Over a decade ago, CIRI descendant Jorie Paoli worked for CIRI as the community relations intern, then moved into a clerk position within the data records management department. From there she began her professional career in serving Alaska Native people and giving back to the community.
She accepted a position with Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) – the social services arm of the CIRI family of nonprofits – where she served for nearly nine years. Throughout her work within CITC, she actively developed her skills and education to maximize her potential to positively contribute to developing the potential of CITC employees and CITC’s Alaska Native and American Indian participants. Paoli began as CITC’s Tribal Scholarships Counselor and prior to joining First Alaskans Institute (FAI) in 2010, she served as CITC’s Institutional Advancement Officer.
This May, Paoli was promoted to director of organizational advancement at FAI in Anchorage after serving for three years as FAI’s policy and research coordinator. The position evolved from a new initiative area within First Alaskans focusing on empowering FAI’s indigenous organizational effectiveness.
“Jorie brings an unwavering love and deep appreciation for our Alaska Native peoples and communities along with an exceptional commitment to our vision and mission,” said Liz Medicine Crow (Haida/Tlingit), President/CEO. “In this position, she will be able to maximize her indigeneity and strong background in non-profit management, organizational development, and team building to accelerate our work to advance our community.”
With financial support from The CIRI Foundation, CITC and Kawerak’s scholarship and grant programs, Paoli graduated with a Bachelors in Organizational Management with a Nonprofit Emphasis from Alaska Pacific University.
Paoli’s other achievements include being an alumna of several professional programs including the Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Foraker Group and Leadership Anchorage. She served three terms as Chair of the Alaska Native Professional Association board and served as the Vice Chair on the Beyond Borders board of directors.
“I have been incredibly blessed to have so much support throughout my career thus far,” Paoli said. “I look forward to giving back through the meaningful work I get to do every day for our community.” Paoli is the granddaughter of Stanton and Irene Katchatag from Unalakleet and daughter of CIRI shareholder Vernita Herdman and Doug Herdman.
