"I am very honored by the confidence the Board has shown in selecting me as its chair, and I want to let everybody know I am up for the challenge," Demmert said. "I look forward to working with vice-chair Frank Wright Jr. of Hoonah, secretary Lovey Brock of Wrangell, treasurer Harriet Silva of Angoon and the other members of the SEARHC Board of Directors to make sure we continue to provide the highest quality health services in partnership with Native people."
Victoria Demmert
Over the years Demmert has been very involved in community activities in Yakutat. She was mayor of the City and Borough of Yakutat from 2002-04, and she spent 10 years as president of the Yakutat City School Board (15 years on the board), five years as a director on the executive board of the Alaska Association of School Boards, eight years as a director for Yak-Tat Kwáan Inc., three years as a director on the RurAL CAP executive board, and three years as president of the Alaska Head Start Advisory Council.
She also has been president and council member on the Yakutat Tlingít & Haida Council, a member of the Yakutat City Council, a director with the Yakutat Native Association and a member of the Alaska Native Sisterhood since 1962.
Demmert, a grandmother of eight, replaces Jan Hill of Haines as the chair of the SEARHC Board. Hill remains on the board, and Demmert said she plans to tap Hill's expertise to provide continuity of leadership. She also intends to continue SEARHC's practice of building partnerships with other health organizations and Native groups, which she feels helps SEARHC deliver quality health care for its members.
"I believe SEARHC has good fiscal policies in place, good personnel and a good board," Demmert said. "I am very honored and pleased to have been chosen to represent SEARHC."
