Steve Karpstein

Chair

Steve was born and raised in Sitka, Alaska. His parents are the late Bernadine McGraw Karpstein and Carl Karpstein, and grandparents Zenia Hanlon McGraw and Donald McGraw, Sr. Steve graduated Sitka High School with the Class of 1982 and went to Central Washington University where he studied Business Administration. He spent his early years in a career managing concrete manufacturing sites in Everett, Washington, and surrounding areas. That role led him to a career in Information Technologies (IT). He and his wife currently live in La Center, Washington.

Steve was an IT consultant for four years prior to starting his own IT consulting and business process re-engineering corporation, where he was the President and CEO for 17 years. His company partnered with several domestic and international clients to design and implement solutions worldwide. Upon leaving consulting, he took a position as Director of Trading Processes and Solutions with a global athletic footwear and apparel corporation located in Beaverton, Oregon, where he has been in this role since 2016. He leads a team that focuses on trading, customs and supply chains processes globally. He is dedicated to bringing a strong business experience and leadership that will contribute to the continued success and growth for the shareholders, Board and Corporation.

Larry Garrity

Vice Chair

Laurence “Larry” Garrity, Kichnaalx of the Deisheetaan clan, was first elected in 2017. Larry was raised in Sitka, the grandson of the late John and Mabel Didrickson, son of Joni Lewis, and father of five daughters. He resides in Sitka with his partner, Dionne, and two of their daughters.

As one of the original Gajaa Heen Dancers, Larry has felt the need to give back to his Native community and has been volunteering at SNEP, instructing dance, and also with the Naa Kahídi Dancers.

A certified journeyman electrician for 35 years, Larry served on the Apprenticeship Board for I.B.E.W. and has spent the last 21 years in Alaska’s oil industry. While at Alyeska Pipeline, Larry helped initiate a committee to implement Section 29 and also served as chair to ensure the oil companies fulfilled their obligation of Native hire. He also served as the project lead on the vapor recovery project and the pipeline electrification at Alyeska. A certified Infrared Technician, he helped develop the Infrared Program at both Alyeska and BP, and also served on hiring committees and diversity committees at both companies before he retired. Larry utilizes his experience and background to bring another perspective to the board room.  

Lowell Frank

Treasurer

Lowell is the son of Nelson and Jean Frank. He is Haida, Eagle. Lowell grew up and attended school in Sitka. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has spent the majority of his career working in the lumber industry managing lumber yards in Sitka; Salinas, California; and Rock Springs, Wyoming. Lowell’s board experience includes service with the Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce, Sawmill Cove Industrial Park, and Sitka Golf Association. Lowell currently lives in Puyallup, Washington.

Marcus Cogley

Secretary

Brendan Desjardin

Director

Brendan Travas Desjardin was appointed to the Shee Atiká Board of Directors in February of 2026.

Born in Juneau and raised in Homer, he currently resides in Anchorage with his wife Wenwen. He is the son of Helen and Paul Desjardin. His Tlingit name, Naashoxwáayi, was given to him by his late great grandmother Mary Bennet Perkins. His grandfather, the late Alfred George Perkins, was a former chief of the Kis.sádi Clan.

Brendan earned his bachelor’s degree in business management and his master’s degree in business administration while attending the University of Alaska Anchorage. He currently works as a Project Engineer for Schlumberger, one of the country’s largest oil and gas service companies. His previous experience in real estate, professional sports, and general management have given him a strong skill set in strategic management, decision making, and collaboration. He looks forward to using his skills, experience, and education to serve all Shee Atiká shareholders.

Roxanne Drake-Burkhart

Director

Roxanne Drake-Burkhart was elected to the Shee Atiká Board of Directors in 2018. Roxanne was born and raised in Sitka, the granddaughter of the late Jacob Sam and Andrew/Bessie Kitka, daughter of Barbara Borgen and the late Paul Drake. She resides in Juneau with her husband, Ted Burkhart, since 1989. She has two children, Zach and Stephanie, and have three grandchildren, Kayley, Nicole and Greyson.

Roxanne’s employment history includes 33 years in the accounting profession holding various level positions in Juneau. She has worked for Tlingit & Haida Regional Housing Authority, Sealaska Corporation, Klukwan, Inc. and currently Inside Passage Electric Cooperative (IPEC), formerly known as Tlingit-Haida Regional Electrical Authority (THREA). She began her employment with THREA in May of 1995 as a billing officer, then senior accountant and presently is the controller for IPEC. Roxanne has served on Big Brother/Big Sisters of Juneau, Glacier Valley PTO boards and currently serves as a director on the Kwaan Electric Transmission Intertie Cooperative, Inc. board.

She has always felt the need to give back to Shee Atiká and its shareholders; serving on the board was one way to accomplish this goal. The next generation needs to feel empowered as they can and will be vital to our corporation’s future success. Encouraging our shareholders to pursue higher education and to be culturally involved with our community can only enhance the value of our corporation. Roxanne utilizes her education and work history to serve Shee Atiká’s shareholders.

Kim Essendrup

Director

Kim Essendrup was appointed to the Shee Atiká, Incorporated Board of Directors in August 2025 and re-elected by our shareholders to serve the Board through to 2029.

Born in Sitka, Kim is the son of the late Bernard Essendrup and Jeanne Essendrup, and grandson of Barney Essendrup and Elizabeth Herman Essendrup. He attended Arizona State University, where he studied engineering and literature. Today, he and his wife Cindy reside in Glendale, Arizona. Of their three children, two are practicing nurses and the third is currently pursuing a nursing degree at ASU.

Kim brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in technology innovation, business consulting, and critical program delivery. He is the US Managing Director of Implico, Inc., a top SAP consultancy for the energy industry. He also co-hosts the popular Project Management Happy Hour podcast. His career has also included working with the Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA) and its member tribes on technology and regulatory projects, further strengthening his expertise in governance and native enterprises.

As a Board member, Kim contributes a business-focused perspective rooted in planning, governance, and sustainable growth. He is committed to listening to shareholders, honoring community values, and helping guide Shee Atiká toward profitable, resilient growth that benefits current shareholders and future generations alike.

G. Ken Truitt

Director

G. Ken Truitt was elected to the Shee Atiká Board in September 2020 and re-elected in May 2023. He is Raven/Coho and the son of the late Dr. Gil and Shirley Truitt. His Tlingit names are Kadashan and Tuk´ Sāēk. Ken lives in Juneau with his wife Charlotte, and together they have raised four daughters Madison, Marissa, Sydney, and Elena.

Ken holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Oral Roberts University and a Juris Doctor from Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law and has taught school in Angoon, Alaska, served as an Assistant Attorney General in the state’s Office of the Attorney General, as General Counsel and interim President/CEO of SEARHC, and Division Director of the Alaska Pioneers homes. Currently he works for the Southcentral Foundation as the Senior Associate General Counsel.

Jim Wilkins

Director

James “Jim” Wilkins was born and raised in Sitka, the son of Connie (See) and Robert Wilkins. His mother was adopted by Mary Marks of the Kiks.ádi (Raven-Frog) clan, Se’e Hit (Clay House).

Jim graduated from Sitka High School in 1982 and went on to study business administration, specializing in restaurant management, as his family owned and operated the Safe Harbor Inn on Mt. Edgecumbe and the Harbor Inn in Sitka. He also attended the University of Alaska–Southeast in Sitka.

Jim has been a flight attendant with Alaska Airlines for more than 36 years, where he has also served in leadership roles on various committees with the flight attendant union, including contractual grievance, employee assistance, and professional standards. Earlier in his career, he worked as an auditor for Westmark Hotels at the former Westmark Shee Atiká and served as a contract negotiator for hotel employees and union members.

With decades of professional experience and deep roots in the Sitka community, Jim brings to the Board a strong belief in the fiduciary responsibility of directors to ensure Shee Atiká remains financially sound and culturally strong. He is committed to stabilizing the corporation’s future, honoring the legacy of ancestors, and ensuring fair representation and a strong voice for shareholders today and for generations to come.