VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 3 | SEPTEMBER 2026
that defines RDC. Our members may come from different sectors, regions and organiza- tional perspectives, but they share a com- mitment to Alaska’s future. They understand that a strong private sector is essential to a healthy state economy. They also understand that advocacy is most effective when it is grounded in facts, respect and a willingness to listen. RDC has long been a forum where difficult issues can be discussed thoughtfully, and where common ground can be found in support of Alaska’s long-term success. As my term as president comes to a close, I am confident that RDC is headed in the right direction. The organization is stronger because of the work we have done together, but even more because of the people who will continue that work. I am especially excited for incoming President Joe Balash and the leadership he will bring to the role. Joe understands Alaska, understands resource development and understands the importance of bringing people together around practical solutions. I know he will build on the progress of the past two years and help guide RDC into its next chapter with energy, experience and purpose.
"As I reflect on my term, I am filled with gratitude for the trust placed in me, pride in what we have accomplished and confidence in where this organization is headed next." — Scott Habberstad, President, RDC
IT HAS BEEN A PRIVILEGE TO SERVE RDC AND ALASKA
The challenges before Alaska are sig- nificant, but so are the opportunities. Our state has world-class resources, innovative companies, skilled workers, strong com- munities and a history of meeting big chal- lenges with determination. If we continue to advocate clearly, work collaboratively and insist on policies that support respon- sible development, Alaska can remain a place where resource industries thrive and future generations have reason to stay, work, invest and build their lives.
Thank you to the RDC board, staff, members, sponsors and partners who have supported this organization and its mis- sion. It has been an honor to serve as presi- dent, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in RDC’s continued progress. I look forward to supporting Joe and the entire RDC team as they build on what has been accomplished, and continue working toward a brighter tomorrow for the industries that make up RDC — and for Alaska.
S ERVING AS PRESIDENT OF THE RE- SOURCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR ALASKA HAS BEEN ONE OF THE GREAT PRIVILEGES OF MY PROFESSIONAL LIFE. OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTU- NITY TO WORK ALONGSIDE A DEDICATED BOARD, AN EXCEPTIONAL STAFF AND MEMBERS FROM EV- ERY CORNER OF ALASKA’S RESOURCE INDUSTRY. Together, we have continued the import- ant work of advancing RDC’s mission: grow- ing Alaska through responsible resource development. As I reflect on my term, I am filled with gratitude for the trust placed in me, pride in what we have accomplished and confidence in where this organization is headed next. RDC has always occupied a unique and essential place in Alaska. Our membership brings together industries that are founda- tional to the state’s economy, including oil and gas, mining, tourism, fisheries, forestry, Alaska Native corporations, organized labor, local communities and the many businesses that support these sectors. That diversity is one of our greatest strengths. It allows RDC to speak with a broad and credible voice about the policies, projects and partner- ships needed to keep Alaska competitive, prosperous, and resilient. In a state where opportunity is often tied directly to access, infrastructure, investment and regulatory certainty, RDC’s role has never been more important. Our Executive Director Connor Hajdukovich is championing our resolve on both the state and federal level. One of the accomplishments I am most
proud of is the way our team has strength- ened and grown RDC’s membership through Jennifer Kuhlmann’s leadership. Membership is more than a number on a re- port; it is a reflection of relevance, trust and shared purpose. Over the past two years, we have worked to deepen engagement with existing members while welcoming new voices into the organization. We have sought to ensure that RDC remains a place where leaders from across Alaska’s resource indus- tries can connect, learn from one another and unite around common goals. That effort has made us stronger, more representative and better equipped to advocate on behalf of the industries and communities that help drive Alaska forward. We have also made important progress in strengthening RDC’s financial position. A strong balance sheet gives an organization the flexibility to respond to challenges, the stability to plan for the future and the capac- ity to invest in the work that matters most. Through disciplined oversight, thoughtful planning and the continued support of our members and sponsors, RDC is well posi- tioned to continue delivering value. That financial strength is not an end in itself; it is a tool that allows us to remain effective, independent and focused on our mission. Equally important is the fact that RDC has remained an active and respected advo- cate for responsible resource development across the industries that make up Alaska’s economy. We have engaged in issues affect- ing oil and gas, mining, fisheries, forestry,
tourism, transportation, land access, permit- ting, infrastructure, energy and economic development. We have worked to make sure policymakers understand that responsible development and environmental stew- ardship are not opposing ideas. In Alaska, they must go hand in hand. Our industries operate in some of the most challenging and carefully managed environments in the world, and the people who live and work here understand the importance of mind- ful development and stewardship. We care about doing things the right way. We recent- ly welcomed Lauren Rice to the RDC family as our External Affairs Coordinator. We are truly fortunate to have attracted Lauren and expect great things to come in our advocacy efforts. Alaska’s resource industries do far more than produce commodities or support indi- vidual projects. They create careers, sustain communities, generate public revenues, support small businesses and help make possible the infrastructure and services that Alaskans rely on every day. From the North Slope to Southeast, from the Interior to Western Alaska, responsible resource development helps provide opportunities in places where they can be difficult and expensive to create. RDC’s work matters because the decisions made in boardrooms, agencies, legislatures and courtrooms have real consequences for families, communities and the future of our state. What I have appreciated most during my time as president is the spirit of collaboration
GROWING OPPORTUNITY. ROOTED IN RESPECT.
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www.AKRDC.org
ALASKA RESOURCE REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2026
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