Doyon Announces Geraldine “Geri” Simon as Doyon Foundation Executive Director
Doyon, Limited and the Doyon Foundation are proud to announce the selection of Geraldine “Geri” Simon as the Doyon Foundation Executive Director. The Doyon Foundation has the mission of providing educational, career, and cultural opportunities, and meets its mission through scholarships, workforce development, and Alaska Native language revitalization.
Benjamin Schwartz, the Foundation Board President noted that Simon was selected after an extensive recruitment and selection process that included prescreening and interviews by a third party, before interviews with the Foundation Board.
“We are excited to welcome Geri as the Foundation’s next Executive Director. Her leadership will be instrumental in carrying forward the Foundation’s mission, strengthening the organization, and, most importantly, creating opportunities for Doyon shareholders and communities to succeed,” said Schwartz.
“This is an exciting opportunity, and I look forward to implementing the Foundation Board’s vision to focus on workforce development and Alaska Native language revitalization and especially harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of the next generation coming up,” said Simon. Simon will step into the role immediately, starting today, September 14, 2026.
Simon is a Doyon shareholder from Allakaket. She received her Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts from University of Washington. Simon also attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), and is a proud recipient of a Doyon Foundation scholarship.
Simon served most recently as Executive Director of Business Development and Strategic Initiatives for Tanana Chiefs Conference and was also previously the Senior Vice President of Administration at Doyon, Limited.
Simon currently serves as Board President of K’oyitl’ots’ina, Limited (village corporation for Alatna, Allakaket, Huslia, and Hughes), as a Member of the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation Board, and as an Advisory Council Member for the University of Alaska College of Business and Security Management. She previously served on the Alaska Judicial Council, and Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce.
Other volunteer and community involvement includes local basketball leagues, Foraker Group, UAF Chancellor’s Advisory Committee, UAF School of Management Advisory Board, and the American Heart Association.
Simon also served as a Director and the Secretary of the Board of Doyon, Limited, and has stepped down to undertake her new role. Doyon, Limited will announce the process for filling Simon’s vacated seat following the upcoming Doyon, Limited Board of Director’s meeting scheduled for November.
