Calista Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Calista has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, financial management, and real estate development.

Anchored in Alaska, Calista drives sustainable economic growth through the management of natural resources and the delivery of specialized construction, engineering, and environmental consulting services across the region.

Leadership Roles at Calista

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Matthew Nicolai
  • Chief Financial Officer - Sharon Burns
  • President, Calista Real Estate - Karim Ders
  • Chief Information Officer - Timothy Strait
  • Matthew Nicolai - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Matthew Nicolai, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Calista, directs the overarching strategic vision for the corporation. Overseeing the diverse portfolio of natural resource management and business operations, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the long-term economic goals of the regional shareholders. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine corporate governance and expand the footprint of environmental consulting services throughout Alaska. By prioritizing operational excellence, Matthew Nicolai fosters a culture of accountability across all subsidiaries. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that every business unit contributes to the broader mission of the organization. Through rigorous oversight of the executive team, Nicolai secures the financial health and operational integrity of the entire enterprise, positioning the corporation for continued success in a competitive market landscape.
    Matthew Nicolai

    Sharon Burns - Chief Financial Officer

    Sharon Burns, the Chief Financial Officer at Calista, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire organization. Overseeing the financial reporting and budgeting processes, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are effectively distributed to support construction, engineering, and environmental consulting initiatives. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous compliance standards while optimizing the balance sheet to support long-term investment in natural resource projects. By analyzing market trends, Sharon Burns provides the strategic insights necessary for the Board to make informed decisions regarding corporate expansion. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with operational heads to monitor project profitability and mitigate financial risks across the Alaskan market. Through disciplined fiscal management, Burns strengthens the economic foundation of the corporation. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the capital required to sustain growth and deliver consistent value to shareholders through prudent financial planning and execution.

    Karim Ders - President, Calista Real Estate

    Karim Ders, the President, Calista Real Estate at Calista, directs the development and management of the corporate real estate portfolio. Overseeing property acquisitions and land utilization, the President, Calista Real Estate ensures that all holdings align with the broader mission of maximizing value from natural resources and business operations. This role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to unlock the potential of land assets across Alaska. By identifying strategic opportunities for commercial and industrial development, Karim Ders expands the revenue base of the corporation. The President, Calista Real Estate collaborates with engineering and construction teams to ensure that property projects meet high standards of quality and environmental sustainability. Through proactive asset management, Ders drives the growth of the real estate division. Ultimately, the President, Calista Real Estate contributes to the long-term prosperity of the organization by transforming land assets into productive, income-generating ventures that support the regional economy.
    Karim Ders

    Timothy Strait - Chief Information Officer

    Timothy Strait, the Chief Information Officer at Calista, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support complex engineering and construction operations. Managing the technological landscape, the Chief Information Officer implements secure data systems that facilitate seamless communication across remote Alaskan project sites. This role involves integrating advanced software solutions to optimize environmental consulting workflows and improve project delivery timelines. By modernizing the internal network, Timothy Strait enhances the efficiency of business operations and protects critical corporate data from emerging cyber threats. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align technology investments with the strategic objectives of the corporation. Through the deployment of scalable cloud platforms, Strait ensures that the organization remains agile in a rapidly evolving digital environment. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer drives innovation by leveraging data analytics to inform better decision-making processes across all departments.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Calista Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Calista?
    Calista is led by Matthew Nicolai (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sharon Burns (Chief Financial Officer) and Karim Ders (President, Calista Real Estate).
    Who is part of Calista’s executive team?
    The executive team of Calista includes leaders such as Matthew Nicolai (President & Chief Executive Officer), Sharon Burns (Chief Financial Officer), Karim Ders (President, Calista Real Estate) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Calista have?
    Calista has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Calista’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Calista includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Calista Real Estate, Chief Information Officer.