Joe Nelson, Executive Chair of Sealaska, collaborates with the board, management, and partners to advance Sealaska’s strategic goals and strengthen their community and culture. Initially joining the board as an attorney, Joe played a key role in creating a stock package for new descendant shareholders, advocating for indigenous values and the inclusion of younger voices. He was instrumental in establishing the Board Youth Advisor position in 2009.
Joe has served as Sealaska director since 2003, board chair since 2014, and as Executive Chair since 2023. He holds positions on several other boards as well, including Spruce Root and Sealaska Heritage Institute. He is also co-chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives and is involved with Sitka’s Outer Coast College and Alaska Legal Services.
Joe is Brown Bear (Teikweidí) from Yakutat and his Tlingit name is Kaaxúxgu. Joe grew up in a commercial fishing and subsistence living environment. He holds degrees from UCLA and a JD from Loyola Law School. Joe lives in Juneau with his wife Crystal and their children.
Joe Nelson
ARA Director
Sealaska Corporation
Executive Chair
Joe Nelson, Executive Chair of Sealaska, collaborates with the board, management, and partners to advance Sealaska’s strategic goals and strengthen their community and culture. Initially joining the board as an attorney, Joe played a key role in creating a stock package for new descendant shareholders, advocating for indigenous values and the inclusion of younger voices. He was instrumental in establishing the Board Youth Advisor position in 2009.
Joe has served as Sealaska director since 2003, board chair since 2014, and as Executive Chair since 2023. He holds positions on several other boards as well, including Spruce Root and Sealaska Heritage Institute. He is also co-chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives and is involved with Sitka’s Outer Coast College and Alaska Legal Services.
Joe is Brown Bear (Teikweidí) from Yakutat and his Tlingit name is Kaaxúxgu. Joe grew up in a commercial fishing and subsistence living environment. He holds degrees from UCLA and a JD from Loyola Law School. Joe lives in Juneau with his wife Crystal and their children.
