Policy Leaders

Commonwealth North is pleased to recognize outstanding Alaskans and policy-makers with The Hickel and Egan Awards for Excellence in Public Policy Leadership. These honors go to individuals who have helped to shape and apply public policy in Alaska and the nation through their leadership and dedication to public service.

Walter J. Hickel Award for Distinguished Public Policy Leadership

The Hickel Award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions in shaping public policy in Alaska, thereby improving our state and benefiting all Alaskans.

Walter Hickel

Ted Stevens

Jay Hammond

Don Young

John Katz

Willie Hensley

Lisa Murkowski

Tony Knowles

Frank Murkowski

Jim Jansen

Tom Barrett

Jacob Adams

Oliver Leavitt

Julie Kitka

Eric Wohlforth

As an advisor to Governor Egan on many key public finance challenges, commissioner of the Department of Revenue, and as… (Read more)

William A. Egan Distinguished Alaskan Award

The Egan Award recognizes an Alaskan who has distinguished themselves through leadership or another act of public service.

John Sturgeon

Prevailed in the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that clarified state primacy on navigable waters.

Tara Sweeney

Served as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs and championed federal action to resolve the cases of missing and… (Read more)

Mike Dunleavy

Through leadership and teamwork, led the State of Alaska’s pandemic response including ongoing public information and outreach, acquisition and manufacturing… (Read more)

Adam Crum

Through leadership and teamwork, led the State of Alaska’s pandemic response including ongoing public information and outreach, acquisition and manufacturing… (Read more)

Anne Zink, MD

Through leadership and teamwork, led the State of Alaska’s pandemic response including ongoing public information and outreach, acquisition and manufacturing… (Read more)

Diane Kaplan

Through grantmaking, championing the nonprofit and philanthropic sector, supporting the arts, and taking on critical issues with creativity and determination,… (Read more)