1997: Willie Hensley joins Alyeska, contributing to industry and Alaska
William L. “Willie” Hensley (Inupiaq name Iġġiaġruk) took on the role of Alaska Native Program Manager at Alyeska on October 28, 1997. It wasn’t long until he brought his previous extensive knowledge and experience from his involvement with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the establishment of the Alaska Federation of Natives and NANA Regional Corporation to make an impact in his new role. From 1998-2008, Hensley spent his time between Washington D.C. and Alaska as Alyeska’s Federal Government and Relations Manager.
After retiring from Alyeska, he didn’t stop advocating for Alaska Native policy. Until recently, Hensley taught at the University of Alaska Department of Business and Public Policy and found time to publish his autobiography, Fifty Miles from Tomorrow: A Memoir of Alaska and the Real People.
Willie is currently enjoying retirement, but still finds time to speak about Alaska and TAPS history while sharing his perspective on current issues. He recently took time to sit down with First Alaskans Institute and Alyeska leadership to discuss Alyeska’s unique relationship between Alaska Native regions and TAPS.
READ MORE 45TH ANNIVERSARY TAPS VISION STORIES:
1999: Lisa Booth: From intern to CFO
2013: Tom Barrett — coming soon