Often referred to as “Mr. Southeast”, Robert has lived and worked in Southeast Alaska since arriving in Haines in 1984. Robert has served on many local and state boards and commissions, including the Haines Chamber of Commerce, the Alaska State Chamber, the state’s Marine Transportation Advisory Board and AMHS Reshaping Work Group. He also served on the Governor’s energy security task force and previous advisory boards for the proposed natural gas pipeline. He served as the Haines Economic Development Director, Planning Commissioner and Borough Manager.
Robert’s involvement with Southeast Conference began in 1997 through the Haines Chamber of Commerce. He joined the SEC Board of Directors in 2001 and served as Board President in 2005. Robert stepped down from the board in 2008 to take the position of Energy Coordinator. In this new role, Robert helped facilitate the first regional energy plan, was a member of the Alaska House Energy Committee Stakeholder’s Group and worked with utilities and communities to develop key infrastructure of hydros and interties throughout the region.
Additionally, he has worked on planning and project development for multiple industry sectors in the region including transportation, natural resource development, biomass, tourism, mining, broadband and most recently mariculture development. The EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge offers unprecedented opportunities that aligns with Robert’s passion for Alaska, its people, sustainable communities, and capacity building.