CIRI shareholder Barbara Donatelli (Yup’ik) joined CIRI in 1980 and has been a vice president of the company since 1987. In her most recent position as senior vice president, she served as CIRI’s chief administrative officer overseeing the company’s shareholder relations, government relations, corporate affairs and information technology departments.
In addition to her business acumen, Donatelli is dedicated to helping preserve and perpetuate Alaska Native culture and heritage, active in her community, and known for her kind heart and generosity. She directed CIRI’s corporate giving program for many years and is well known for her dedication to CIRI’s family of socially driven enterprises, including her current service on the board of commissioners of Cook Inlet Housing Authority. Over the years she has also been active in several other Alaska nonprofit, charitable and civic interests, such as serving on the boards of directors of the Alaska Children’s Trust, Alaska Community Foundation, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Anchorage Museum Association, Food Bank of Alaska, Get Out the Native Vote, United Way of Anchorage and many other organizations. She is a 1998 YWCA Women of Achievement award recipient, a member of the Anchorage ATHENA Society and was selected as one of the Alaska Journal of Commerce’s Top 25 Most Powerful Alaskans in 1999.
“Over her 40-plus years, Barbara has positively impacted many people— our shareholders and their families, CIRI staff, the broader Alaska Native community and the community at large,” said CIRI President and CEO Sophie Minich. “As a valued member of our executive team, she oversaw many changes and exciting developments, including a number of strategic investments and programs that will benefit shareholders and descendants for years to come. Her leadership and counsel have helped guide CIRI’s success and we are grateful for her many years of dedicated service.”
Donatelli’s retirement plans include spending time with her family and tending to her peony farm in Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Valley. CIRI wishes her well in all her future endeavors!
