Calista Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Calista has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, financial management, marketing, and real estate development.

Focused on sustainable growth and regional prosperity, Calista delivers essential construction, engineering, and environmental consulting services while managing diverse natural resources across Alaska to ensure long-term economic stability for shareholders.

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
  • Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer - Minho Jeon
  • 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 integration of construction, engineering, and environmental consulting services, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the long-term economic goals of the regional shareholder base. This leadership role involves managing complex natural resource portfolios while driving operational excellence across all business units. By fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders, Matthew Nicolai secures competitive advantages within the Alaskan market. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous oversight of corporate governance, ensuring that all business activities adhere to the mission of regional prosperity. Through consistent focus on sustainable development, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the market position of the organization. Ultimately, Nicolai drives the expansion of service capabilities to meet evolving industrial demands while maintaining the core values of the corporation.
    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 corporation. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and investment analysis, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the growth of construction and environmental consulting divisions. This leadership role involves maintaining transparency with shareholders while optimizing the financial performance of diverse natural resource assets. By implementing robust internal controls, Sharon Burns mitigates risk and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to evaluate new business opportunities and capital projects. Through disciplined financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer secures the liquidity required for long-term operational stability. Ultimately, Burns drives the financial strategy that sustains the economic impact of the organization, ensuring that all fiscal decisions align with the mission of regional development and shareholder value.

    Karim Ders - President, Calista Real Estate

    Karim Ders, the President, Calista Real Estate at Calista, directs the acquisition, development, and management of real estate assets. Overseeing the expansion of property portfolios, the President, Calista Real Estate ensures that land use aligns with the broader economic goals of the corporation. This leadership role involves evaluating commercial and industrial sites to support construction and engineering operations. By optimizing asset utilization, Karim Ders generates consistent revenue streams that contribute to the overall financial health of the organization. The President, Calista Real Estate collaborates with regional stakeholders to identify development projects that provide long-term value. Through strategic planning, the President, Calista Real Estate manages the lifecycle of property investments from acquisition to divestment. Ultimately, Ders drives the growth of the real estate division, ensuring that all land management activities support the mission of regional development and sustainable resource utilization.
    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. Overseeing the modernization of data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that information flows securely across all regional business units. This leadership role involves implementing advanced analytics to optimize natural resource management and environmental consulting workflows. By deploying scalable technology solutions, Timothy Strait enhances operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities for the entire executive team. The Chief Information Officer manages cybersecurity protocols to protect critical corporate assets and proprietary data. Through the integration of cloud-based platforms, the Chief Information Officer supports the digital transformation of the organization. Ultimately, Strait drives technological innovation to maintain a competitive edge in the Alaskan market, ensuring that all digital tools align with the broader strategic objectives of the corporation.

    Minho Jeon - Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer

    Minho Jeon, the Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer at Calista, architects the brand identity and market positioning for the corporation. Overseeing the communication of construction and engineering capabilities, the Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the value proposition reaches key stakeholders across the region. This leadership role involves developing outreach strategies that highlight the environmental consulting expertise of the organization. By analyzing market trends, Minho Jeon identifies new opportunities for service expansion and business development. The Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer manages public relations and corporate messaging to strengthen the reputation of the firm. Through targeted campaigns, the Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer drives engagement with potential partners and clients. Ultimately, Jeon drives the growth of the brand, ensuring that all marketing initiatives reflect the commitment to regional prosperity and sustainable business practices within the Alaskan market.

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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 5 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, Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer.