Our
Mission
Alaska faces a pivotal moment. The decisions being made now — in Juneau, in Washington, DC, and in boardrooms across the state — will shape Alaska's economy, energy landscape, and public lands for a generation.
Alaska Headwaters was founded to strengthen communities and local economies, protect and preserve our outdoor way of life, and build a resilient future for people and businesses from the Arctic Coast to Southeast Alaska.
We are working to build a stronger, more resilient future for Alaska — one where the state's resources and economy work for Alaskans first.
ENERGY AFFORDABILITY
Supporting solutions that lower energy costs and strengthen communities, especially in rural Alaska.
A NEW ALASKA ECONOMY
Building a diverse, innovative economy that creates opportunity across the state.
SUBSISTENCE RIGHTS
Protecting the subsistence hunting and fishing rights fundamental to the food security of communities across Alaska in addition to the cultural continuity and sovereignty of Alaska Native communities.
RESPONSIBLE PUBLIC LANDS MANAGEMENT
Responsible management of Alaska’s public lands is essential to ensuring these places continue to sustain clean water, healthy wildlife, resilient communities, and public access for generations to come.
EMERGING LEADERS
Investing in the next generation of leaders committed to building a more resilient future for communities across Alaska.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Advocating for smart, accountable public investment to build stronger communities—not speculative projects that have repeatedly failed to deliver for Alaskans.
Our Leadership
Dan Blanchard
Dan Blanchard is the founder, owner, and CEO of UnCruise Adventures, one of the leading small-ship adventure cruise lines operating in Alaska. A lifelong mariner who earned his Ship Master's License at 18, he built his career guiding vessels throughout Alaska before growing UnCruise into a company recognized for connecting travelers with Alaska's wilderness while supporting local economies and stewardship. As chairman of the U.S. Overnight Passenger Small-Boat Operators Coalition, he has been a leading advocate for Alaska tourism industry and its economic future. Dan is based in Juneau, Alaska.
Rick Halford
Rick Halford represented Alaska in the state legislature for more than two decades, serving multiple terms as the Republican Senate President and Majority Leader, and chairing the Senate Resources Committee. A commercial pilot and hunting guide with over fifty years of flying and guiding in Alaska, he built a reputation for deep credibility on resource, energy, and public lands policy. Since leaving office, Halford has remained an influential voice on Alaska conservation issues and serves on the boards of several Alaska-focused organizations. Rick is currently based outside of Anchorage, Alaska.
Jody Potts-Joseph
Jody Potts-Joseph is Han Gwich'in and lives on Han traditional homelands in Eagle Village, Alaska, where she raises a dog mushing team and lives a subsistence lifestyle on the Upper Yukon River. She has spent her life advocating for the Gwich'in way of life, building a career focused on the wellbeing of Alaska Native communities — including as Public Safety Director for the Tanana Chiefs Conference and co-founder of Data for Indigenous Justice. She currently serves on the Eagle Tribal Council, the Doyon, Limited board of directors, and as President of Hungwitchin Village Corporation. Potts-Joseph is also a filmmaker, currently producing the documentary Beautiful Resistance, and brings a trusted, Indigenous-led voice to conservation and subsistence rights advocacy.