Face to Face
Charlene Ostbloom, Open Work Environment Representative

Charlene helps Alyeska meet its commitments to maintaining an open work environment and helps to ensure employees understand the company's code of conduct requirements.

How did you get into this profession?

I started working for Alyeska in Fairbanks in 1997 for the Continuous Improvement and Quality department, then for Training and Development and Human Resources, and then became a Pipeline Advisor. I left for three years, but always knew I’d be back. I was interested in moving to Anchorage and was fortunate enough to get a job in Alyeska’s Open Work Environment department in 2007, where I’ve been for the past two years.

Describe some of the work you do for Alyeska?

I help managers and employees understand Alyeska’s code of conduct and policies and encourage managers to take a proactive role when issues like safety or HIRD arise. Some of it is done through training of new employees, managers and supervisors, so that a proactive approach to preventing issues and concerns is taken rather than a reactive one. Our department also conducts investigations when there are complaints to make sure that Alyeska is operating in accordance with its policies.

What do you like the most about your job?

I enjoy interacting with so many different people all over TAPS. I started with the Pipeline client group in Fairbanks and now the Valdez Terminal and SERVS are my primary client groups. I travel every other week to Valdez and enjoy getting face time with TAPS employees both in and outside of Anchorage.

What is your favorite part of growing up in Alaska?

I grew up along the Yukon River in a small village called Nulato and have always loved the wonderful people and beauty of Alaska. Having traveled so much across the state, I am awed by the vast and varied backdrops, from the treeless tundra at Prudhoe, to the gorgeous forests and valleys of the Interior to the southern regions surrounded by mountains and water.