Michelle Lisonbee serves as the Navigator for the Bristol Bay region. Her mother’s family is from Clark’s Point, and Michelle has maintained a lifelong connection to the Bristol Bay region. She was raised in Eagle River and has lived in Soldotna for the past five years. Both of her parents maintained deep and lasting connections throughout Bristol Bay, helping to instill in her an appreciation for the region’s people, communities, and culture.
Michelle is enrolled with the Clark’s Point Village Council and is a shareholder of Bristol Bay Native Corporation, Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), and Saguyak, Inc. She earned a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
With nearly 20 years of experience working with Alaska Native organizations, Michelle brings a practical understanding of organizational operations, workforce development, and the unique opportunities and challenges facing Alaska communities. Her background in human resources and organizational development has provided her with experience working alongside Tribal organizations, Native corporations, nonprofits, and community partners across the state.
Michelle and her husband are the proud parents of two sons. Outside of work, she enjoys fishing, hunting, and foraging with family and friends and values the opportunities these activities provide to stay connected to Alaska’s lands, waters, and traditions. She has also volunteered her time serving on nonprofit boards focused on youth sports and personal development.
Michelle’s lifelong connection to Bristol Bay, combined with her professional experience and commitment to service, helps her support the Tribes, communities, and organizations of the region through AFN’s Navigator Program.