NANA Regional Corporation Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to economic prosperity for Alaska Native shareholders, NANA Regional Corporation advances sustainable development across Northwest Alaska while preserving cultural heritage and fostering long-term regional growth through diverse business investments.

Leadership Roles at NANA Regional Corporation

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

    Tums Manu, the Chief Executive Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, directs the overarching strategic vision for the conglomerate. Focusing on the unique economic landscape of Northwest Alaska, the Chief Executive Officer manages complex business portfolios that align with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational excellence across all subsidiaries. By prioritizing sustainable growth, Tums Manu drives the corporation toward long-term profitability. The Chief Executive Officer monitors market trends to identify new opportunities within the Arctic region and beyond. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the organization. This position requires balancing immediate financial performance with the long-term interests of shareholders. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the corporation by fostering innovation and maintaining strong community ties throughout the vast 38,000-square mile region.

    Sami Alhelwah - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Sami Alhelwah, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, architects the foundational business models that define the organization. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Alhelwah focuses on the integration of traditional values with modern corporate practices to maximize shareholder value. This role involves identifying strategic partnerships that expand the reach of the corporation into global markets while maintaining a strong presence in Alaska. By overseeing the development of new business ventures, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the company remains competitive in the conglomerate sector. Alhelwah manages the alignment of corporate objectives with the specific needs of the NANA region. This leadership position requires deep analytical skills to navigate the complexities of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Through consistent focus on growth and efficiency, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer drives the organization toward achieving its mission of economic self-sufficiency for all shareholders.

    NanaNPapa Stepenup - Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

    NanaNPapa Stepenup, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director at NANA Regional Corporation, manages the intersection of executive strategy and board-level governance. As the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, Stepenup oversees the implementation of policies that support the economic development of the Northwest Alaska region. This role involves coordinating with other C-suite leaders to ensure that all business units operate in accordance with the mission of the corporation. By directing the strategic planning process, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director ensures that the organization remains focused on its core objectives. Stepenup monitors the performance of various subsidiaries to guarantee that each contributes to the overall financial health of the company. This leadership position requires a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory environment surrounding Alaska Native Corporations. Through effective management of resources, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director drives the corporation toward sustainable success and long-term prosperity for the entire shareholder base.

    Wayne Westlake - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Wayne Westlake, the President & Chief Executive Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, leads the daily operations and long-term strategic initiatives of the organization. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Westlake focuses on optimizing the performance of the diverse business units that comprise the conglomerate. This role involves managing the executive team to ensure that all departments work toward common goals. By overseeing the expansion of operations across the 38,000-square mile region, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the corporation maintains its market position. Westlake drives the implementation of policies that enhance shareholder value and promote economic development. This leadership position requires constant engagement with stakeholders to ensure that the company remains responsive to the needs of the community. Through strategic decision-making, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the financial stability of the organization while fostering a culture of excellence and accountability across all levels of the business.

    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 strategies of the organization. As the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Amy oversees the budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes that ensure transparency and accountability. This role involves analyzing the performance of various business units to identify opportunities for cost optimization and revenue growth. By directing the financial planning for the corporation, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are allocated effectively to support the mission of the company. Amy collaborates with the Board to maintain fiscal discipline and compliance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. This leadership position requires a rigorous approach to risk management and investment strategy. Through precise financial oversight, Barbara Amy drives the organization toward achieving its long-term economic goals and securing the financial future of the shareholders.
    Barbara Amy

    Lori Henry - Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Lori Henry, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, directs the internal processes and operational workflows that sustain the conglomerate. As the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Henry focuses on streamlining the activities of the various subsidiaries to improve overall efficiency. This role involves managing the day-to-day operations to ensure that all business units meet their performance targets. By overseeing the logistics and resource management across the 38,000-square mile region, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the company maintains its operational capacity. Henry collaborates with other executives to implement strategies that enhance productivity and reduce waste. This leadership position requires a hands-on approach to problem-solving and process improvement. Through the effective management of internal systems, Lori Henry drives the organization toward operational excellence and supports the broader strategic objectives of the corporation in the competitive Alaska market.

    Imran Bhatti - President

    Imran Bhatti, the President at NANA Regional Corporation, leads the execution of specific business unit strategies within the conglomerate. As the President, Bhatti focuses on the growth and development of key sectors that contribute to the overall success of the organization. This role involves managing the operational teams to ensure that all projects are delivered on time and within budget. By overseeing the expansion of market reach, the President ensures that the corporation remains a leader in its industry. Bhatti collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align the activities of the business unit with the broader mission of the company. This leadership position requires a strong focus on performance metrics and strategic planning. Through the effective management of personnel and resources, Imran Bhatti drives the organization toward achieving its growth targets and maintaining a strong competitive advantage in the diverse markets served by the corporation.

    James Smith - President

    James Smith, the President at NANA Regional Corporation, manages the strategic development of specialized business divisions within the conglomerate. As the President, Smith focuses on identifying new market opportunities and driving innovation within the assigned sectors. This role involves overseeing the operational teams to ensure that all business activities align with the core mission of the corporation. By directing the implementation of growth strategies, the President ensures that the organization remains competitive in the evolving economic landscape. Smith collaborates with other C-suite leaders to optimize the performance of the business units and maximize shareholder value. This leadership position requires a focus on long-term sustainability and operational efficiency. Through the effective management of resources and personnel, James Smith drives the organization toward achieving its strategic objectives and maintaining a strong presence in the diverse industries that define the business model of the corporation.

    Brian Cordova - Chief Technology Officer

    Brian Cordova, the Chief Technology Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, directs the digital transformation and infrastructure strategy for the entire organization. As the Chief Technology Officer, Cordova oversees the implementation of advanced systems that support the diverse business operations of the conglomerate. This role involves managing the cybersecurity framework to protect corporate assets and shareholder data. By architecting scalable technology solutions, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all subsidiaries have the tools necessary to compete in a modern market. Cordova collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align technological investments with the overall business strategy. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges associated with operating in remote regions like Northwest Alaska. Through the deployment of innovative software and hardware, the Chief Technology Officer drives operational efficiency and supports the long-term growth objectives of the corporation. Brian Cordova ensures that the company remains at the forefront of technological advancement.

    Sandra Kowalski - Vice President, Shareholder Relations

    Sandra Kowalski, the Vice President, Shareholder Relations at NANA Regional Corporation, directs the communication and engagement strategies for the shareholder base. As the Vice President, Shareholder Relations, Kowalski focuses on maintaining strong connections with the Alaska Native community and ensuring that shareholders are informed about the activities of the corporation. This role involves managing the outreach programs that support the cultural and economic well-being of the region. By overseeing the distribution of information and the management of shareholder inquiries, the Vice President, Shareholder Relations ensures that the company remains transparent and accountable. Kowalski collaborates with other executives to align shareholder interests with the strategic direction of the organization. This leadership position requires a deep commitment to the values and mission of the corporation. Through effective communication, Sandra Kowalski drives the organization toward building trust and fostering long-term relationships with the shareholders across the entire region.

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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 Tums Manu (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sami Alhelwah (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and NanaNPapa Stepenup (Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director).
    Who is part of NANA Regional Corporation’s executive team?
    The executive team of NANA Regional Corporation includes leaders such as Tums Manu (Chief Executive Officer), Sami Alhelwah (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), NanaNPapa Stepenup (Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director) 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, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.