The Anchorage ATHENA Society is pleased to announce the inductees into the Class of 2020. A group of 10 women have been chosen, representing a variety of fields and expertise.

The 2020 inductees are:

• Tammy Lee Ashley, Director of Program Operations, Alaska Native Justice Center
• Deena Bishop, Superintendent, Anchorage School District
• Deborah Bitney, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Rasmuson Foundation
• Lori Davey, Vice President, Enterprise Market, GCI
• Valerie Nurr’araaluk Davidson, President, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
• Amy Fredeen, Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President, Cook Inlet Tribal Council
• Kari C. Hall, Founder, Owner, Operator, Allure Day Spa and Hair Design
• Jodie Hettrick, Fire Chief, Anchorage Fire Department
• Cathleen N. McLaughlin, Owner/CEO, Restorative and Reentry Services
• Melinda Taylor, Communication Director, IBEW Local 1547

The ATHENA Leadership Award, the Society’s highest award, recognizes a former inductee for exceptional service. The 2020 recipient is: Carol Gore, President/CEO, Cook Inlet Housing Authority. Before joining CIHA, Gore was VP of Cook Inlet Region where she managed a national and Alaska-based portfolio valued at more than $200 million.

Anchorage ATHENAs and Sponsors of the 2020 ATHENA Luncheon:

As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Anchorage and across Alaska, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Sept. 28 event honoring the Anchorage ATHENA Class of 2020. As you know from our previous communication, we had made a commitment to take this step if cases did not decrease.

The ATHENA Planning Committee joins you in feeling disappointed in this decision, as we have attempted to honor our 2020 ATHENAs multiple times. But we know it’s the right step to help protect the health and safety of the community.

We are planning an opportunity for the honorees to receive their awards and take a group photo. Additionally, advertisements in various local media will announce our 2020 honorees and their leadership and business accomplishments.

It is planned that the ATHENA 2022 Nominations will open in January 2022 as normal. Watch the website for additional information. Please stay safe and healthy as you enjoy the remaining days of summer.