Face to Face
Jessica Anderson
JPO/BPO Coordinator

Jessica Anderson knows all about multi-tasking. As coordinator for the Joint Pipeline Office (JPO) and Business Practices Office (BPO), she keeps one eye on regulatory actions and the other on employee concerns.

Both a Native Alaskan and an Alaska Native, Jessica was born in Homer, but has deep Alaska roots, going back to 1898 when her grandmother's family settled in Eagle. Her Alyeska career dates back to college, when she interned in 2000 and 2001 for Ship Escort Response Vessel Systems (SERVS) in Valdez. After graduating from Western Washington University (Bellingham) in March 2002, she was hired to do legal research and analysis for the Law Department. The experience proved to be invaluable when she was made project lead on implementing the workforce plan that was just completed.

Never one to idle away the hours, Jessica is "very close" to completing her master's degree in public administration at the University of Alaska Anchorage. When she isn't working or studying, she likes to hike, camp, read, travel and spends time with family and friends.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love to work with my fellow employees and help with their concerns. We have an open work environment and work proactively to keep our people well trained and address all concerns in a timely manner. We conduct formal investigations and informal resolutions. It is sensitive and highly confidential work. We want our employees to feel comfortable coming to us with any potential safety or environmental concern. We make sure we have a fair and consistent process and everyone knows how it works.

Q: What is it about Alyeska that makes you proud to be an employee?

We are truly an Alaskan-oriented organization with tremendous geographical and cultural diversity. Working here, you get the opportunity to see so much of this beautiful state, since the pipeline runs right through it. We have a very committed workforce. People are genuinely concerned about the integrity of the pipeline and the quality of their work. I have been very fortunate to have worked in the different positions I've had. In all my roles, I have worked across departmental lines in all subject areas. There is always the opportunity to do and learn new things within the company.

Q: How would you explain the pipeline to a visitor?

I continue to be astounded by the sheer magnitude of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System. It is the most regulated pipeline in the country, with a strong emphasis on safety, the environment and maintaining the integrity of the pipeline. Alyeska has one of the most advanced emergency and oil response plans in the world. And, it's a great place to work!