About Us
Kusilvak Rising is an Alaska Native–led nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the 13 communities of the Kusilvak Census Area through unity, economic growth, and cultural revitalization. Rooted in the values of our Yup’ik and Cup’ik homelands, we work to expand opportunity while honoring the traditions, knowledge, and resilience that define our region.
Founded to address long-standing socioeconomic challenges, Kusilvak Rising serves as an intermediary organization—connecting member villages with funders, partnerships, and professional support that build local capacity and create lasting impact. Our work includes job creation, strategic planning, education and youth development, housing and infrastructure initiatives, language and arts revitalization, climate adaptation, and community-driven advocacy.
Founding Directors: Chair Sylvia Nerby, Vice Chair Susie Makaily and Secretary / Treasurer Loren Peterson
Meet the Board
About the Founder Loren Peterson, Founder and Executive Director of Kusilvak Rising, Inc., is an Alaska Native leader recognized statewide for his commitment to strengthening rural communities and building economic opportunity across the Kusilvak Census Area. Peterson is a recipient of the Alaska Journal of Commerce’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, honoring his leadership, service, and impact in advancing Indigenous-driven development throughout the region.
Raised in the Yukon River village of Mountain Village, Peterson brings both lived experience and more than a decade of executive, nonprofit, and advocacy work. In 2017, he convened leaders from all 13 villages of the Kusilvak region for the first economic development and advocacy summit in memory—an effort that helped spark the creation of Kusilvak Rising. His leadership has consistently focused on unity, regional collaboration, and creating opportunities for families to thrive close to home.
Peterson previously served as President & CEO of Azachorok Incorporated, where he strengthened governance, expanded programs, and advanced policy priorities at the state and federal levels. He has provided strategic planning, grant development, and legislative advocacy services to tribal governments, nonprofits, and Alaska Native organizations across Alaska.
Peterson founded Kusilvak Rising to build a sustainable, Alaska Native–led institution grounded in cultural values, self-determination, and long-term economic empowerment. His work reflects a deep belief that the Kusilvak region holds tremendous strength—and that with unity and investment, its communities can rise together.
Sylvia laughs with her mother as they cut fish together.
Sylvia Nerby, Chair (St. Mary’s) serves on the St. Mary’s City School Board and participates actively in the Yupiit of Andreafski Tribal Government. She brings experience in education, village governance, and youth engagement and is committed to advancing collaboration across communities in the Lower Yukon.
Susie Makaily, Vice Chair (Pilot Station) brings decades of leadership in education and rural governance. Fluent in Yup’ik, she has served on the Lower Yukon School Board and is a dedicated advocate for culturally relevant education and economic development. Her experience and deep regional ties make her an invaluable founding director.
Meet our Leadership Team
Kusilvak Rising is guided by leaders who bring deep experience in Alaska Native governance, community development, and professional services. Our founding team reflects both regional knowledge and statewide expertise, ensuring that our work is grounded, strategic, and aligned with the priorities of the communities we serve.
Founding Executive Director – Loren Missaq Peterson
Loren Missaq Peterson is the founding Executive Director of Kusilvak Rising and the visionary behind its multi-entity structure. With years of leadership experience across Alaska Native organizations, village corporations, and statewide policy initiatives, Loren brings a strong foundation in community development, executive management, government relations, and regional advocacy. His work centers on building economic opportunity, strengthening cultural identity, and creating sustainable pathways for youth, families, and communities across the Kusilvak region. Loren also serves as the General Manager for the Professional Services LLC.
Director of Professional Services – Laurie Luke
Director of Development – Vacant
The Director of Development will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Kusilvak Rising. This position will lead all fundraising, grant development, donor relations, and strategic partnership efforts to support the growth of our programs and services across the Kusilvak region. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Development will help build long-term financial stability, strengthen relationships with funders, and expand the organization’s ability to deliver high-impact, community-driven initiatives. This role is essential to advancing our mission and ensuring we have the resources needed to uplift and empower the villages we serve.
Laurie Luke leads Kusilvak Rising Professional Services LLC, the organization’s statewide consulting and recruitment arm. With extensive experience supporting Alaska nonprofits, tribal organizations, and statewide professional service projects, Laurie provides strategic oversight of recruiting, talent acquisition, project development, and organizational support services. Her work helps generate earned income that strengthens Kusilvak Rising’s long-term sustainability while delivering high-quality services to partners across Alaska.
Laurie Luke, Director of
Professional Services