FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2025

Anchorage, Alaska – Commonwealth North proudly announces the 2025 recipients of the prestigious Hickel and Egan Awards for Excellence in Public Policy Leadership: John Binkley, honored with the Walter J. Hickel Award, and Gloria O’Neill, recipient of the William A. Egan Award for Visionary Alaskan Leadership, for their transformative contributions to Alaska’s public policy and community well-being.



Past recipients include luminaries such as Walter Hickel, Ted Stevens, Lisa Murkowski, and Julie Kitka for the Hickel Award, and John Sturgeon, Tara Sweeney, and Dr. Anne Zink for the Egan Award.

John Binkley

John Binkley, a Fairbanks-born Alaskan, has shaped Alaska’s economic and policy landscape through diverse leadership roles. A former legislator, gubernatorial candidate, and current CEO of the Ward Cove cruise ship dock, Binkley’s achievements include:

• Serving over 30 years on the Alaska Railroad Board, including 13 as chair.
• Leading the Fairbanks family business, Riverboat Discovery and El Dorado Gold Mine
• Founding and leading the Alaska Cruise Association to advocate for tourism in Alaska.
• Developing a cruise ship dock at Ward Cove near Ketchikan since 2019, expanding the economic impact of tourism as CEO.
• Chairing the 2020 Alaska Redistricting Board and serving as a 2020 presidential elector.
• Appointment to the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation Board of Trustees in 2025.



His entrepreneurial spirit and public service reflect the legacy of Governor Walter J. Hickel, co-founder of Commonwealth North.

Gloria O’Neill

Gloria O’Neill, a Yup’ik and Scots-Irish Alaskan from Soldotna, has transformed Alaska Native communities as President and CEO of Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) since 1998. Her innovative leadership integrates Indigenous values with public-private partnerships, serving over 12,000 people annually through programs in education, career development, family preservation, and addiction recovery. Key achievements include:



• Expanding CITC into a model for holistic wellness and economic self-sufficiency.
• Launching CEI, CITC’s for-profit entity, with ventures like the award-winning video game Never Alone (16 million downloads, BAFTA and Peabody Awards).
• Leading national initiatives, including the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children and the Alaska Native Justice Center.
• Serving on the University of Alaska Anchorage Board of Regents (2013–2021), the Alaska Federation of Natives Board (1998–2017), and advising national bodies such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Census Bureau.

O’Neill’s vision embodies Governor William A. Egan’s legacy of uniting Alaskans for a stronger future.

“John Binkley and Gloria O’Neill exemplify the spirit of leadership and service that the Hickel and Egan Awards celebrate,” said Moira Smith, Awards Chair of Commonwealth North. “Their dedication to Alaska’s economic, cultural, and social advancement inspires us all.”

“What an incredible surprise and remarkable honor. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and humbled to be acknowledged in this way. I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute alongside so many dedicated individuals.” said Gloria O’Neill.

“This recognition reflects the collective efforts of Alaskans working to build a stronger state,” added John Binkley.

Join us to celebrate these remarkable leaders at the Hickel and Egan Awards Gala on October 23, 2025, at the Anchorage Museum. Enjoy a no-host reception, three-course dinner with wine, live entertainment, a commemorative gift, and modern hits performed by a string quartet.

Secure your tickets or sponsorship today at www.commonwealthnorth.org, as space is limited.

For inquiries, contact Ross Johnston at exec@commonwealthnorth.org or (907) 444-1923.

About Commonwealth North

Founded in 1979 by Governors Walter J. Hickel and William A. Egan, Commonwealth North is Alaska’s leading nonpartisan public policy forum, fostering informed discussions and bold leadership to address the state’s critical challenges.

Media Contact

Ross Johnston

Executive Director, Commonwealth North

(907) 444-1923

exec@commonwealthnorth.org

www.commonwealthnorth.org