The honor came during a grand opening event at the Matson Center, where Executive Director Sarah Howard delivered heartfelt remarks highlighting Lana’s years of service.

“Over the years, Lana has helped guide the AWCC through extraordinary growth while always advocating for opportunities to teach, inspire, and engage the public,” Howard said. “Her commitment has helped shape the educational experiences that continue to impact thousands of visitors every year.”

Howard also noted that Lana’s service is especially meaningful because she gives her time and leadership not for recognition, but because she genuinely believes in the importance of the work and the future it could create.

With many years of service on the AWCC Board, Lana has been a steadfast champion of the organization’s core mission: preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. Her advocacy helped bring the Matson Center to life, a major step forward for public education at the Center. As Lana herself says, “Visitors, students, and research teams will be able to learn and study from one of the most scenic and dynamic places in Alaska — surrounded by wood bison and elk on one side, and views of the water, beluga whales, mountains and glaciers on the other.”

The Matson Center is open to the public during AWCC’s regular hours. It hosts a wide range of education programs, research activities, and community science events, highlighting the dynamic forces that forged Cook Inlet and its inhabitants, especially the highly endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales. The Matson Center represents exactly the kind of future-focused educational investment Lana has long championed: one where learning, conservation, and connection will inspire visitors for generations to come.

At MSI, we are humbled to see Lana’s work set the high standard to which we aspire in all our efforts. Her dedication mirrors our own commitment to supporting the community and helping create a better future for both Alaskans and the wildlife we share this remarkable state with. Whether through public relations, strategic communications, or community partnerships, we strive to drive meaningful impact just as Lana has done at the AWCC.

Congratulations, Lana, on this well-deserved recognition. Your vision and leadership have helped transform a powerful idea into a place where thousands of children, students, and visitors will spark curiosity, develop respect for wildlife, and become the next generation of conservation stewards. We celebrate you, the AWCC, and our valued client Matson for making the Matson Ocean Education Center a reality.

Learn more about the Matson Ocean Education Center at alaskawildlife.org/moec.