A new administrator has been hired by Wrangell Cooperative Association, assuming the role last week.
Esther Ashton was hired to the position, which had been created in 2015 in order to implement Wrangell Tribal Council’s long-range strategic plans and economic development initiatives, as well as manage its various grants and projects.
Ashton has been a Wrangell resident for 13 years, having previously worked for Wachovia Securities in Elizabeth City, North Carolina as a financial advisor and business manager. She has worked for the Tribe since 2014, serving as its planner in the WCA Transportation office. In that capacity she helped the office’s manager develop and coordinate activities and seasonal transportation projects.
Ashton explained why she applied for the administrative position: “I grew up in Kake. My family there helped build the Kake Tribe there,” she said. “It was an honor for me to apply for the position and follow in their footsteps.”
“Esther’s a go-getter,” commented Richard Oliver, WCA Board president. After the resignation of the previous administrator in June, the Tribe began advertising for a replacement.
“We got three applicants, and we figured our best bet was to promote from within,” Oliver explained. “It’s a lot better because you’ve got somebody that’s been working with the Tribe,” familiar with its membership and its operations. “Out of the three applicants, it was a pretty easy choice.”
“I think it was a great opportunity to be able to transition up in the Tribe, and I really look forward to working with them,” Ashton said.
Taking Ashton’s place in the WCA-T office, Lizzy Romane has been hired on as transportation planner. She had previously held the position when beginning work with the Tribe in 2011. She changed positions in 2013, working with the office’s field team.
“I left to work in the field,” she explained. “I like physical work and being outdoors. I learned how to operate equipment,” one of the skills Romane said should aid her as office planner. “It’ll be easier too – if we continue doing everything the same – I can have insight into and tell the new operators what goes on out there and what they need to know.”
Those needing to get in contact with Ashton can call the WCA office at 874-4304 during regular business hours, or send an email to wcatribe@gmail.com. Romane can be reached by phone at 874-3077 or email at lizcabot@wca-t.com.
One of the projects WCA is working on applying for is assistance through the Indian Community Development Block Grant Program, managed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. If successful, Oliver explained the Tribe would use its Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act funds as a match for a local housing assistance program.
“If that goes through we’re going to be working with elders and low-income family homes,” he explained. “Whatever they qualify for.”
Another significant project WCA is undertaking is the renovation and construction of new office space at a Wood Street property, across from
Alpine Mini Mart. The two-story duplex will eventually be remodeled for commercial use, and will serve as WCA’s central headquarters.
“It’s going to be four to five offices in there,” said Oliver, which will house the Tribe’s various departments, like WCA-T and its Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (IGAP). Consultants from Juneau firm NorthWind Architects were due to arrive yesterday to examine the building and draw up designs.
After centralizing WCA’s offices, a future stage will see the erection of a new maintenance facility and warehouse for vehicles and heavy equipment, to be located on an adjacent lot.
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