Frank Chandler has joined Alaska Interstate Construction as chief estimator. Chandler has extensive experience in highway, airport, waterline, sewerline, subdivision and building construction to bear in bidding and managing on civil development projects. Chandler spent his first dozen years in Alaska as a surveyor, before moving into construction management. He was formerly marketing vice president of Beta Construction, and sole estimator at Tam Construction and Pruhs Corp. before coming to AIC. He is based in Anchorage, but bids and manages prospects worldwide in oil and gas, mining, public contracting, international and Cook Inlet region private development divisions.

Monica Wotto Sullivan and Amber Brown of the design staff of RIM Architects have passed their construction documents technology exams, an important step toward professional registration. A CDT certificate demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of the main stages of a typical construction project cycle; the types of documents produced in each project phase; and the relationship between all of the stakeholders. RIM Architects has offices in Anchorage, Honolulu, San Francisco, and Hagatna, Guam.

Hank Brinker, a senior land surveyor with R&M Consultants Inc., has been recognized as a certified federal surveyor, having completed the certification process established by the BLM Cadastral Survey Program. Brinker has been with the firm since August 1997. He holds a degree in surveying and mapping technology from the University of Alaska Anchorage and is a professional land surveyor licensed in Alaska. Since 1969, R&M has offered engineering, surveying and mapping, earth sciences and construction services.

Shinichiro “Shin” Suzuki was named senior business relationship manager for Wells Fargo's Alaska Commercial Banking Group. He will manage complex financial services relationships for large business customers in Alaska. Suzuki joined Wells Fargo in February 2003 as a management trainee and worked as a personal banker, business specialist and business banking trainee prior to becoming a business relationship manager in 2005. He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts.

Alberto “Al” Orot was appointed, and William D. Fowler and Michael B. Salazar reappointed to the state's Aviation Advisory Board. Orot, of Anchorage, is director of stations for PenAir and has 28 years of experience in the charter and commercial airlines sectors of Alaska's aviation industry. Fowler, also of Anchorage, has been president and chief executive officer for Northern Air Cargo since 2001. Salazar, an agent for Acordia Northwest Insurance based in Ketchikan, has nearly 40 years experience in Alaska aviation. The 11-member board advises and provides recommendations to the commissioner of the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities on aviation-related policy issues. Gov. Sarah Palin made the appointments.

Bill Jeffress, a principal consultant and manager for the Alaska office of SRK Consulting Engineers and scientists, has been named to a public seat on the Alaska Minerals Commission. Jeffress has nearly 20 years of experience as an environmental manager and engineer for the mining industry in Alaska and Nevada. He also has served as director of the Office of Project Management and Permitting for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. The 11-member commission makes recommendations to the governor and the Legislature on ways to ease governmental and other constraints on the development of minerals in the state.

Larry Bartman of Manokotak has been appointed to the Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council. Bartman, a technology liaison with the Southwest Region School District in Dillingham, has been a commercial driftnet and setnet fisherman in Bristol Bay since 1978. The six-member council consults with the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development regarding appeals filed in relation to the care of Alaska licensed commercial fishermen who have been injured while fishing onshore or offshore in Alaska.

Jessie Malecha, Chad Schierman, Bart Semmler and Mikhail Vayner, of Anchorage-based AMC Engineers, passed the Construction Specifications Institute exams for certified document technologist. CDT certification is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated experience, advanced knowledge and professional expertise in the preparation and evaluation of construction contracts and the administration of construction projects as prescribed by CSI. The AMC staff now includes 22 engineers, designers and support staff who are CSI-certified.

Daryl Royce was hired as director of community outreach for the AARP Alaska State Office in Anchorage. Royce comes to AARP with 15 years of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit management and public service in Alaska. His major focus at AARP will be working on the association's national priorities of financial security, health care reform, housing, mobility and volunteer engagement. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people 50 years of age or older.