Matthew K. Teaford, Christina Otto Terenzi, Robert E. Henderson and Blair Marlowe Christensen have joined the law firm of Jermain Dunnagen & Owens P.C. Teaford previously clerked for Judge Michael Wolverton and practices in the areas of education and civil litigation. Terenzi, who clerked for Judge Dan Hensley, focuses on commercial law. Henderson joined the firm after clerking for Chief Judge Robert Coats and practices primarily in commercial transactions and bankruptcy. Christensen, formerly of a San Diego law firm, practices in the areas of labor/employment and education. Eugenia Sleeper, who has been with the firm since 1994, recently became a shareholder. Sleeper's practice focuses on commercial law and bankruptcy.

First National Bank Alaska announces the appointment of David Peterson to loan servicing officer. Peterson has 19 years of experience in the financial services industry, all with First National. In his new position he will directly supervise the loan servicing support unit.

Two new employees have joined USDA Rural Development-Alaska and three have been promoted. Bethel resident Robert Beans has been selected to serve as area manager of USDA Rural Development's Bethel office. Beans most recently served as Director of Tribal and Program Support Services with the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation. Kathleen Russell of Wasilla has been appointed to the position of Contract Specialist. In her position, Russell will review contracts for USDA-RD. She has worked for the federal government for 27 years and has held similar positions with the Department of the Interior, Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Army. Additionally, three current USDA Rural Development employees have been promoted to the position of loan specialist. Catherine Milazzo will work as a loan specialist with the single family loan and grant program at the Rural Development State Office in Palmer. She was hired by USDA in 1996 and has worked in every program area of Rural Development. Amy Milburn has been promoted to the position of loan specialist in the USDA Rural Development Kenai office. In her new position, she will be responsible for credit and technical assistance for borrowers and applicants for Rural Development programs, along with processing, approving and servicing single family housing and Community Facilities loans. She was hired by Rural Development in 2001, after a six year career in the banking industry. Kim Wood of Fairbanks has been promoted to the position of loan specialist in the Fairbanks Rural Development office. Wood has more than 20 years of federal service. She joined Rural Development as a technician in 2002. Wood has also worked for the Farmers Home Administration, a predecessor of USDA-RD. She will work with applicants for home loans and grants, make housing presentations to interested groups, and process loan applications.

Michael Orr has joined Alaska Growth Capital as a business analyst. Orr is a life-long Alaskan and shareholder in both Bering Straits Native Corporation and Sitnausak Native Corporation. He holds a master's degree in business administration from Alaska Pacific University and a bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Orr is responsible for internal business analysis, loan closing and compliance and new product development.