JUNEAU, AK (March 25, 2022) – The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) is pleased to announce the new Business & Economic Development (BED) Director, Janice Hotch.
As the BED Director, Hotch will lead efforts that promote business and economic opportunities for the Tribe, its tribal business enterprises and citizens, and Southeast Alaska communities. These efforts will be achieved through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies and supporting community sustainability and planning efforts, economic development projects, and job creation in Southeast Alaska.
"Over these past several years, the Business & Economic Development department has been the force behind much of the work needed to stand up our tribal enterprises like Sacred Grounds Café, Smokehouse Catering and Sacred Shine Auto Detailing,” said President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “Economically diversifying the Tribe’s revenue streams is one area of focus for this department, but it’s also about creating opportunities for our people. With Janice’s experience, I know this department will be able to expand its ability to support our tribal citizen entrepreneurs and provided opportunities for commerce and workforce development to strengthen our local economies.”
Hotch holds a Master's certificate in Government Contracting from The George Washington University School of Business and a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Washington, as well as a Level III Procurement certification through the State of Alaska. She has served as a Tlingit & Haida Juneau Delegate since 2012 and comes to the Tribe from MRV Architects where she served as the Administrative Manager.
"I'm excited to be a part of a team with outstanding leadership and growth potential," shared Hotch. "Business and economic development is vitally essential to the Tribe. I believe the BED team at Tlingit & Haida has the capable talent to tap into resources that will benefit the Tribe for this and future generations. I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work!"
Raised as a military dependent, Hotch grew up outside of Alaska until high school. Her parents are retired Major Donald Keen Sr. and Mary (Brown) Lekanof. She is married to Edward Hotch of Klukwan, AK and together they are proudly raising Carter (age 10) and Natalie (age 7). Her Tlingit name is Kooseen and she is L'uknax.ádi (Raven/Coho) from the Daaginaa Hít.
