afpc team updates, general interest

Growing Our Table, Expanding Our Vision

May 6, 2026

As we continue to grow our table, we’re thrilled to welcome some fresh voices, innovative ideas, and new energy to our Governing Board of Directors. These new members bring a wonderful mix of experience, perspective, and passion that will help guide AFPC’s work to connect, inform, and advocate to strengthen food systems for all Alaskans.

Before we pull up a few new chairs, we want to offer a heartfelt thank you to Kyle Hill, who is stepping down from the board after sharing his time and leadership with us over the past four years. Kyle’s contributions have helped strengthen our organization in so many ways, and we’re so grateful for the insight and support he offered.

Thank you for your service, Kyle!

Kyle Hill is the President of the Alaska Commercial Company, a retailer that provides groceries and general merchandise in 38 stores throughout rural Alaska. Prior to taking on this role, Kyle held leadership positions in the private and non-profit sectors including Vice President of Strategy at the North West Company, Executive Director of Teach For Canada, and a Project Leader at the Boston Consulting Group. Kyle holds a Bachelor of Science (Physics) from Mount Allison University, and a Master’s and PhD (Physics) from the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He and his wife, Cecelia, live in Anchorage, and they enjoy shopping at Farmers Markets on weekends and eating Alaska-grown and Alaska-raised food wherever possible. Kyle Hill served as Treasurer for AFPC from 2022 to April 2026

Now, with gratitude for where we’ve been and excitement for what’s ahead, let’s meet the newest members joining the board!

Welcome to our newest board members: Megan, Frank, Inga, and Anahma.

And an extended welcome to Elizabeth and Jason, who also joined our board in January 2026.

Megan Militello is an entrepreneur, veteran, and community-focused leader dedicated to strengthening Alaska’s food systems and local economies. She is the founder and Executive Director of AKMA (Alaska Manufacturing Association), the collective voice for Alaska manufacturers, where she works to connect industry partners, build relationships across sectors, and advocate for a more resilient and locally driven manufacturing economy across the state. Megan brings a background spanning entrepreneurship, supply chain development, and cross-sector collaboration. She is the founder and former CEO of Elevated Oats, an Alaska-based consumer packaged goods company, where she led the development, production, and growth of a locally rooted food brand. She has also worked with Alaska MEP, supporting manufacturers across the state in improving operations, strengthening supply chains, and expanding market access. Her work is grounded in community building and a commitment to strengthening connections across Alaska’s food system—from producers and processors to organizations and communities—while helping turn ideas into practical, actionable outcomes. Megan believes in a more connected and self-reliant Alaska and is continually inspired by the strength, resilience, and close-knit nature of its people.

Frank Nix is the Cultural Food Manager, Organized Village of Kasaan, Kasaan.

“My Name is Frank Nix, My Family is From Hydaburg Alaska, and I live and work in Kasaan Alaska. I work for the tribal organization of Kasaan as the Cultural Food Manager, developing cultural programming to educate on a local and regional level about the important aspects of traditional hunting, harvesting, processing, preservation, and preparation of traditional food stuffs. I step into every avenue I can find to stand and speak as an advocate for our ecosystems and resources. I grew up in Washington state and spent the majority of my working life cooking in professional kitchens in a variety of roles and studied business management in college. I look forward to this opportunity on the AFPC to share my voice and relay the voice of my community (as well as others like it). And to advocate for the Southeast Region.”

Inga Peterson looks forward to serving on the Alaska Food Policy Council board with passion and enthusiasm. With a strong background in agricultural education and leadership, she previously served two years as a state officer for the Alaska FFA Association, where she traveled to farms, classrooms, and legislative offices to better understand and support Alaska’s food systems. She is currently expanding her experience through research technician roles at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, as well as serving as a director for the Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District’s AFFECT program (Alternative Fairbanks Farm Education & Cooperative Training). After graduating from UAF, Inga plans to pursue a career in soil conservation or agronomy in Alaska, with the long-term goal of owning and operating a peony farm.

Anahma Shannon is the Environmental Program Director at Kawerak, Inc., the Alaska Native nonprofit corporation based in Nome, Alaska. She oversees environmental programs focused on community health and stewardship, including recycling, contaminated site cleanup, marine debris removal, and community gardening across Northwestern Alaska. Born in Sitka and a high school graduate of Homer, Anahma has lived throughout the state and has called Nome home for the past 20 years. She lives in a cabin with her family, where gardening and living close to the land have been a part of everyday life—experiences that have shaped her understanding of rural and remote community challenges and solutions. In 2020, she helped support the restart of Pilgrim Hot Springs, building on several years of hands-on work at the Pilgrim farm. This work further strengthened her commitment to food security, land stewardship, and the realities of sustaining food systems in Arctic environments. Anahma values the Bering Strait Region’s profound understanding of food security, resilience, and subsistence practices. She is committed to connecting people, lifting rural voices, and sharing real-world knowledge from Northwestern Alaska to help build stronger food systems for all Alaskans.