Doyon Foundation is pleased to welcome two new members to our board of directors: Benjamin Schwartz and Eileen Whitmer. Benjamin and Eileen were elected to the Foundation’s nine-member board at our annual membership meeting in November 2021.
Benjamin Schwartz
Benjamin, the son of Polly Hyslop and Daniel Schwartz, spent his childhood in Tanana and Northway, as well as Palo Alto, California. He currently resides in Reno, Nevada, where he is a public accountant at Bluebird CPAs, one of the leading tribal accounting firms in the country.
A former Doyon Foundation scholarship recipient, Benjamin received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and communication arts from Linfield College, and his executive master’s in business administration from the University of Nevada Reno. He will be qualified as a Certified Public Accountant in September 2022.
“Doyon Foundation was not only a financial tool for graduate school but also a great resource for motivation, in that I could use the skills I acquire to assist in the mission of the Foundation,” he said.
Eileen Whitmer
Eileen Whitmer, of Rampart, is the daughter of the late Turak and Liz Newman. She and her husband, Dave, live in North Pole. They have three grown children, Steven, Jessica and Dylan.
Eileen is currently business manager and president of the Teamsters Local 959. She is also a trustee for the Alaska Teamsters-Employer Pension and Health and Welfare Trusts. In the past, Eileen served as president of the Fairbanks Joint Craft Council and as a board member for Baan O Yeel Kon, the village corporation for Rampart. A graduate of Rampart High School, Eileen also attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
“I’ve always been a firm believer in continuing education and developing job opportunities for our people,” Eileen said. “I’m excited to work with the Doyon Foundation board in an effort to explore workforce development programs that will allow shareholders to receive on-the-job training towards a rewarding career.”
About the Foundation Board
Doyon Foundation recruits candidates for open seats on our board each fall. Doyon, Limited shareholders age 18 and older are eligible to serve on the board. Shareholders interested in serving in the future are encouraged to watch the Foundation website, sign up for the Foundation’s e-newsletter, and follow the Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for announcements of future opportunities.