 August 05, 2003
Zimmerle stated that Brown brings to the program staff of KIC many years of administrative experience. He was most recently the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. Brown stated that "his heart is in administration" so he leaves his Tribal Council elected duties looking forward to the challenges of KIC's housing projects. John Brown has already spent time as staff for KIC from 1989 to 1998 according to Zimmerle's announcemnt. During his eight year tenure with this federally recognized Indian Tribe, Brown saw the Tribe become a signatory in a compact of Self-Governance between Southeast Tribes and the federal government. He was also on hand in 1997 when former Senator Frank Murkowski helped KIC members celebrate the breaking of ground for the new health clinic at 2960 Tongass Avenue. Brown received his degree in physical education with a minor in history from Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington. Brown worked as a teacher of physical education from graduation through 1989 when he first jointed KIC's staff as the ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) Coordinator. Through the years, Brown has coached generations of Kayhi basketball players and has a commendable display of trophies in Kayhi's hall of fame. Zimmerle said that Lance K. Mertz comes to KIC's chief finance position from six years with the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. After receiving his B.A. in Sociology from the University of North Dakota, Mertz spent time in the U.S. Army which landed him in Germany for three years. He finished his military career as a Major in the Army Reserves. Mertz moved on to take his degree in Accounting from Central Washington University in December 1992. He passed the Certified Public Accountant exam in 1983. Mertz is now working on his Masters in Public Administration through UAS Ketchikan's distant learning facilities. "I'm excited about the professional opportunity and I'm enjoying my new job. Everyone at KIC has made me feel very welcome," Mertz said after his first week in the office. Donna J. Frank who has worked
in accounting for most of her career started with KIC as an Employment
Specialist in 1991. From 1994 to 1998, Frank was an accountant
with Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium. Since coming
back to KIC in January 1999, she had assumed ever increasing
responsibilities with its growing finance department. According
to information provided by KIC, for the past year Frank has been
valiantly working to keep KIC's economic enterprises running
smoothly and at the same time performing the duties of KIC's
chief financial officer. KIC has recently filled the position
of Finance Director and Frank can now devote full time to KIC's
economic development programs. Her enthusiasm for the job has
been reborn as she pursues new avenues in a field she is enjoying
stated Georgianna Zimmerle in her announcement.
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