During the final day of the 2026 Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Annual Convention and Full Board of Directors Meeting, the TCC Full Board of Directors voted to elect Sharon Hildebrand of Nulato as the new Chief/Chairman of Tanana Chiefs Conference.
The Chief/Chairman serves a three-year term (2026–2029) and provides leadership for the organization as it works in partnership with the 42 Tribes of the TCC region to advance Tribal sovereignty, strengthen community wellness, and support the wellbeing of Alaska Native people across Interior Alaska.
Sharon Hildebrand of Nulato is Koyukon Athabascan and a tribal member of Nulato Village who previously served as Vice-President of Tanana Chiefs Conference. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Alaska Native Studies from the University of Alaska and is currently pursuing a PhD focused on Indigenous leadership within Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons. Her election marks her first term as Chief/Chairman of Tanana Chiefs Conference.
Executive Board Elections
In addition to the Chief/Chairman election, the Full Board of Directors also voted on subregional seats for the TCC Executive Board.
- Chief Herbie Demit of Tanacross was re-elected as the Upper Tanana Subregional Representative for another three-year term.
- Chief Charlie Green of Louden was re-elected as the Yukon-Koyukuk Subregional Representative for another three-year term.
Members of the Executive Board help guide the strategic direction of the organization and work closely with the Chief/Chairman and TCC leadership to represent the interests of Tribes across the region.
Health Advisory Board Election
The TCC Health Advisory Board also had a subregional seat up for election during convention.
- Patricia Salmon of Chalkyitsik was re-elected as the Yukon Flats Representative for another three-year term.
The Health Advisory Board provides guidance on healthcare priorities and services delivered through the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center and across the TCC region.
Interior Regional Housing Authority Board
The Full Board of Directors also elected a representative to the Interior Regional Housing Authority (IRHA) Board of Commissioners.
- Patricia MacDonald of Dot Lake was elected to Seat E for a three-year term (2026–2029).
Vice President
The Full Board of Directors also appointed a representative to the Vice President seat, vacated by Sharon Hildebrand’s election as Chief/Chairman
- Rhonda Pitka, Chief of Beaver, was appointed for the remainder of the term of Vice President (202 – 2028).