Gary Watson

Gary Watson

Gary Watson was born and raised in Kodiak, he has also lived in Port Lions, Chignik, and Anton Larsen Island. He is the great grandson of Anton Larsen. Gary has been serving on KANA’s Board of Directors as the Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak representative for seven years.

He has a strong passion for the people of Kodiak Island and their wellbeing. “I take much pride in representing our people throughout the archipelago,” he says. “The decisions that we make are based on the Board’s education, experiences, and our values. KANA’s Beneficiaries rely on us to make educated decisions.”

Gary focuses on finances, paying attention to KANA’s revenue sources and the areas in which funds are spent. “To me,” he explains, “in order to offer our programs and keep on delivering them, we have to keep an eye on where we are with our funding. Your greatest asset is your portfolio. You need to secure revenue to make it sustainable.”

He continues: “I am very proud to say that in looking at KANA’s portfolio, we are in a great state of stability­. Other organizations in Alaska are experiencing horror stories when it comes to funding. Many are struggling and sacrificing traditions just to keep up. When it gets back to me how grateful people around Kodiak are to have clinics that offer a lot more [services] than anywhere else—you know that’s a very big accomplishment.”

Gary credits his success with the Board to his education and his willingness to pay attention. “It’s a passion of mine to listen to people. I mean, I know I talk and I’m a jokester, but there is a serious side to me, especially when it comes to culture and wellbeing.” Gary says he appreciates people telling him about their needs and concerns. “Sometimes people just need someone who will listen. I advocate not only for KANA’s Beneficiaries and the members of Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak, but for all people of Kodiak. I want to listen to their problems, their ideas, their story. I want to take it to the Board and represent them.”