Huna Totem Corporation Forms Tourism Advisory Board

24.09.2024 - 18:57 / travelpulse.com / North America / Donald Wood

WHY IT RATES: Travel agents and advisors should familiarize themselves with the Huna Totem Corporation and its new vice president, Susan Bell.—Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.

To build on the learnings, momentum and success of the past 50 years, Huna Totem Corporation (HTC) is welcoming seasoned executives and experts who will help propel the Alaska Native village corporation into an even more fruitful future. 

Today, the company announced the formation of the Huna Totem Corporation Tourism Advisory Board, which includes travel and cruise industry experts who will help guide the company’s tourism strategy and initiatives and help strengthen its leadership position in the industry. In addition, Susan Bell has joined the company as vice president of strategic initiatives, responsible for overseeing and executing high impact projects. 

On the advisory board are well recognized leaders: Charlie Ball, Susan Bell, Craig Milan and Howard Sherman. Bringing a wealth of expertise across finance, policy and research, and business and travel consulting, these advisory board members will support HTC’s management team through non-binding, strategic guidance. Their expertise will be instrumental as the corporation grows its footprint across Alaska and beyond, leveraging the success of Icy Strait Point, its 20-year-old award-winning cruise destination. The company is already extending this winning model to other locations in Alaska including destinations in Klawock and Whittier.

“I’m so proud of the work we do at Huna Totem Corporation to not only enrich the lives of our shareholders but also deliver incredible and authentic Alaska experiences to our visitors,” said Russell Dick, Huna Totem Corporation president and CEO. “As we continue to build our business, we are honored to have the support and insights of these respected and accomplished industry leaders.”

The Huna Totem Corporation Tourism Advisory Board members are:

A long-time Holland America executive, Charlie Ball served as president of Holland America - Princess Alaska as well as executive vice president of land operations and customer service at Holland America Group. Ball has overseen worldwide port and shore operations, cruise tour operations and community and government relations. He has also served as senior advisor to Holland America.

Susan Bell, a lifelong Alaskan now residing in Juneau, has over two decades in tour operations and destination marketing. She previously served as president of McKinley Research Group, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, and vice president of Goldbelt, Inc., Juneau's Alaska Native corporation. Currently, she is assisting the University of Alaska President in