Evolution of the Northern Lights Energy Alumni Club

In 1988, the Northern Lights Energy Alumni began as the Atlantic Richfield Retirees organization. Throughout the past decades the club has evolved and changed names and purpose to match the evolving membership. Last year the organization name was changed to the Northern Lights Energy Alumni in order to welcome alumni, retirees, and those still working in the industry. At the 2023 summer event, a new board of directors was elected. The board is discussing overlap of members and purpose of Energy Alumni and the Northern Lights Energy Alumni Club. The board recommends closing the 501(c) (7) non-profit organization and growing membership and hosting events through Energy Alumni. The board would continue it its role and support the mission of Energy Alumni to facilitate networking amongst energy industry professionals. 

At our December event there will be a vote to ask whether the Northern Lights Energy Alumni Club members agree to drop the non-profit status.  Members of Energy Alumni benefit from the online community, regular newsletters, and events hosted in Anchorage and other cities. Regardless of the vote, the current elected board will continue to represent the Alaska members and the board will assist in community outreach, work to expand membership, solicit members to participate in volunteer activities, and plan Anchorage social events.

The Northern Lights Energy Alumni Board includes Olga Fedorova, President; Pam Pope, Vice President, Joan Kulish, Treasurer and returning board member, Katie Nitzberg Parmelee, Secretary.

Olga Fedorova is currently consulting as a mechanical engineer in the energy industry; she started her own company after the birth of her wonderful son Yuri. Prior to that, Olga worked for Hilcorp Energy and BP Alaska for 13 years in various technical and leadership capacities. If not parenting or working, you'll find her biking, running or skiing in the great Alaska outdoors.

Pamela Pope retired from BP after 34 years as a HSE Professional in Alaska and the UK.  Pam now is a volunteer ski patroller, travels to do walking trips and does many other outdoor sports.  Pam also manages the Northern Lights Energy Alumni facebook page, which you can join here.

Joan Kulish retired from BP Alaska after 19 years as an Administrative Professional and Petro-Technologist. Her background also includes 10 years with American Guard & Alert/Wackenhut Security providing security guards & medics to the Trans Alaska Pipeline, North Slope oil & gas fields, the Kenai peninsula, and other areas within the state of Alaska. She is currently employed by GCI as a Support Services Manager.  In her free, time Joan likes to putter around the yard and greenhouse, needle crafts, baking, traveling and spending time with her family.

Katie Nitzberg Parmelee is a long-time  board member of the Northern Lights Retiree Club, providing continuity as the club moves forward.  She began her energy industry career with ARCO and retired after 30+ years as a BP Alaska petroleum geologist.

Log on to RSVP for the December 13 luncheon.