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)