Who We Are
Board of Directors
Travis Kukull
President of Haines Chamber
Owner of Deer Heart & Malo Nista
Glenda Gilbert
Vice President
Owner of Haines Home Building Supply
Becca Geary
Director
Tongass Federal Credit Union
Becca Geary is an Assistant Vice President of Operations at Tongass Federal Credit Union, where community outreach and local involvement are core to both her work and the organization’s mission. Born and raised in Alaska, she moved to Haines about three years ago from Dutch Harbor, where she previously served on the board of the IFHS Clinic.
Becca brings an operational and community-focused perspective to the Chamber of Commerce Board and is passionate about supporting the people and businesses that make small Alaska communities strong and connected.
Outside of work, she is an avid indoorsman who enjoys time at home with her dogs, a good book, and her husband.
George Hoffman
Owner Haines Hitch-UP RV Park
My wife Laura and I have loved camping for many years. We first started camping when our two children were very young. We traveled all across the country creating wonderful memories. In 2018 we decided to turn our passion for camping into our career. We love Haines and moved here full time in 2022. I joined the Chamber of Commerce because I believe in small business and I want to see all businesses in this town thrive. I believe if we work together we will all succeed.
Samantha Mallon aka Sami Duncan
Assitant to the Director
Samantha "Sami" serves as the Assistant to the Director of the Haines Chamber of Commerce, where she combines creativity, organization, and a passion for community engagement to support the Chamber's mission.
Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Sami developed a love of travel at an early age through family road trips that sparked her curiosity about new places and communities. In 2023, she and her husband relocated to Haines, where she quickly embraced the town's welcoming spirit and close-knit community. The couple, who first met while living in the same apartment complex in Tacoma, were married on April 20, 2026.
Outside of the office, Sami enjoys baking, reading, and spending quiet rainy days at home with her husband, their cat, and their dog. Her appreciation for community, creativity, and meaningful connections is reflected in both her personal life and her work with the Haines Chamber of Commerce.
The Haines Chamber of Commerce was organized on March 26, 1909, before the incorporation of the City of Haines. At that time, the Haines Chamber of Commerce Constitution was accepted with 22 signatures. Initial membership fee was $5 and dues were $.50. Officers and trustees were elected, with George Vogel as President. Meetings were held twice a month at the Arctic Brotherhood Hall located on Second Avenue near the corner of Union Street. Records were maintained until February 1910.
The Chamber of Commerce reorganized on May 12, 1913, with 48 members and R. M. Odell serving as President. The specific purpose for organizing was to promote the building of a railroad (Alaska Midland Railroad) from Haines into the Interior of Alaska. A letter concerning this matter was sent to President Wilson. By May 1914, minutes were typed rather than handwritten. Located in the Sheldon Museum is a Haines Chamber of Commerce book of records showing the last recorded meeting as August 13, 1914.
To form a non-profit corporation, Articles of Incorporation were adopted on May 16, 1973. Signers of the Articles of Incorporation were Thomas E. Haisler, Carl W. Heinmiller, and Richard C. Folta.
On February 15, 1974, Emmitt Wilson, Commissioner of Commerce of Alaska, recognized the Haines Chamber of Commerce as a non-profit organization. On February 27, 1981, the Haines Chamber of Commerce became classified as a 501(c)(6) in the IRS Code.
Today, a Board of Directors, which consists of nine members, each elected by the membership to three-year terms, governs the Chamber.
The Haines Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization whose primary mission is to promote economic growth and advocate for the Haines Borough business community.