Board of Directors
Board Members
Fred Sagoonick
Board Chair, Shaktoolik
Fred, elected as Board Chair in April 2019, was first elected to the board in 2007. Fred served in the US Navy as a radarman in the early 70s. Before he retired, Fred was the general manager of the Shaktoolik Native Corporation and previously served on the city council and as Mayor for two terms in the early 90s. He serves on the board of the Bering Straits Native Corporation and is active in commercial fishing.
Helena Jones
Board Vice Chair, Ambler
Helena lives in Ambler and is AVEC’s longest-serving board member, having first been elected in 1982. She has previously served as secretary and treasurer. Helena is a Licensed Practical Nurse and served in that capacity for many years in Sitka, Kotzebue and Ambler. Helena also served on the Northwest Arctic School board for many years.
Sandra Tall-Lake
Board Treasurer, Hooper Bay
Sandra grew up and resides in Naparyamuit Hooper Bay and was elected to the board in April 2023. After graduating college with a certification for computerized office specialist, she worked for the Tribe for two and half years and has currently been working with the City for the past three years.
Phyllis Clough
Board Secretary, Old Harbor
Phyllis Clough is a lifelong resident of Old Harbor and was appointed to fill a vacant board seat in November 2019.
She had previously served on the AVEC Board for 15 years and served as the village delegate for an additional 13 years.
Phyllis works at the school and also serves on the Tribal Council as well as on the local Advisory School Board.
Frederick P. Beans
Director, Mountain Village
Frederick Beans lives in Mountain Village and is the brother of retired AVEC board member, Robert Beans. In the past 40 plus years, Frederick as served on the Azachorok and YDFDA board of directors, as well as served the City Council, as Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and member. Currently he is serving his community as a City Council member and a local school advisor.
Homer Hunter Jr.
Director, Scammon Bay
Homer Hunter Jr. is a lifelong resident of Scammon Bay. He was elected to the AVEC Board in April of 2022. Homer served in the Alaska Army National Guard for 13 years with the 2nd Scout Battalion. His education includes accounting and rural development. He has served his community through various administrative positions.
Peter Demoski
Director, Nulato
Peter Demoski lives in Nulato and was elected to the board in March 2012. Peter has been the Tribal Administrator for the Village of Nulato for more than 18 years. He is a Tribal Council member and serves on the Tanana Chiefs Conference executive board.
Board Nominations
Board nominations are usually completed in the fall for elections in the spring. If you are an AVEC member and would like to stand for election to be a Director or you are an AVEC Delegate and would like to serve on the Nominating Committee, please contact AVEC’s Executive Assistant and Publicist at 1-800-478-1818-ext. 5343
Nominating Committee Policy 2029
