Staff departures revise roster in Anchorage office
Recent weeks have seen two staff changes in the council’s Anchorage office.
In the first, Lisa Ka’aihue, who joined the council staff in 1993 and has served as director of administration since 2006, resigned effective Jan. 27.
Photo: Lisa Ka’aihue shares a laugh with Peter Armato, volunteer with the council’s Information and Education committee.
In addition to serving in the director position, Ka’aihue managed the council’s invasive species project. She had also held a seat since 2008 on the federal Invasive Species Advisory Committee, which supports the National Invasive Species Council.
“Lisa’s organizational skills, institutional knowledge and keen attention to detail have benefited the organization,” said Donna Schantz, the council’s acting executive director. “I know everyone in our organization joins me in wishing her success in future endeavors.”
“Lisa is the perfect role model for women in the field of science and administration,” said council board member Jane Eisemann. “She combines intelligence with class, protocol with thoughtfulness, seriousness with wit, archival knowledge with forward thinking.”
Also leaving the council staff is Telena McQuery, a project manager assistant. She joined the council as administrative assistant in August 2008, and was promoted to her present position a year later.
Her husband, Mike, is a member of the U.S. Army and is being transferred to Kentucky after his return from Afghanistan. Her resignation is effective Feb. 26.