2025-2026 ATIA Board of Directors Election Candidates

Colleen Stephens has watched the tourism industry grow and mature in Alaska. Her involvement in tourism began as the chief hot cocoa stirrer at the “experienced” age of 7 working along side her parents, Stan and Mary Helen Stephens. Today Colleen works alongside a fantastic team at Stan Stephens Cruises to both share the Sound with today’s guests and to protect it for future generations.

Colleen believes that a coordinated, state-wide voice on policies and strong, consistent marketing are essential for all Alaska tourism business to thrive. Her commitment to help guide these efforts is seen by her service to local, regional and statewide organizations including being a past Board Chair the Alaska Travel Industry Association, and participant on ATIA’s Government Relations, Marketing and Tourism Policy and Planning committees.

If elected Colleen looks forward to working hard to represent both the marketing and policy needs of ATIA members.

Additional Information

As Tourism Director for Explore Skagway, Shgagwei Alutiiq on Lingít Aani, I am running for the “At Large” seat to advocate for stronger investment in statewide tourism marketing. Alaska’s tourism economy thrives when we boldly tell our stories. ATIA has experience & platforms that benefit all Alaskan communities with the highest potential for return on investment of marketing dollars. I am equally passionate about ensuring that Alaska Native history, art, culture, language, and the work of truth and reconciliation are centered in the visitor experience. Tourism has the power to educate, connect, and heal. I believe ATIA can lead the way in ensuring our industry supports destination/community voices and partnerships while promoting authentic and diverse Alaskan experiences. With deep roots in community best interests, regenerative tourism, education, recreation, travel, tribal governance, environmental stewardship and a commitment to family & Alaskan hospitality, I would be honored to serve on the board.

After 27 years in Alaska’s hospitality industry, I’m excited for the opportunity to serve on the ATIA Board—helping guide our industry’s future while supporting and mentoring the next generation of professionals. At JL Hospitality Management, we operate hotels in 10 communities across Alaska, from charming boutique stays in Anchorage, to the grand vistas of Denali, to the serene shores of Southeast. This wide-ranging experience has given me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in markets across our state. I would be truly grateful for your support and your vote.

With over a decade serving Alaska’s visitors and communities, I have broad expertise to represent ATIA’s membership across rail, tours, cruise, travel trade, lodging, and more. I’ve lived and worked in Southeast, Southcentral, and Interior Alaska, and currently lead Alaska strategy and operations as Vice President of Pursuit.

It has been an honor to serve on the ATIA board, where I’ve chaired the Advertising Subcommittee to promote Alaska and support our member businesses, joined the ATIA team in Juneau to lobby our legislators to fund our critical Travel Alaska programs, served on the Marketing Committee, supported the Anchorage chapter, and volunteered in community events.

ATIA’s mission and values—Community, Integrity, Respect, and Stewardship—resonate deeply with me, and I am committed to ensuring every member’s voice is heard while advancing our shared goals.

Additional Information

Twenty-eight years ago, I arrived in Alaska and knew I’d found home. Now, I’m seeking reelection to the ATIA Board of Directors to continue advocating for the state and industry I love.

Throughout my career with Alaska Wildland Adventures, the Alaska Travel Industry Association, and the Alaska Railroad, I’ve been privileged to promote Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable travel experiences. My deep knowledge of the state, strong work ethic, and broad industry experience help connect travelers, advisors, and operators to all Alaska has to offer.

Serving on the ATIA Board has been an honor. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and energized about what’s ahead. I remain committed to ATIA’s mission to Advocate, Promote, and Inspire—and to keeping Alaska’s tourism industry strong, vibrant, and growing.

Thank you for your support as I run for reelection. Let’s keep working together to protect and promote this place we call home.

Additional Information

I have been honored to serve as an ATIA board member for the last 6 years, including serving as co-chair of the marketing committee for 4 years. As a board member, I have brought my knowledge of consumer demand behavior for Alaska allowing ATIA to ensure that Alaska remains a destination of choice for both North American and international markets. I have worked in the travel industry for over 16 years for both airlines and cruise lines. For 12 of those years I’ve focused on bringing guests to the State of Alaska—3 years with Alaska Airlines and 9+ years with Holland America Line. As the VP of Revenue Management at Holland America Line, I have commercial responsibility for—and great pride in—our Alaska product, both cruise and cruisetour. I look forward to supporting ATIA to continue making Alaska a top visitor destination.

As a dedicated advocate for Alaska’s tourism industry, I’m running for the ATIA At-Large Cruise Seat to champion sustainable growth and collaboration. With extensive experience in the cruise sector, I understand its vital role in driving economic benefits while preserving Alaska’s cultural heritage. My focus is on fostering partnerships between cruise lines, the visitor industry, local communities, and stakeholders to maintain Alaska’s status as the world’s premier cruise destination while continuing to grow the visitor industry overall. I’ll advocate for policies that support local businesses and enhance workforce development. I appreciate your support to ensure a unified voice for Alaska’s visitor industry within ATIA, and a strong tourism future throughout the state.

I am running for a second term for the ATIA Board of Directors. I am not only representing the region, but giving a small business perspective, an independent traveler voice, and a year-round tourism lens to decisions that impact Alaska Tourism. Founded in 2005 & a member of ATIA since 2006, Salmon Berry Tours is a year-round, women-owned tour company with headquarters in downtown Anchorage and guide teams in Palmer, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. We guide tours and curate guided travel itineraries throughout Alaska. I am a solutions-oriented person driven by high standards in customer service, collaborative partnerships and creative problem solving. Thank you for your vote!

My name is Christina Kirkwood and my family built and operates Kennicott Glacier Lodge in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Our Lodge opened in 1987 and now has 43 rooms and a restaurant and employs 35 people each summer.

I was born in Alaska and raised in the tourism industry. I love sharing my favorite place in Alaska with our visitors and I understand the importance of tourism both on a personal level and in terms of what tourism can contribute to this state.

It was an honor to win the Aurora Award at the 2024 ATIA Convention and a privilege to serve on the ATIA Board this past year. I am running for a seat on the Board this year to represent small businesses across the state and to continue advocating for a robust tourism marketing program that will help our industry thrive.

Additional Information

The visitor industry is more important than ever for the state of Alaska, especially for Southeast’s communities. ATIA members work hard to provide top-notch visitor experiences while navigating an unclear industry landscape.

As your Southeast director, I’ll help explore ways to overcome perceived capacity and quality of life issues, encourage membership more broadly, and help tackle issues like recruiting and retaining staff. I also look forward to discussing issues at the state and federal level that affect our near- and long-term business plans.

ATIA has a tremendous opportunity to engage with our membership effectively, grow the organization, and put long-term thinking into our shared vision for the industry in Alaska. I look forward to working on the ATIA Board of Directors and ask for your vote.

Dirk Ljungberg has dedicated more than 20 years to Alaska’s tourism industry, overseeing tour excursions and port operations across some of the state’s most iconic destinations. His career has spanned Skagway, Juneau, Hoonah, Klawock, Portage, and Whittier, where he has played a key role in developing and managing world-class guest experiences. Dirk’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping sustainable operations that balance efficiency, cultural authenticity, and community partnerships. With a strong focus on collaboration, he has worked closely with cruise lines, local organizations, and Alaska Native corporations to deliver seamless shore excursion programs and enhance visitor engagement. Throughout his career, Dirk has prioritized operational excellence, safety, and guest satisfaction, while supporting local communities through job creation and economic growth. His depth of experience and long-standing commitment to Alaska make him a trusted leader in the industry and a valued partner in advancing Alaska’s position as a premier travel destination.

Katherine McGlashan is an Unangan from the Aleutian Islands, she has been the Executive Director of the Unalaska Visitors Bureau for 3 years and has worked for UVB for 2 yrs. as Operations Manager. She has obtained her 'Cultural and Heritage Tourism' certification from George Washington University in 2023. Her passion to put Unangan Culture in the forefront in tourism is to educate guests of their rich history. Also for those that visit Unalaska and our region from all over the world to show tourists how our past and present lives intertwine. She has been very involved in the community as a past Unalaska City Council member, and presently sits on the Board of Directors for 2 non-profits; KUCB.org a local radio station, and ROSSIA (Russian Orthodox Sacred Sites in Alaska that helps restore historic buildings.

As a proud Sugpiaq/Alutiiq woman from Old Harbor, I am honored to seek re-election to the ATIA Board of Directors. With over 10 years in Alaska Native tourism, I currently serve as Director of Operations at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge and as VP Koniag Region Investments.

Throughout my board service, I’ve been a strong advocate for responsible, culturally rooted tourism—not just in Kodiak, but across Alaska. I’ve worked to support our diverse membership, and champion sustainable practices that benefit both communities and visitors. As Chair of the Cultural Enrichment Committee, I’ve helped guide initiatives that promote authentic storytelling, cross-cultural understanding, and statewide collaboration.

Our work at the lodge supports youth apprenticeships, elder programs, and language revitalization—all tied to tourism. I remain deeply committed to ATIA’s mission and respectfully ask for your vote so I can continue advocating for our industry, our members, and our future.

My passion for Alaska travel and tourism continues. After decades in the cruise industry, I’m inspired to be part of today’s collaborative efforts to grow the economic impact of tourism and to advocate for sustainable practices that protect the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Having served on the ATIA board from 2009-2018, I recognize the impact of ATIAs unified voice on pressing issues and would be honored to return to the board as an Outside Member.

I would bring a broadened perspective to advance ATIA priorities. Joining the Port of Seattle as the new Director of Cruise and Maritime Marketing has provided me the opportunity to learn how communities can partner with industry to be global leaders. My industry background includes more than 25 years serving as Vice President on Onboard Revenue for Holland America/Seabourn Cruises, Vice President of Alaska Marketing, and Director of Product Marketing for Holland America Line.