New Employees
Dan McDaniel
Dan McDaniel
Assistant Trails Planner
Where did you come to Cor-
dova from? Long time resi-
dent and Alaska Native from
the Cordova area.
When did you get to Cordova? Been in Cordova for most
of my life.
What made you choose Cordova as your new home? I grew up here and really like it.
What do you like about Cordova/NVE so far? Great peo-
ple, great location, interesting work.
What is your background relating to your positions at
NVE? Land Management, Associate of Arts degree from
PWSCC and pursuing Bachelors in Business Administration
degree from UAS distance learning program and PWSCC
campus.
What do you hope to bring to NVE/Tribal Members/com-
munity? I would like to bring a sense of organization and
professionalism
What would you like to see accomplished relating to your
position at NVE? A completed trails plan for the Prince Wil-
liam Sound.
Anything else you’d like to add? I really look forward to
work at the NVE.
Chris Jensen
Chris Jensen
IT Systems Manager
Where did you come to Cor-
dova from? Anchorage
When did you get to Cordova?
End of January
What made you choose Cor-
dova as your new home? The beautiful environs, fi shing and
a chance to get away from the Anchorage grind.
What do you like about Cordova/NVE so far? The com-
munity has been very warm and inviting. Already my wife and
I have been invited to dinners and we have really enjoyed the
company. The city is beautiful and so is the wilderness sur-
rounding it.
What is your background relating to your positions at
NVE? Microsoft Certifi ed Small Business Specialist provid-
ing small businesses in Anchorage with IT Solutions. I also
worked for many years providing IT services for different na-
tive organizations throughout Alaska.
What do you hope to bring to NVE/\Tribal Members/com-
munity? IT Management is more of a process than people
realize. The day to day workings of a functional network are
only as efficient as the minds in the background making it
function. I have a fix-it mentality and like to problem solve. I
bring solutions and new ideas when others may have run out
of them.
What would you like to see accomplished relating to your
position at NVE? This network has been bandaged and band-
aided to death over the years. I would like to set it up so it is
proactive in repair and replacement, with up-to-date software
and best business practices so the network can grow with the
company without the pains of unplanned growth.
Anything else you’d like to add? I love to sail and my wife
and I are always looking for crew to sail with us and enjoy the
company.
Dr. Phillip Hess, MD
Dr. Phillip Hess, MD
Ilanka Community Health Center Medical Doctor
I moved to Cordova in August after 10 years in Helena, MT. Originally from Lancaster, PA. Our family was struck by the sense of community here when we first came to visit. The natural setting and skiing potential were also big factors in choosing to move to Cordova. The reality has exceeded expectations on all counts! I’m looking forward to exploring the water in its liquid state as well. Ilanka Clinic is doing a great job with health promotion and working to expand access to health care services for the entire community and I’m excited to be a part of that mission. I’m new to the medical director role but have been a family physician for 13 years. Listening to the various cultural and community perspectives has been rewarding and I look forward to more of that for years to come. NVE has been a most generous employer and fosters the family aspect in many ways. I hope to contribute by improving the delivery of health care at Ilanka, building systems to optimize our clinic operations, and promote a cooperative environment with CCMC and other health services in town. I dislike hair, long pants, and being inside- hope to cross paths with you playing out there.
Penney Benson
Penney Benson
Ilanka Community Health Center Office Manager
I moved to Seattle two and a half years ago to live the in the city. I enjoyed my time there but as many of you who have left Cordova for greener pastures and have returned would know that Cordova is a unique and wonderful place to live and I just couldn’t stay away. I missed all of my family and friends here in Cordova and the beauty and wonder that Cordova holds. I began asking and looking for that one special job that would bring me home to Cordova. When I heard about the position of the Offi ce Manager for the Ilanka Community Health Center, I immediately called Altana and let her know I really would like the opportunity to come and work for NVE at the Health Center. I had previously worked as the Offi ce Manager at the Cordova Medical Clinic back when Dr. Osborn and Dr. Ermold were here and really enjoyed it. I look forward to being an integral part of the Ilanka Community Health Center team. They are a great group of people ready, willing and able to provide the best health care to the people of Cordova. Come by and visit us, I look forward to meeting all of you very soon.
