HEDC’s Mission
Haines Economic Development Corp. is a nonprofit corporation with a mission to realize economic development in Haines Borough through research, community engagement, and strategic planning.
Latest News
Staff and Board
Meet the locals behind HEDC! We are a group of committed community members dedicated to the success and growth of Haines.
Chip Lende
Chip Lende is the owner of the local lumber store and a 35 year resident of Haines. He is an active long-distance biker and community member. He and his wife Heather have five children and nine grandchildren.
Co-Chair
Darsie Culbeck
Darsie has lived in Haines for 30 years and has experience working in local government, adventure tourism and mineral exploration. He is passionate about community development and believes that Haines has all the necessary assets to create a thriving, vibrant economy.
Co-Chair
Sean Gaffney
Sean has been involved in building businesses and economic development in the upper Lynn Canal for thirty years. He is a founding member of the Haines Economic Development Corporation. When he is not in his office or volunteering in the community you can find him with friends playing outside in this beautiful place we call home!
Board Member
Anne Marie Palmeiri
HEDC Board Member
Scott Doddridge
Board Secretary
Sylvia Heinz
Board Treasurer
Vacant
Cindy Zuluaga Jimenez
Cindy has an environmental science and biology background and holds a master’s in resource management. Her professional interests lie in the intersection of economics and the environments in remote communities. She is looking forward to seeing the Haines community continue to be an inviting and healthy place to live. She enjoys fishing, paddling hiking, and gardening.
Executive Director
Geri Mata
Geri was raised in southeast Alaska with close ties to the communities of Ketchikan and Klawock. Her career spans three decades of serving as a Special Projects Manager who specializes in grant writing, event planning, and public relations for Alaskan organizations. She enjoys home and office organization, cooking and learning about Alaska Native cultures.
Communications & Outreach Specialist
HEDC Guiding Documents
HEDC Bylaws (Revised, formally adopted and signed Feb. 23, 2018)
HEDC Articles of Incorporation (Ammended Feb. 23, 2018)
Please don’t hesitate to contact us at director@hainesedc.org and we’ll be happy to help you find what you’re looking for.