Meet The Team
SAMI JO LEWIS
Communication and Outreach Manager
Born and raised in Palmer, Sami Jo graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications and a double minor in journalism and criminal justice. After graduation, she honed her client management skills as an account coordinator for a local public relations agency before joining the Alaska MEP team.
Sami Jo plays a vital role in assisting local manufacturers to improve their business, decrease costs, increase sales, and build relationships to help advance Alaska’s manufacturing industry. She is eager to utilize her experience in strategic communications and public relations to assist in developing the MEP to grow and diversify Alaska’s economy.
Megan Militello
Supply Chain Optimization Manager, The Alaska MEP
Megan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in supply chain management and manufacturing optimization to the Alaska MEP team. Armed with a rich tapestry of experience from serving in the military as an Air Traffic Controller, founding and managing Elevated Oats, and more, she has a proven track record of elevating operational efficiencies and fostering business growth.
Megan's passion for supporting the Alaskan manufacturing community shines through her dedicated efforts to solve complex challenges and strengthen the connection of our National supply chain. Megan's strategic approach and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable asset to both the team and the broader manufacturing sector in Alaska.
PARTNERSHIPS
The Alaska MEP Center draws significant support from being housed within the UAA Business Enterprise Institute (BEI). This is a natural fit as the BEI was established specifically to link and align the business and economic development serving programs across the University of Alaska statewide system and carries a mission of growing and diversifying Alaska’s business economy. While Anchorage-based, the existing programs of the UAA BEI already serve all of Alaska with the UAA BEI having satellite offices in Fairbanks, Homer, Soldotna, Seward, Mat-Su, Juneau and Ketchikan via our Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) programs.
The BEI already serves over 100 of Alaska’s 586 manufacturers across the state via programs such as the Alaska Small Business Development Center, the Alaska Procurement Technical Assistance Center, the EDA University Center for Economic Development (CED), the Alaska Center for Rural Collaboration, and the Alaska Cooperative Development Center. This partnership enables Alaska MEP Center clients the ability to move more seamlessly among service providers, as well as leverage embedded BEI expertise with Agile Strategy deployment, Design Thinking, and Lean Startup Methodology. These tools will be an asset to manufacturers through a focus on iterative processes of improvement, strategy execution, and human-centered design.
The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. Focused on helping small and mid-sized manufacturers generate business results and thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.
The MEP National Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and its 1,300 trusted advisers and experts at nearly 600 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.
Today, Northrim has matured from a small community bank with 21 employees, one branch, and $8 million in assets to an active, engaged community leader with well over 400 employees, branches from Fairbanks to Southeast Alaska, residential mortgage origination offices across the state, and more than $2 billion in assets.
For more than 25 years, Northrim Bank has embraced the community above all else, making strategic investments and meaningful contributions to the local economy. From school programs to community development and local nonprofit organizations, they dedicate their time, talent and dollars to improving economic vitality and quality of life in Alaska.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our board is comprised of community members all dedicated to supporting and improving the manufacturing industry in Alaska.
Kathleen McArdle,
CEO,
Kathleen McArdle serves as the President and CEO of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, where she champions economic development and business advocacy across the region. With a background in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, Kathleen is passionate about building strong partnerships that drive community and business success. Her experience in project management and her commitment to empowering Alaska’s workforce make her a valuable asset to the Alaska MEP board. As a Board Member, Kathleen contributes her strategic insight and collaborative spirit to help strengthen Alaska’s manufacturing ecosystem and support statewide growth.
Beth Barnes
Alaska Communications
Beth Barnes is a seasoned executive known for her proficiency in delivering exceptional results across sales, marketing, and research/analytics domains. With a track record of success in crafting and executing effective marketing strategies for diverse client segments, Beth excels in overseeing profit and loss in multi-million-dollar markets and leading comprehensive marketing initiatives for high-revenue enterprises. Her expertise extends to shaping customer experience across organizations and conducting competitive analysis and market research. As a Board Member of the Alaska MEP, Beth leverages her analytical skills to provide data-driven insights and recommendations that support marketing, sales, and operations.
STEVEN PATIN
First National Bank of Alaska
Steve Patin is Senior Vice President and Human Resources Director of First National Bank Alaska, with over two decades of U.S. Army service and a decade of executive experience. As Human Resources Director, he leads talent management, compensation, and employee relations for over 600 employees, contributing to his company's eight-year streak as Alaska's Best Place to Work. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science from West Point and advanced degrees in human resources management and business administration. His leadership and expertise enhance the Alaska MEP's mission of supporting local manufacturing.
Virginia Lynn Peterson
SWOOP
Virginia Lynn Peterson is the CEO and Founder of SWOOP, a women-owned business crafting bras, underwear, and loungewear for healthcare workers and active women. With 15 years of nursing experience, she designed SWOOP's line to meet the needs of busy professionals. As a Board Member, Virginia's mission extends beyond providing comfort; it's about supporting frontline heroes while redefining industry standards.
Bryce Wrigley
Alaska Flour
Bryce Wrigley, owner of Alaska Flour, stands at the forefront of Alaska's agricultural landscape. Since 2017, Alaska Flour has been synonymous with quality, locally sourced flour, a testament to Bryce's dedication to farming and milling. His commitment to sustainability and community shines through Alaska Flour's mission. As a Board Member of the Alaska MEP, Bryce leverages his expertise to bolster the local manufacturing industry, advocating for innovation and growth.
Stacey Dean
GC Handrail
Stacey Dean, owner of GC Handrails, brings expertise in manufacturing DIY cable handrails to the Alaska MEP board. With a commitment to quality and innovation, GC Handrails provides customizable solutions for homeowners and contractors. Stacey's leadership enhances the board's mission of supporting local manufacturing and fostering growth in the community.