Coastal Chronicles October 11, 2023

Stay current on all things Southcoast Region

Celebrating new folks, transfers, and promotions!

We're pleased to announce Alex Guthrie is the new Southeast District Superintendent! Alex has been a valuable member of our Petersburg M&O team and has excellent knowledge of airport operations. Alex has been a key team member on our chip seal crew and the lead on our catch basin/culvert crew. Alex has also worked in various construction roles within our contractor community. He brings valuable budget experience, having a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and from being a former small business owner. If you have not had the pleasure of working with Alex, we're sure you will enjoy the opportunities to come. Alex truly cares about the work he does for the State of Alaska and the people with whom he works. Alex will finish the week helping the Petersburg crew as an equipment operator. He starts his new role as Southeast District Superintendent on October 16, 2023. Alex will continue to live and work from Petersburg.


Erika Vejar

Please welcome Erika Vejar as a new Right-Of-Way Agent 2 in Southcoast Region ROW!

“I was born in California but moved to Juneau when I was 4 years old. Juneau has been my home ever since. I raised two boys here with my husband and we are currently empty nesters."

"I am very close with my family. When I am not working, I like to stay connected with my boys with online gaming and just hanging out with my husband."

"Before joining the team here, I was an Escrow Officer for over 10 years and have a background in lending and banking. I am very excited to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to our organization.”


Andrew Holstrom

Please welcome back Andrew Holstrom as an Equipment Operator at our King Salmon M&O Station! Andrew is on his second stint of working with DOT&PF.  Andrew grew up in South Naknek and has worked with Glacier Construction and Peak Oilfield Servies.  Along with his wife, Marilou, he has 7 children and 15 grandkids.  He enjoys tinkering with motors as well as playing pool and darts.


Sara Brown

We are pleased to announce Sara Brown's promotion to Administrative Operations Manager (AOM), effective October 5, 2023. Sara has been an integral part of our team in the Southcoast Region since March 2018, holding various roles, with her most recent position being Regional Recruitment Coordinator.

Sara's extensive experience within the region has equipped her with valuable knowledge and skills that will seamlessly transition into her new role as AOM. In her new capacity, Sara will oversee the administrative support and project control functions within the region, ensuring their efficient and effective operation.

We are confident that Sara will excel in her new role and continue to contribute significantly to our team and organization. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved promotion.


Konan Lind

Please welcome Konan Lind to DOT&PF Southcoast Region! Konan joined the King Salmon M&O Station as an Equipment Operator in April.  He is from Port Heiden and graduated from King Salmon. 

He has previously commercially fished as well as worked for Penn Air and Peak Oilfield Services.  Konan has a son who shares his name and they both love to fish, hunt and camp.


Michael Lomocso

Please join us in congratulating Michael Lomocso on joining Southcoast Region as an Engineering Assistant 1 for the Construction Team!

Michael is starting out with us as an Engineering Assistant I on a track to become a project engineer. Michael has a degree in civil engineering and a lot of life experience and is very excited for the opportunity to return to engineering and pursue his goal of becoming a registered professional civil engineer.


Nathaniel “Nate” Meinen

Please welcome Nathaniel “Nate” Meinen, formerly from Bloomer, Wisconsin.  He married his wife, Krista, on October 27, 2022 and started his new job with Statewide Equipment Fleet (SEF) in Cold Bay on October 29, 2022.  

Nate joined our Cold Bay M&O team as an Equipment Operator in late August 2023.  He enjoys multiple outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, ATV riding, hunting, fishing & camping.


Chris Tyler

Please join us in congratulating Chris Tyler on joining the team as a Project Assistant for the Right of Way and Utilities Team! "Hello, I’m Chris. I’m very excited to be a new member here at DOT &PF. I have a background in graphic communications, digital art, and marketing. I look forward to learning and participating in the good work being done here. I recently moved to Juneau from north-central Idaho and I am enthusiastic about my future on the job and in the State of Alaska."


Sharon Clark

We're excited to share the wonderful news of Sharon Clark's appointment as the next Superintendent for the Kodiak/Aleutian district. While we're sure many of you are already well aware of Sharon's exceptional qualities, we'd like to take a moment to highlight her outstanding attributes.

Sharon has been an unwavering presence within the Kodiak office for numerous years, consistently proving herself as a dependable and dedicated team member. Her reputation as someone you can always count on precedes her, making her a natural choice for this new role. We're genuinely excited to witness Sharon's growth in this position and the invaluable support she will continue to provide to the Kodiak/Aleutian district and the Southcoast region.

Please join us in extending congratulations to Sharon for this well-deserved achievement.


Magy Elliott

Please join us in welcoming Magy Elliott to the Personnel Group as an Administrative Assistant! “I was born and raised in Juneau but have also lived in Elfin Cove and Gustavus. I am a mother of two boys, eight and 11 months. I come from a political background and am happy to be joining the DOT family. “


Listen and Learn Sessions

Have you had the opportunity to attend a Listen & Learn session yet?

The Southcoast Region has successfully hosted several sessions, with positive feedback from participants. We've heard from Right of Way (ROW), who provided insights on their role and how to collaborate effectively with them. The Materials Team shared important information about their efforts and highlighted the need for early and frequent engagement. Additionally, our Design and Engineering Services sections gave a comprehensive overview of how project schedules are developed and maintained.

The Listen & Learn sessions aim to foster a deeper understanding of the work being done across Southcoast, enabling us to collaborate more effectively and see how our work fits into the broader picture. We're continually working to schedule more sessions, and email invitations will be sent out accordingly, so keep an eye out for those.

For November 2023, we have two sessions on the schedule. First, come hear Loren Gehring explain the ins and outs of project reviews, final PS&E, and regional specifications. This session is for anyone who’s a project manager or wants to understand the processes for design. Second, come learn about what goes into bid advertisements and contracts from Eric Verrelli and Michael Brown. This session is for anyone who works on projects or is interested in understanding the process and how their work fits into the bigger picture.

Nov. Session 1: What: Project Reviews, Final PS&E, and Regional Specifications When: November 2, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: 7 Mile first floor conference room and MS Teams

Nov. Session 2: What: Bid Advertisements and Contracts When: November 16, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: 7 Mile first floor conference room and MS Teams

If you have any suggestions for topics you want us to cover or are interested in sharing your knowledge with others, please contact Kaari Busick at   kaari.busick@alaska.gov  .

You can   access recordings here   if you missed any previous sessions. Thank you for your participation and dedication to continuous learning!

Nominate someone for Thinking and Acting Above the Line

Think and Act Above the Line Nominations - Southcoast Region

Historical Tidbits

In 1932, Governor George Parks submitted an Organization Chart of the Alaska Road Commission (predecessor agency to DOT&PF) to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. The Governor included Eagle, Alaska on the Yukon River as a sub-district of Southeast. Any ideas about why? Maybe it was easier to get to Eagle from Southeast by taking the White Pass Railroad from Skagway to Whitehorse, and then hopping on a paddle-wheel boat to journey down the Yukon River. Should we ask for Eagle back?

Snippet from the report titled, Alaska's Inclusion in the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. The Work of the Bureau of Public Roads and the Transition to Statehood, By Claus-M. Naske. Ph,D.

Where in the world is Eagle, Alaska?

The Funnies

Thanks for Reading - Check back often for the latest Southcoast Region News!

Erika Vejar

Andrew Holstrom

Sara Brown

Konan Lind

Michael Lomocso

Nathaniel “Nate” Meinen

Chris Tyler

Sharon Clark

Magy Elliott

Snippet from the report titled, Alaska's Inclusion in the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. The Work of the Bureau of Public Roads and the Transition to Statehood, By Claus-M. Naske. Ph,D.

Where in the world is Eagle, Alaska?