Face to Face
Curtis Thomas
Fairbanks Communications Manager

The first act in Curtis Thomas’ career was spent gracing the Fairbanks television screens as an anchor for the local Fox and NBC affiliates. For 10 years, he spent his days chasing stories and his evenings in front of the camera, bringing Interior news to locals. That “face” time made him overwhelmingly popular in the community and gave him an approval rating politicians only dream of.

He ended his career on screen when he landed a job working at Alyeska as the Fairbanks Communications Manager in 1999. The job is perfectly suited for Thomas, who is still one of the more recognizable figures in town. With first hand media experience and public relations expertise, Thomas has what it takes to manage Corporate Communications. Intensity, challenge and an ever-changing schedule are his only constants – and he enjoys every minute. Thomas helps manage the company’s reputation and ensures Alyeska is meeting its commitment with stakeholders.

What do you like best about working for Alyeska?

I love working with the people in this company. They are so smart and have such diverse backgrounds and interests. I also love the fact that there is a new challenge waiting for me every day when I walk into my office. Never a dull moment! It keeps me on my toes. Representing Alyeska at community events is also very rewarding. It is nice to be inextricably linked with a company that has such a good reputation.

What do you like best about living and working in Alaska?

I guess the thing I like about Alaska is the same thing I like about Alyeska…. the people. What a wonderful, eclectic mix of strangely wonderful folks living here. I also really enjoy the summers in Fairbanks. The constant sunlight and warm weather energizes me to no end! I often find myself working in my garden or mowing my lawn at midnight simply because I have so much energy. Of course the Fairbanks winters make you just want to crawl under a rock …but we don’t have to talk about that.

What activities do you enjoy when you’re not at work?

I thoroughly enjoy deep-sea fishing in Valdez. Nothing like pulling up a two hundred pound halibut…so I hear. My largest has been about 85 pounds, but I know one day I’ll land the big one. I also enjoy playing tennis with my daughter. Those long summer nights make for some pretty fun evening matches.