housing Authority where she received Employee of the Year in 2016.
Term: 2022-2025.
FNA Board Committees: Finance, Planning & Development, and Education Committees, High School Policy Council Representative
Dr. Jessica Black (Gwich’in), member, has served on the board since 2016. Originally from Fort Yukon and Nenana, Jessica is the daughter of Marlene Black and the late Bill Black. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a Masters and Ph.D. in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. She is the UAF associate vice chancellor for rural, community and Native education. Black was appointed as a faculty fellow of Indigenous Research to represent CRCD on emerging research initiatives. Black is also affiliated faculty with the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at UAF where she co-leads several fisheries-related projects including Tamamta.
Term: 2025-2028
FNA Board Committees: TCC Health Board Representative
Travis Cole (Koyukon Athabascan), member, has served on the Board since 2014. Cole is originally from Allakaket. He works at Tanana Chiefs Conference and has provided many years of community service to the region through song, dance and art. Cole is an active volunteer in the Native community in Fairbanks and has been active in the FNA Head Start Policy Committee. He is also a student of the Elders and leadership throughout the region.
Term: 2023-2026
FNA Board Committees: Planning & Development Committee, Behavioral Health Committee, Education Committee Effie Kokrine Charter School
Dr. Rev. Anna Frank (Tanana Athabascan), elder advisor, has served on the board since 2019. Anna, originally from Old Minto, is the daughter of the late Jonathan and Rosie David. She holds the honor of being the first Native American woman to be ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church. Anna has worked as a community health aide and a counselor, and she served as an elder advisor for UAF’s Rural Human Services program. She holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in 2022, Anna received the Girl Scouts Honor of Distinction award and Anna was recognized as Doyon Limited’s Shareholder of the Year in 1984.
Term: 2025-2028
Steve Ginnis (Gwitchin Athabascan), member, joined the board in 2025. Ginnis, originally from Fort Yukon, is the son of the late Lily Pitka. He is currently the Traditional Chief for Gwichyaa Zhee since 2017. From 1970-72, Steve served in the US Army. He has served as executive director of Fairbanks Native Association for 15 years, executive director of Denakkaanaga Inc., president of Tanana Chiefs Conference and CEO of Interior Regional Housing Authority. He previously served on the boards for Tanana Chiefs Conference, Alaska Inter-Tribal Council, Doyon Limited, Alaska Federation of Natives, and Yukon Flats School District and area Vice President of National Congress of American Indians. In 2022, Steve was given the honor of Distinguished Citizen award by the Midnight Sun Council Boy Scouts of America.
Term: 2025-2028
FNA Board Committee: Finance committee, Behavioral Health committee
Teisha Simmons (Koyukon Athabascan), member, joined the board in 2025. Teisha, originally from Galena and Koyukuk, is the daughter of Marie Simmons and the late James Walldow. Teisha has a Masters degree in Clinical Community Psychology. She works as Interim Dean of the College of Indigenous Studies for the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Teisha received in 2012 the Alaska First Lady’s Volunteer of the Year Award, in 2013 she received the AFN Hannah Paul Solomon Women of Courage Award and in 2019 she received Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction Award. Doyon, Limited Board of Directors 2009-2012. Teisha has served multiple terms as Interior Regional Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
Term: 2025-2028
FNA Board Committee: Finance Committee, Behavioral Health Committee
