Lorna Shaw honored as UAF Business Leader of the Year
April 15, 2014
907-474-7042
4-15-14
The University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Management will honor Lorna Shaw as the 38th business leader of the year during a sold-out dinner and award ceremony April 18 at the Westmark Hotel Gold Room.
Shaw is the external affairs manager at Sumitomo Metal Mining Pogo, LLC where she oversees community, public and government affairs. She serves on the board of directors for industry and business organizations including the Alaska Miners Association, Resource Development Council, Alaska State Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Resource Education and UAF School of Management Business Advisory Council.
“It’s humbling to think my work has made such an impression on other people,” Shaw said. “I am pleased to have earned the endorsement of the students, faculty and previous business leaders of the year. I’m a proud UAF alumna and I feel it’s important for companies to recognize that we can’t focus on just business; we have to help build a strong community where people want to live.”
Shaw started her mining career with Kinross Ft. Knox in 2001 and rose quickly through the company, becoming Kinross’s first community and government relations manager. Creating the materials, programs and outreach efforts at Fort Knox, Shaw essentially set the standard for the industry and today she is recognized as an industry expert. In April 2012, Shaw was hired at the Sumitomo Pogo Mine and is currently responsible for developing and managing advocacy, communication and outreach efforts. From mine-specific details to industry generalities, she is able to engage audiences from experts to elementary students with one of the state’s most important industries.
Shaw is an active member of the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce and has volunteered for just about every aspect of the organization. In addition to serving as the 2012 chairwoman, Shaw presently moderates the political forum series, chairs the government relations committee and annual clean-up day event, and is team leader for the Juneau legislative fly-in. In 2010, the Chamber recognized her outstanding volunteer contributions and awarded Shaw the George Nehrbas Award.
Shaw’s daughter, Rachel, attends Barnette Magnet School and her husband, Kelly, is a perpetual high-schooler, teaching the automotive program at Hutchison High School. Together the family enjoys Alaska in their many motorized vehicles, from four-wheelers and off-road trucks to snowmachines, boats and cars. They are always up for a rebuild project with the ultimate goal of adventure.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A photo of Shaw is available online at //news.uaf.edu/lorna-shaw/.
ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/som
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