February 2021 – Change of Command Ceremony

When I was in the Air Force some time ago, one of the more important formal functions I recall participating in was what we called a Change of Command.

Administrator for the past eight years, Mrs. Kathy Henckel

Mrs. Jennifer Strickland, our new Administrator

Presentation of colors, hallowed songs such as "Ruffles and Flourishes" and the national anthem, squadron formation and inspection, award presentations, pass-in-review and of course fly-bys all lend gravity to these special occasions honoring the outgoing command and welcoming the new.

This month marks a momentous Change of Command for NAPM, with the retirement of Mrs. Kathy Henckel, our Administrator for the past eight years, and the assumption of that role by Mrs. Jennifer Strickland, who comes to us from Access Alaska, Inc. where she served as Administrator.

Mrs. Henckel literally helped open the doors here at NAPM in 2012 and steered the ship through some of our most challenging trials including (but not limited to!) the 2018 earthquake, and the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has decided at this point to focus her time and energies with her family including two beautiful grandchildren, and we wish her the very best.

Mrs. Strickland (and her family) has been a beloved and respected member of our Eagle River community for nearly two decades now, raising her children here and serving in many roles outside of that, including guiding Access Alaska through many challenges as well prior to stepping down at the beginning of the pandemic. She brings a wealth of expertise including the arenas of compliance and human resources as well as previous experience running a small business. Most importantly however she has a strong love for the people of our community and a desire to serve and champion those who need it the most, and we are most blessed to have her join our team. And as they say in the military, “All policies and procedures remain in effect.”

Congratulations and best wishes, Mrs. Henckel, and Welcome, Mrs. Strickland!