Byron Mallott, Alaska's first commissioner of Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs to receive an award from the Congregation Beth Sholom.

Who: Alaska Native leader Byron I. Mallott

What: To receive Shining Lights Award from Congregation Beth Sholom

When: Thursday, April 26, 2012, 5:30pm

Where: Captain Cook Hotel, Anchorage

Why: For his lifetime of contributions to justice for, empowerment of,

and instilling of cultural pride among Alaska Natives

Among Mallott’s many leadership positions in the public, private, and non-profit sectors:

• First commissioner of the Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs, appointed by Gov. Bill Egan

• At age 22, mayor of his hometown of Yakutat, and later, mayor of Juneau

• Civil rights leader who fought for passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, passed by Congress in 1971

• Board member, president and CEO of Sealaska Corporation, one of the largest of 12 regional corporations established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act

• President of Alaska Federation of Natives

• Trustee, then executive director of Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation

• Founding president of First Alaskans Institute to foster the next generation of Alaska Native leaders.