NANA Regional Corporation Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

NANA Regional Corporation has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, finance, and shareholder relations.

Rooted in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, NANA Regional Corporation advances economic prosperity for shareholders while managing vast natural resources across Northwest Alaska through sustainable development and community-focused business initiatives.

Leadership Roles at NANA Regional Corporation

  • Chief Executive Officer - Natari Nana
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Wayne Westlake
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Sami Alhelwah
  • Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director - NanaNPapa Stepenup
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Barbara Amy
  • Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Lori Henry
  • President - James Smith
  • President - Javier Magdaleno
  • Chief Technology Officer - Brian Cordova
  • Vice President, Shareholder Relations - Sandra Kowalski
  • Natari Nana - Chief Executive Officer

    Natari Nana, the Chief Executive Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, directs the overarching strategic vision for the conglomerate. Overseeing the diverse portfolio of business interests, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act mandates. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while driving growth across the 38,000-square mile region. By fostering partnerships with regional stakeholders, Natari Nana secures long-term economic stability for the corporation. The Chief Executive Officer prioritizes sustainable resource management to benefit shareholders. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance, the Chief Executive Officer maintains operational excellence across all subsidiaries. This executive position demands constant vigilance regarding market shifts in the Arctic. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer builds a resilient foundation for future generations by balancing immediate profitability with the preservation of cultural heritage and land integrity within the Northwest Alaska territory.

    Wayne Westlake - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Wayne Westlake, the President & Chief Executive Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, manages the daily execution of corporate objectives. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Westlake coordinates the integration of various business units to maximize shareholder value. This role requires deep engagement with the unique economic landscape of Northwest Alaska. By streamlining internal processes, the President & Chief Executive Officer enhances organizational efficiency across the conglomerate. Wayne Westlake drives initiatives that support regional development while adhering to the core mission of the corporation. The President & Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the board to refine long-term investment strategies. Through active management of corporate assets, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent performance in competitive markets. This leadership function focuses on scaling operations to meet the evolving needs of the shareholder base. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the financial position of the organization through disciplined fiscal management and strategic expansion.

    Sami Alhelwah - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Sami Alhelwah, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, architects the foundational business frameworks that guide the conglomerate. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Alhelwah establishes the strategic priorities that define the corporate trajectory. This role involves identifying new market opportunities that align with the specific economic goals of the Alaska Native Corporation. By cultivating a culture of innovation, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer drives the development of new service lines. Sami Alhelwah oversees the alignment of corporate activities with the broader mission of supporting shareholder prosperity. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer engages with external partners to expand the reach of the organization beyond the Arctic Circle. Through visionary leadership, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures the corporation remains adaptable to global economic trends. This executive role requires balancing immediate operational demands with the long-term vision of the organization. Ultimately, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the corporation through strategic foresight.

    NanaNPapa Stepenup - Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

    NanaNPapa Stepenup, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director at NANA Regional Corporation, governs the intersection of executive strategy and board-level oversight. As the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, Stepenup ensures that all corporate actions remain consistent with the directives of the board. This role involves managing the complex relationship between the corporation and its shareholders. By facilitating communication between leadership and the board, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director maintains transparency in all business dealings. NanaNPapa Stepenup drives the implementation of policies that protect the interests of the Alaska Native community. The Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director oversees the execution of large-scale projects that impact the regional economy. Through careful monitoring of performance metrics, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director optimizes the delivery of services. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of the regulatory framework governing the corporation. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director ensures the long-term viability of the organization.

    Barbara Amy - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Barbara Amy, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, manages the financial health and capital allocation of the conglomerate. As the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Amy oversees the budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes. This role involves ensuring the fiscal stability of the corporation while supporting growth initiatives across Northwest Alaska. By optimizing the capital structure, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer maximizes returns for shareholders. Barbara Amy collaborates with the executive team to evaluate the financial viability of new business ventures. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer maintains rigorous internal controls to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Through strategic financial planning, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer mitigates risks associated with market volatility. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of the economic nuances of the region. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the financial future of the organization.
    Barbara Amy

    Lori Henry - Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Lori Henry, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, directs the daily operational activities of the conglomerate. Overseeing the execution of business plans, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that all departments function in harmony. This role involves managing the logistics and supply chain requirements across the expansive regional footprint. By streamlining workflows, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer enhances the overall productivity of the organization. Lori Henry collaborates with other executives to implement strategies that drive operational excellence. The Vice President & Chief Operating Officer monitors performance indicators to identify areas for improvement. Through the effective management of resources, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer supports the achievement of corporate goals. This leadership function focuses on maintaining high standards of service delivery. Ultimately, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the corporation operates efficiently to meet the needs of shareholders and regional stakeholders.

    James Smith - President

    James Smith, the President at NANA Regional Corporation, leads the development of specific business units within the conglomerate. As the President, Smith focuses on expanding the market presence of the corporation in the energy sector. This role involves identifying new opportunities for resource development that align with the sustainability goals of the region. By managing the operational teams, the President ensures that projects are delivered on time and within budget. James Smith collaborates with other leaders to integrate these projects into the broader corporate strategy. The President monitors industry trends to maintain a competitive advantage in the market. Through the effective management of assets, the President drives revenue growth for the organization. This leadership function focuses on scaling the energy portfolio to support long-term economic development. Ultimately, the President strengthens the position of the corporation as a key player in the regional economy through disciplined project management and strategic growth.

    Javier Magdaleno - President

    Javier Magdaleno, the President at NANA Regional Corporation, leads the expansion of the federal contracting and services division. As the President, Magdaleno oversees the pursuit of government contracts that provide stable revenue streams for the corporation. This role involves managing the relationships with federal agencies to ensure consistent performance. By optimizing the service delivery model, the President enhances the reputation of the corporation in the federal marketplace. Javier Magdaleno directs the teams responsible for executing complex service agreements. The President collaborates with the executive leadership to align these contracts with the overall mission of the organization. Through the strategic acquisition of new business, the President drives growth in the services sector. This leadership function focuses on diversifying the revenue base of the corporation. Ultimately, the President secures the financial stability of the organization by building a strong portfolio of federal contracts that support the long-term prosperity of shareholders.

    Brian Cordova - Chief Technology Officer

    Brian Cordova, the Chief Technology Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, directs the digital transformation of the conglomerate. Overseeing the implementation of scalable infrastructure, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all business units utilize modern tools to improve operational efficiency. This role involves securing the data assets of the corporation against emerging threats. By integrating advanced analytics into the decision-making process, the Chief Technology Officer supports the strategic goals of the organization. Brian Cordova manages the deployment of technology solutions across the vast 38,000-square mile region. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align technical capabilities with business requirements. Through the modernization of internal systems, the Chief Technology Officer drives productivity gains across the enterprise. This leadership function focuses on leveraging technology to enhance shareholder services. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer builds a robust digital foundation that enables the corporation to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving global market.

    Sandra Kowalski - Vice President, Shareholder Relations

    Sandra Kowalski, the Vice President, Shareholder Relations at NANA Regional Corporation, manages the critical connection between the corporation and its shareholders. As the Vice President, Shareholder Relations, Kowalski oversees the communication strategies that keep the community informed about corporate progress. This role involves facilitating engagement programs that empower shareholders. By fostering strong relationships, the Vice President, Shareholder Relations ensures that the mission of the corporation remains aligned with the values of the Alaska Native community. Sandra Kowalski directs the distribution of information regarding dividends and corporate benefits. The Vice President, Shareholder Relations collaborates with the board to address shareholder concerns and feedback. Through proactive outreach, the Vice President, Shareholder Relations strengthens the bond between the organization and its constituents. This leadership position requires a deep commitment to transparency and community service. Ultimately, the Vice President, Shareholder Relations ensures that the corporation remains accountable to the people it serves.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NANA Regional Corporation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NANA Regional Corporation?
    NANA Regional Corporation is led by Natari Nana (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Wayne Westlake (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Sami Alhelwah (Founder & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of NANA Regional Corporation’s executive team?
    The executive team of NANA Regional Corporation includes leaders such as Natari Nana (Chief Executive Officer), Wayne Westlake (President & Chief Executive Officer), Sami Alhelwah (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NANA Regional Corporation have?
    NANA Regional Corporation has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NANA Regional Corporation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NANA Regional Corporation includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.