Angela Vermillion Named CEO Of Copper River Native Association

The Copper River Native Association serves people from all over the Copper River Valley. It's the region's largest community nonprofit. (Photo, CRNA web) 

Angela Vermillion of Gulkana Village has been named by the Copper River Native Association as its new CEO. The announcement was made on April 30th, 2021. 

Angela Vermillion comes to CRNA after years as the tribal administrator for the Gulkana Village Council. 

Her new position at CRNA is a challenging one. The Copper River Native Association has been transitioning into a major medically-oriented facility – leading the charge in providing services to the community during the year-long Covid-19 pandemic. 

The Copper River Native Association has a long and productive history, stretching back to the 1970s. 

Thousands of local people have been served by CRNA. Many hundreds of local residents have worked for the organization over the years, in a wide variety of programs that have offered vital services to the community – ranging from dental care to water hauling to cultural programs and swimming lessons. 

Angela Vermillion is the daughter of Nick and Lorraine Jackson and was the granddaughter of former Ahtna Traditional Chief Ben Neeley and his wife, Hazel Neeley. 

The Copper River Native Association released the following press release about the announcement:

The CRNA Board of Directors and CEO Paul Rude are excited to announce that Mrs. Angela Vermillion will lead CRNA into the future as the new CEO. This morning the Board and Mr. Rude met with the CRNA staff to announce this transition. It is a day of celebration as CRNA recognizes the accomplishments of the past and looks forward to continuing the tradition of caring for our region under Mrs. Vermillion’s leadership. Mr. Rude has served as CRNA’s CEO for the past 5 years, during which the organization has seen exponential growth and a stabilization, particularly through the past year as the organization responded to the pandemic. In her announcement to CRNA staff, Board President Charlene Nollner said “CRNA is personal to myself and to the Board, we feel a deep connection and responsibility on our shoulders for CRNA.” She continued, “ I want to thank Paul and his family for his countless hours. . . we grew fast and furious. . . But our story isn’t over and we still have a lot to do . . “ Mr. Rude will continue to serve CRNA as a member of the staff team, working to support the new CEO and the CRNA staff to fulfill the CRNA Promise of providing exceptional healthcare. Mrs. Vermillion is an experienced leader who has served many years as a Tribal Administrator and as a Board Member of Ahtna Incorporated, and CRNA. Outgoing CEO Paul Rude said today, “She is exactly who we need to lead us into the future. She brings the skills, experience, education, and values to guide CRNA as we continue to grow and serve the Ahtna region.” CRNA is excited for the vision Mrs. Vermillion brings and the possibilities on our organization's horizon.

CRNA Has A Long History 

The popular CRNA summer swim and safety program, 1987. (Journal archives)