There's No Place Like Nome

Mrs. Michels was elected to serve as Mayor of the City of Nome, pop. 3545, by an overwhelming margin in the October 2003 municipal election. Born and raised in Nome, she is the first Native Alaskan to serve in this capacity, and the first woman elected to the post. As chief executive officer, she works closely with an appointed city manager, the Nome City Council and other elected and appointed boards and commissions. The Mayor is the chief spokesperson for the City, representing community legislative priorities to the Alaska Legislature and the U.S. Congressional delegation. She continues to focus on public safety, community, economic and infrastructure development, and promotes bringing diverse groups and residents together.

The position of mayor in Nome can be characterized as a “full time job with part-time pay”. Mrs. Michels is employed as Vice President of Community Services Division by Kawerak, Inc., a Native not-for-profit service organization. In this position, she is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of strategies for economic development, improving public safety in village communities, enhancing administrative and funding capacity for tribal governments, and improving housing and transportation infrastructure.

As a businesswoman, she and her husband, Terry Michels, have owned and operated several businesses in Nome. A carpenter by trade, Terry has most recently upgraded buildings for rental units.

Mrs. Michels is an active participant in regional planning activities and currently holds the position of Second Vice President and Co-Chair of Public Works and Infrastructure for the Alaska Municipal League. She is the past President for the Alaska Conference of Mayors.

Mrs. Michels is a shareholder of Bering Straits Native Corporation, Sitnasuak Native Corporation, and is a Nome Eskimo Tribal Member. She strongly believes in giving back to her community and has served on numerous boards including the Sitnasuak Scholarship Committee and the local Arctic Native Brotherhood. She is a member of the Foraker Governance Board, Alaska Airlines Northwest Community Advisory Board, Resource Development Council, BLM’s Resource Advisory Council, as well as other various ad hoc appointments.