THE FUTURE OF OUR CHAPTER, IS IN THE HANDS OF OUR MEMBERS.

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IRWA SOURDOUGH CHAPTER 49’S NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS

RECOGNITION OF ONE OF US, IS RECOGNITION OF ALL OF US 

We encourage our members to take the time needed to nominate the member professionals, employers, and projects that demonstrate outstanding contributions to the IRWA profession, organization, and the public.  As fellow Chapter 49 members, we appreciate seeing such tremendous dedication by our members in elevating the ethics, learning, and standard of excellence in the Alaska infrastructure right of way community.  We ask that you think about those members, employers, and projects that personify the standards of excellence in our profession and to take the time to nominate them for our annual awards. The Deadline for Submissions is October 15, of each year.

Professional of the Year will be nominated to the regional level with that winner nominated to the international level.

An Awards Gala is in the works for January 31, 2025. Let’s make this the best year yet for nominees!!

If that weren’t enough, nomination submitters are entered in our annual “Engagement Drawing” for a free membership.

Your Chapter 49 Nominations and Elections Chair is responsible for two main functions.

1. Organizing and reviewing the member nominations and election verification of the Annual Chapter 49 Executive Board of Directors for the positions of: 

  • President and International Director

  • Vice President and International Director

  • Treasurer

  • Secretary

2. Organizing and verifying nominations, and selecting subcommittee members for the review/selection of nominees for Chapter 49’s Annual Recognition Awards for… 

SOURDOUGH CHAPTER 49’S RECOGNITION AWARD VOTING RESULTS

  • Name: Deanna Kilburn, SR/WA

    Nominated By: Cynthia Coughlin, SR/WA

    IRWA Participation:

    • Chapter 49 Professional Development Chair

    • SPC Committee Member

    • Chapter 49 President

    • Chapter 49 Vice-President

    • Chapter 49 Education Chair

    • Attended virtually every meeting and lunch & learn presentation in last 3 years

    • Key contributor to all Chapter 49 functions

  • Name of Project: DOT&PF Tundra Ridge Relocation with Electric Power Systems (EPS) as Consultant.

  • Name: Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)

    Nominated By: Matt Walsh, SR/WA

    Summary: DOT&PF pays for paid time to attend IRWA functions to include tuition for training courses, time spent as a member of the board, registration and per diem for travel expenses for participation at regional and international levels.

  • Name: Mychael Alfaro, SR/WA

    Nominated By: Claire Mueller, SR/WA and Paula Brault, SR/WA

    IRWA Participation:

    • Chapter 49 Website Chair (2022-Current) Completely rebuilt and maintains our Chapter 49 website

    • SPC Committee Member

    • Event Planner

    • Chapter 49 President (2021-2022)

    • Chapter 49 Vice-President (2020-2021)

    • Chapter 49 Secretary (2020-2019)

    • Attended virtually every meeting in last 3 years

    • Key contributor to all Chapter 49 functions

    Professional Experience:

    • DOT&PF (2014 - Current)

    • DOWL (2009 - 2013)

    • R&M (2006 - 2009)

    From Claire and Paula: “As a lead in the Property Management section of DOT&PF, Mychael continually strives to improve processes and provide excellent relations with the community. She is always willing to step in and help and provides a plethora of ideas and solutions that allow our chapter to accomplish our goals. She is responsible and completes the tasks she volunteers for.

  • Name of Project: No Qualifying Projects Nominated

  • Name: DOWL Engineering

    Nominated By: Nominated By: Claire Mueller, SR/WA and Paula Brault, SR/WA

    Summary: DOWL pays for all expenses including travel and paid time to attend all functions. In addition DOWL provides paid time to serve on any committees and board member positions in support of the IRWA at both the chapter level and the international level.

    Currently all three DOWL employee/members participate at the Chapter level as course coordinators, the communications chair, the membership chair, the programs chair, the treasurer, and members of the SPC.

    DOWL has supported the immediate past president in travel to all forums and conferences and currently supports the Region INEC Representative and International Co-Chair of the INEC.

    DOWL currently provides facilities multiple times a month for IRWA activities, including meeting space for the SPC committee, meeting space for the Executive Board Meeting, and luncheons held in Anchorage.

    DOWL also hosts in person classes in their training room on a regular basis.

  • Name: Claire Mueller, SR/WA

    Nominated By: Andrew Fraiser, SR/WA

    IRWA Participation:

    • Chapter 49 Newsletter Chair (2013-2014)

    • Chapter 49 Secretary (2014-2015)

    • Chapter 49 Treasurer (2015-Present)

    • Region 7 INEC Vice-Chair & Representative (2019-Present)

    • Instrumental in organizing 50th Anniversary Celebration for Chapter 49

    • Near perfect attendance for all chapter meetings and events

    • A key contributor to all Chapter 49 functions

    • Attended 6 IRWA International Education Conferences

    Professional Experience:

    • DOWL (2013-Present)

    • Real Estate Services Manager and Broker

    From Andrew Fraiser, SR/WA: “I have watched Mrs. Mueller grow from an entry-level ROW agent to a leader in the profession. Mrs. Mueller’s services are sought by many clients. Her leadership in the chapter extends beyond her many roles.”

  • Name of Project: Knik-Goose Bay Road Reconstruction Phase I – Fairview Loop to Centaur Avenue

    Name of Organizations: Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) & Electric Power Systems, Inc. (EPS)

    Nominated By: Fred Mortimer, AICP, SR/WA (EPS)

    Summary: This project was selected for its unique nature and variety of complex challenges. Being the top priority infrastructure project for the State of Alaska, the ROW acquisition process was expedited to every extent possible by utilizing DOT&PF’s Acquisition Incentive Program to acquire 137 parcels. The first offer for acquisition was made June 23, 2020 and the last was transmitted October 27, 2021, all completed during the height of the COVID pandemic. Acquisitions required a number of complex title clearing efforts and only three were referred to the AG’s office for condemnation proceedings. The project also required five complex business relocations including an automotive repair facility, a seamstress shop, a Subway restaurant, a tattoo shop, and a taekwondo school.

  • Name: ENSTAR Natural Gas Company

    Nominated By: Andrew Fraiser, SR/WA

    Summary: ENSTAR has three ROW staff members, all of which are IRWA members. In 2021, ENSTAR paid 100% of course fees for 6 courses including 900, 603, 800, 801, and 103. It supports employee participation in the IRWA, attendance at meetings, forums, and conferences. Engagement in the chapter is encouraged and its value is recognized by management. ENSTAR has a long tradition of supporting the IRWA starting with Dan Westervelt and Manny Lopez, and now continuing through Andrew Fraiser, Sterling Lopez, and Jimmy Christopher.

ADDITIONAL NOMINATION OPPORTUNITIES

Your Nominations and Elections Chair will happily assist Chapter 49 members with the preparation and submittal of annual nominations for both Region 7 and International Awards, including:

SCHEDULE OF EVENT TIMELINES

EVENT TYPE - NOMINATION OR ELECTION / SELECTION

EVENT BEGINS

EVENT ENDS

ELECTION / SELECTION PRESENTED TO MEMBERS

Chapter 49 Officer Installation

Nomination Submissions

Elections

March Membership Meeting

After April’s Membership Meeting

April Membership Meeting - (Last opportunity to run from the floor.  Nominee must accept nomination)

Day Before May Membership Meeting

April Membership Meeting

May Membership Meeting and Chapter 49 Executive Board Installation and Summer Social Event - June Date TBD

Chapter 49 Recognition Awards

Nomination Submissions

Review and Selection

Early September

October 16

October 15

October 31

N/A

January Member Meeting and Chapter 49’s Executive Board Installation / Summer Social

Region 7 Awards

Nominations Submitted by Chapter 49

Review and Selection

November 1

Amending - TBD

November 30

Amending - TBD

N/A

Spring Forum

Post-Education Conference

February 1

International Education Conference

International Awards and INEC Nominations