NANA Regional Corporation Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by its ANCSA origins, NANA Regional Corporation operates across 38,000-square miles in Northwest Alaska, focusing on sustainable growth and community development within its unique geographic and cultural landscape.

Leadership Roles at NANA Regional Corporation

  • Chief Executive Officer - Natari Nana
  • Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director - NanaNPapa Stepenup
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Sami Alhelwah
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Wayne Westlake
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Barbara Amy
  • Chief Operating Officer - Khalil Naseef
  • Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Lori Henry
  • President - James Smith
  • President - James Smith
  • Chief Technology Officer - Brian Cordova
  • Natari Nana - Chief Executive Officer

    Natari Nana, the Chief Executive Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the organization. This leadership role involves guiding NANA's diverse business units, ensuring alignment with its mission as a for-profit Alaska Native Corporation formed under ANCSA. Overseeing critical functions, Natari Nana drives initiatives that foster economic development and sustainability across the NANA region, largely situated above the Arctic Circle. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to managing stakeholder relationships, including those with ANCSA shareholders and the communities within the 38,000-square-mile NANA region. This executive ensures the corporation's long-term viability and positive impact, navigating complex operational landscapes and market dynamics. By championing innovation and responsible resource management, Natari Nana solidifies NANA Regional Corporation's position and commitment to its people and territory.

    NanaNPapa Stepenup - Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

    NanaNPapa Stepenup, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director at NANA Regional Corporation, spearheads the strategic direction and governance of the corporation. This dual role encompasses executive leadership and directorship, ensuring robust oversight of NANA's operations and adherence to its foundational ANCSA mandate. NanaNPapa Stepenup drives the organization's mission to promote economic prosperity and cultural preservation within the vast Northwest Alaska region. The Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director manages key relationships with tribal entities, government agencies, and business partners, fostering collaboration for regional advancement. This executive's purview includes the strategic allocation of resources and the development of long-term growth plans for the 38,000-square-mile territory. By focusing on sustainable development and community well-being, NanaNPapa Stepenup ensures NANA Regional Corporation effectively serves its shareholders and the broader population of its expansive operational area.

    Sami Alhelwah - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Sami Alhelwah, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, established the strategic framework and operational principles that guide the organization. This foundational role involves setting the long-term vision and ensuring the corporation's continued success as an Alaska Native Corporation. Sami Alhelwah oversees the execution of strategies designed to enhance economic opportunities and community development throughout the NANA region. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering innovation and maintaining strong connections with the diverse stakeholders across Northwest Alaska. This executive champions initiatives that leverage the unique resources and cultural heritage of the region, driving growth within the 38,000-square-mile operational footprint. By maintaining a focus on the core mission derived from ANCSA, Sami Alhelwah ensures NANA Regional Corporation remains a vital entity for its shareholders and the communities it serves.

    Wayne Westlake - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Wayne Westlake, the President & Chief Executive Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, directs the comprehensive strategic and operational activities of the enterprise. This leadership position involves steering NANA's diverse portfolio of businesses and ensuring its mission as a for-profit Alaska Native Corporation is advanced. Wayne Westlake oversees the implementation of growth strategies and operational efficiencies across the organization's extensive territory in Northwest Alaska. The President & Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes fostering strong corporate governance and stakeholder engagement, particularly with ANCSA shareholders and regional communities. This executive drives initiatives aimed at economic self-sufficiency and sustainable development within the 38,000-square-mile NANA region. By focusing on strategic partnerships and responsible management, Wayne Westlake ensures NANA Regional Corporation continues to thrive and contribute significantly to the region's prosperity.

    Barbara Amy - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Barbara Amy, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, directs the company's financial strategy, planning, and management. This vital role ensures the fiscal health and sustainability of NANA's operations across its extensive 38,000-square-mile territory in Northwest Alaska. Barbara Amy oversees all financial activities, including accounting, budgeting, treasury, and investor relations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and ANCSA guidelines. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing financial risks, optimizing capital structure, and driving financial performance to support the corporation's growth objectives. This executive plays a critical part in providing financial insights that inform strategic decision-making. By maintaining rigorous financial oversight, Barbara Amy safeguards NANA Regional Corporation's assets and enhances its capacity to serve its shareholders and communities.
    Barbara Amy

    Khalil Naseef - Chief Operating Officer

    Khalil Naseef, the Chief Operating Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, manages the day-to-day operational execution and efficiency across all business units. This critical role ensures that NANA's diverse operations, spanning 38,000-square miles in Northwest Alaska, function cohesively and effectively. Khalil Naseef oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives, focusing on optimizing resource allocation and driving productivity within the corporation's framework as an Alaska Native Corporation. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include streamlining processes, enhancing operational performance, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and ANCSA mandates. This executive plays a pivotal part in translating the company's strategic vision into tangible results, supporting sustainable growth and community development. By directing operational strategies, Khalil Naseef ensures NANA Regional Corporation maintains its commitment to excellence and shareholder value.
    Khalil Naseef

    Lori Henry - Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Lori Henry, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, shares responsibility for the operational oversight and strategic execution of the company's diverse business activities. This leadership position focuses on enhancing operational performance and driving efficiency across the 38,000-square-mile NANA region. Lori Henry collaborates with other executive leaders to implement strategies that support NANA's mission as a for-profit Alaska Native Corporation, ensuring seamless integration of operations. The Vice President & Chief Operating Officer's duties include managing key operational projects, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring adherence to corporate objectives. This executive contributes significantly to the company's ability to achieve its growth targets and deliver value to its shareholders. By focusing on operational excellence, Lori Henry reinforces NANA Regional Corporation's commitment to sustainable development and community impact.

    James Smith - President

    James Smith, the President at NANA Regional Corporation, leads specific strategic initiatives and operational divisions within the organization. This role involves driving key business objectives and ensuring alignment with the overall corporate mission across the 38,000-square-mile NANA region. James Smith oversees the performance of designated business units, focusing on enhancing profitability and operational effectiveness. The President's responsibilities include fostering strong leadership within their purview and contributing to the strategic planning process. This executive plays a crucial part in executing NANA's mandate as a for-profit Alaska Native Corporation, supporting economic development and community well-being. By directing focused efforts, James Smith ensures NANA Regional Corporation continues to achieve its goals and deliver value to its shareholders and the people of Northwest Alaska.

    James Smith - President

    James Smith, the President at NANA Regional Corporation, directs specific strategic imperatives and operational functions critical to the company's success. This leadership position focuses on advancing NANA's mission within its expansive 38,000-square-mile territory, ensuring operational excellence and strategic growth. James Smith oversees the performance of key business segments, driving initiatives that enhance shareholder value and support community development in Northwest Alaska. The President's responsibilities include fostering cross-functional collaboration and ensuring strategic alignment across various departments. This executive is instrumental in translating corporate strategy into actionable plans, reinforcing NANA Regional Corporation's commitment to sustainable practices and economic prosperity. By leading targeted efforts, James Smith ensures the corporation effectively serves its stakeholders and fulfills its ANCSA obligations.

    Brian Cordova - Chief Technology Officer

    Brian Cordova, the Chief Technology Officer at NANA Regional Corporation, architects and directs the company's technology strategy and infrastructure. This role is crucial for leveraging technological advancements to support NANA's mission across its vast 38,000-square-mile operational area in Northwest Alaska. Brian Cordova oversees the development and implementation of innovative technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency, data management, and digital engagement for the corporation. The Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities include managing IT resources, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives, ensuring robust and secure technological frameworks. This executive plays a key part in enabling NANA Regional Corporation to adapt to evolving technological landscapes and maintain a competitive edge. By driving technological innovation, Brian Cordova supports the company's long-term growth and its commitment to serving its shareholders and communities.

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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 NanaNPapa Stepenup (Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director) 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), NanaNPapa Stepenup (Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director), 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, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.