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.

Dan Sullivan

Dan Sullivan has committed himself to public service for more than thirty years. As a United States Senator, he has… (Read more)

Eric Wohlforth

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

Julie Kitka

As president of the Alaska Federation of Natives, Julie Kitka enhanced and promoted the cultural, economic and political voice of… (Read more)

Jacob Adams

Jacob Adams’s leadership and public service touched every aspect of life in Alaska’s Arctic region. Individually and with his lifelong… (Read more)

Oliver Leavitt

Oliver Leavitt’s leadership and public service touched every aspect of life in Alaska’s Arctic region. Individually and with his lifelong… (Read more)

Tom Barrett

Tom Barrett served as the President and CEO of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company from 2004 to 2015. During his time… (Read more)

Jim Jansen

Jim Jansen is the president of Lynden, Inc., a prominent Alaska-based company. Under his stewardship, Lynden has grown to become… (Read more)

Frank Murkowski

Frank Murkowski served as a U.S. Senator from Alaska from 1980 to 2002, where he was known for his advocacy… (Read more)

Tony Knowles

Tony Knowles served as the sixth governor of Alaska from 1994 to 2002, making significant contributions to the state’s development… (Read more)

Lisa Murkowski

Lisa Murkowski has been a pivotal figure in shaping Alaska’s public policy for more than two decades. As an increasingly… (Read more)

Willie Hensley

A prominent leader and advocate, Willie Hensley has had a profound impact on public policy in Alaska, particularly in advancing… (Read more)

John Katz

John Katz is a recognized and respected policy expert who served under multiple Alaska governors over the course of his… (Read more)

Don Young

Congressman Don Young served as Alaska’s sole representative in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly five decades. First elected… (Read more)

Jay Hammond

Governor Jay Hammond served as the state’s fourth governor from 1974 to 1982. A former Marine pilot and bush pilot,… (Read more)

Ted Stevens

A transformative figure in Alaska’s history, Ted Stevens served as one of the longest-tenured members of the U.S. Senate. Known… (Read more)

Walter Hickel

Walter J. Hickel (1919–2010) was a prominent Alaskan businessman, politician, and public servant who served as the Governor of Alaska… (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.

Bill Walker

Bill Walker’s leadership and public service in Alaska spans many decades. As a Valdez council member and mayor, and later… (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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

John Sturgeon

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