Jeanine “JJ” Marsh
Jeanine “JJ” Marsh was elected to KANA’s Board of Directors to represent the Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak (STK) chapter. She is the daughter of the late Mary and Joseph Jensen and the granddaughter of the late Eli and Lena Metrokin. She has had the privilege of being raised in Kodiak by both her parents and grandparents and states that this positive influence instilled in her a deep respect for Elders and taught her to honor the land and sea for all that they provide. She has three children and four grandchildren who keep her busy. She enjoys spending time with them and teaching them everything she knows about their rich culture and heritage.
JJ is passionate about helping others. She credits her former 24-year career at KANA (1990-2014) with helping her shape this passion and allowing her to realize it by advocating for Beneficiaries and families in the Koniag Region. JJ values her tenure at KANA, as her long patient-focused career has helped her establish close connections with KANA’s families. In 2014, she accepted the position as Tribal Administrator for STK – a position she continues to hold today.
Because of her current position with STK, she enjoys the privilege of promoting expanded services including services for Elders and tribal membership. “Having a strong tribal voice representing STK is vital to ensure that services are equitable, culturally appropriate, and that they meet the needs of our Beneficiaries,” said Ms. Marsh. “Additionally, I am committed to communicating the operations of KANA and other ancillary organizations to the STK Council and members to ensure that we are at the table when new and expanded services are being developed.”
She has served on the Natives of Kodiak (NOK) Board as a Director since 2013. Serving on the NOK Board has allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of the business sector as well as of how Alaska Native Corporations operate. She also represents STK on the KANA Health Services Advisory Committee and has been a Tribal Court Judge for STK for the past eight years. Additionally, JJ currently serves as a Kodiak Island Housing Authority (KIHA) Board of Commissioner (Vice Chair) and Alutiiq Heritage Foundation Board of Director.
