Chamber Luncheon: Commissioner Susan Bell to Present

Weekly luncheons are held every Wednesday at noon. Enjoy great food, dynamic speakers, and exciting networking opportunities. Chamber luncheons are open to the public. Chamber members receive special member-only pricing.

Executive Lunch Sponsor
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Speaker
Commissioner Susan Bell
Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development

Biography

Susan Bell was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development in July 2010 by Governor Sean Parnell.

Bell serves as vice chair of the Board of Directors of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) and the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA), as state co-chair of the federal Denali Commission, and as a member of the Alaska Railroad Board of Directors.

She has held numerous senior-level business management and marketing positions in Alaska; she understands the challenges faced by communities and small businesses in this state. In her recent role as a Special Assistant to the Governor, she contributed to several initiatives that strengthened Alaska's economy and communities, including enhanced business financing, increased marketing funding for Alaska's industries, and tax relief.

As a principal for the research and consulting firm McDowell Group, Bell managed a wide array of economic and community development projects. She has worked closely with Alaska community leaders and residents, ANCSA corporations, nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and state and federal agencies. As a Vice President for Goldbelt, Incorporated, Bell had responsibility for marketing and management of nearly a dozen separate business ventures.

Born in Nome and raised in Fairbanks, Bell has been a Southeast Alaska resident since 1987. She is a shareholder of Bering Straits Native Corporation and Sitnasuak Native Corporation. Bell received a bachelor's degree from the University of Alaska. She volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters and enjoys spending time outdoors.