CIRI Director Doug Fifer was selected as one of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s (NCAIED) “Native American 40 Under 40” recipients on Aug. 14. NCAIED presented the award to Fifer and the other recipients at a reception before the organization’s Indian Progress in Business Awards Banquet on Sept. 18 in Tulsa, Okla.
“It is an honor to be recognized for such an award. It shows that hard work and persistence can make a difference,” said Fifer. “I look forward to continuing my efforts in supporting nonprofits within our community.”
NCAIED is a national organization dedicated to developing Native American economic self-sufficiency through business ownership. Its “Native American 40 Under 40” awards recognize 40 young Native Americans from around the country who have made significant contributions in their businesses, communities and Indian Country.
Fifer has served on the CIRI Board of Directors since 2006 and is currently the Board’s assistant secretary. He serves on CIRI-affiliated nonprofit organization Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s board and is the chair of their Finance and Investment Committee. Fifer is an Anchorage police officer and a union representative of the Anchorage Police Department Employee Association. He owns a small business in South Anchorage, WineStyles. Fifer is a volunteer child counselor with Volunteers of Alaska and a volunteer youth mentor with Cook Inlet Tribal Council.
Fifer earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Management, with an emphasis on Human Resources Management, at Wayland Baptist University.
