NACA Remembers Board Member and Founder Barney Uhart
Posted by on Tuesday, 11th September, 2012
For Immediate Release
NACA Remembers Board Member and Founder Barney Uhart
A Visionary Behind Native 8(a) Success
WASHINGTON, DC (September 11, 2012): The Executive Director of the Native American Contractors Association (NACA) released a statement today reflecting on the life and contributions of one of NACA’s founders and Board members, Barney Uhart. Uhart was also the President Emeritus of Chugach Alaska Corporation, who passed away this Saturday, September 8, 2012 after a long battle with cancer.
“Barney Uhart was a dedicated Board member to the Native American Contractors Association. He advocated tirelessly for Tribal, Alaska Native Corporation, and Native Hawaiian Organization participation in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program,” stated Kevin Allis, Executive Director of NACA. Allis continued, “He was a friend and a mentor to many Native leaders.
Uhart’s career with Chugach Alaska Corporation began in 1993. He became President and CEO in May 2000. During his tenure, the company grew phenomenally rising from $19 million in 1993 to over $1 billion in 2009 in revenues.
Sheri Buretta, Chairman of the Board of Chugach Alaska Corporation stated, Barney was dedicated to the Chugach people and all Native people. He worked hard to bring benefits back to them. We mourn his passing, but celebrate his life and achievements.
A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, 8800 Heritage Center Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99504.
For more information, please contact Jennine Elias at (202) 758-2676.
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NACA is a national Native advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., and represents Tribal, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations across the country. NACA seeks to protect the economic self-sufficiency of America’s indigenous people that is enhanced through the participation of its members in the SBA 8(a) program. NACA’s members represent and provide benefits for nearly 700,000 Tribal members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.