"Make it Monday" forum - Alaska's Energy Future

Alaska’s energy landscape is changing, and the impact reaches far beyond utilities and developers. The Alaska’s Energy Future panel brings together utilities, developers, researchers, and advocates to share their views on the challenges and opportunities for Alaska’s energy landscape and why it matters. The panel will be moderated by Janet Weiss, former BP Alaska president and current First National Bank Alaska Director.

A panel discussion featuring:

• Arthur Miller, Chugach Electric Association, CEO
• Dr. Brett Wattson, UAA, Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER)
• John Sims, ENSTAR President
• Matt Kissinger, Alaska LNG Commercial Director

Moderated by Janet Weiss, former BP Alaska President.

PLUS, a member presentation by Carrie Shepard, Alaska Women’s Business Center.
 

---

Arthur Miller is Chief Executive Officer of Chugach Electric Association, the largest electric utility in Alaska. Prior to being appointed CEO in 2022 by the Chugach Board of Directors, Arthur served in a variety of capacities including Sr. Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Vice President, Regulatory and External Affairs. He has been with Chugach for over 35 years and has played a significant role in several major events during that time including the acquisition of ML&P in 2020.

Arthur has an M.S. in Economics from the University of Wyoming and a B.S. in Business from Colorado State University. 
 

---

Brett Watson is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He teaches economics and public policy and conducts applied research through the Institute of Social and Economic Research. His work focuses on Alaska’s resource-based economy, including energy and natural gas markets, critical minerals, and state and local fiscal policy. He regularly works with state agencies, local governments, and community partners to translate economic analysis into policy-relevant insights.  Brett holds a Ph.D. in Mineral and Energy Economics from the Colorado School of Mines.
 

---

John Sims is the President of ENSTAR Natural Gas Company.  He began his career at ENSTAR in 2005 as an account representative in the business development and public affairs department.  From there, John took on various leadership roles as director and later vice president in business development, customer service, and human resources. He has held the position of company president since 2017.  

A graduate of Chugiak High School, John is a lifelong Alaskan. John is on the board of directors for Alaska Communications and First National Bank of Alaska. He holds a business degree from Hillsdale college and earned his MBA at the University of Alaska Anchorage. 
 

---

Janet Weiss brings more than 35 years of industry leadership, including her role as regional president of BP Alaska, where she oversaw oil and gas development and production. With firsthand local experience managing complex operations, her perspective is invaluable to organizations supporting communities across Alaska. Weiss holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Oklahoma State University. She began her Alaska career in 1986 as a process engineer and later advanced to reservoir engineering.

 

---

Matt Kissinger is an established commercial leader with 30 years of international experience across the upstream and midstream oil and gas industry. He has held commercial and technical roles at BP, Genel Energy, Novigo, and AGDC advancing major projects and joint venture developments across North America, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Matt holds a degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

 

---

Have a specific question for the presenters?
​ASK IT HERE

---

 

UPCOMING FORUMS