After eleven years as BBNC's VP of Land and Natural Resources, Tiel Smith will take a position at Arctic Slope Regional Corporation.
Tiel Smith has served since 2004 as Vice President of Land & Natural Resources at the Bristol Bay Native Corporation. Chief Operating Officer Scott Torrisson praised Smith’s accomplishments in land management throughout Bristol Bay.
He really has developed into our primary interface with all the village communities. His name is well-known throughout the region... There are going to be many projects throughout the region that Tiel has had a direct impact on through his management of our lands and the resources that we have, primarily sand and gravel.
Torrison said Smith was also instrumental in launching BBNC’s in-region investment strategy, and in the fight against the Pebble Mine.
Smith, who was born and raised in Dillingham, said he’ll continue to be deeply invested in the Bristol Bay region.
You know, I don't think you can belong to your home native corporation like I have for over a decade and not be really excited about tracking what all BBNC is going to continue to do, and also improvements when it comes to in-region benefits and investment areas. So that would be probably foremost on my mind.
After finishing up at BBNC, Smith will be joining Arctic Slope Regional Corporation to serve as their Director of Lands.
I'm excited about that and I really feel like I have a great toolbox of memories and experiences to go with me. And that this is less about transitioning away from BBNC and literally more about lands for Alaska natives.
Smith also chairs the Native Regional Resource Managers Group, working with land managers from other regional corporations.
Torrison said there’s no word yet on who will fill Smith’s position.
Contact Hannah Colton at hannah@kdlg.org.