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Staff

Meet the Staff

Consider the Anchorage Chamber staff a resource that comes with your membership. Discover ways to get involved, connect with other Anchorage business professionals, and ultimately maximize your membership.

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Kathleen McArdle
President/CEO

Kathleen McArdle joined the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce as President/CEO in October 2023 after a 13 year tenure with Verizon Wireless. Kathleen brings dual academic qualifications, first earning a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, and later returning to graduate school for an MBA. Prior to Verizon, she practiced counseling as a licensed therapist with individuals and groups in clinical settings. Raised by entrepreneurial parents, she was exposed early to the realities of small business ownership and the value of resilience and creativity. Since moving to Anchorage from Phoenix in 2014, Kathleen and her husband, and their two dogs, have fallen in love with the vibrant and welcoming environment that Anchorage provides.

(907) 677-7109 | kathleen@anchoragechamber.org

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Tosha Swan
Chief Operations Officer

Tosha Swan joined the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce in June 2016 as the Manager of Programs & Communication, and was later promoted to Vice President of the department in 2021. She served as the Director of the Young Professionals Group from February 2019 to July 2023. And in September of 2023, Tosha held the Interim CEO position before being promoted to Chief Operations Officer.

Tosha graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2007 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Public Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising. In 2019, she completed a Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Graphic Design from Full Sail University. She has over a decade of experience in journalism and publishing, PR and marketing, graphic design, and event management.

Tosha believes that in life, you should never stop learning. She is the current board president of AIGA Alaska, and a member of the Public Relations Society of America Alaska Chapter, the American Marketing Association Alaska Chapter, and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). In 2020, Tosha was recognized as one of the ACCE's top 40 Under 40 of the chamber industry’s emerging leaders and later honored by the Alaska Journal of Commerce in the 2021 Top Forty Under 40.

She has volunteered on the board of AIGA Alaska, the professional association for design, since 2016. She has been a member of advisory committees at the UAA Department of Journalism and Public Communications, and the Anchorage School District's Career Technical Education program.

Tosha grew up in Kenai, AK, and is a member of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe. She has lived in Anchorage since 2003 and enjoys traveling, live music, the great outdoors, and adventuring with her daughter, LilyAnn, and fiancé, Carlos.

(907) 677-7103 | tosha@anchoragechamber.org

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Donese Fifield
Operations Coordinator

Donese brings a tremendous background and technical depth to the position. Her career includes 21 years with Alaska Communications and many years as a financial representative with American Express Travel/Global Travel. Donese joined the Anchorage Chamber to "be a part of something good, be of service, and be part of a team making positive changes," she says.

(907) 677-7112 |  donese@anchoragechamber.org

Erica

Erica Schneider
Events Manager | YPG Director

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with a global networking company and have gained valuable skills in problem-solving, communication, time management, and organization. I am passionate about community involvement, networking, and bringing together like-minded individuals for a common goal. I am excited to apply my expertise to be part of this incredible team at the Anchorage Chamber.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, hiking, camping, and getting out around Alaska to explore this beautiful state. I believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which allows me to bring my best self to both my personal and professional endeavors. I moved to Anchorage in September of 2022 with my fiance and our husky from Denver, Colorado and it has been the most rewarding relocation decision!

The Young Professionals Group brought me to the Chamber, and staying involved was easy!

(907) 677-7111 |  events@anchoragechamber.org
KendallStewart

Kendall Stewart
Membership Development Manager

Kendall joins the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce team with over eleven years of marketing experience in media including radio and newspaper. Utilizing his background, he specializes in helping businesses grow. After moving from DC to Montana in 2012, he was a voting member of the Helena Chamber of Commerce, the president of their young professionals group, and was active with the membership team.

Kendall was born and raised in Washington DC and lived there until 2012. He graduated from Bowie State University with his Bachelor's in Psychology. He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., an athlete in football and basketball and played collegiate football for several years. Kendall enjoys spending time with his family, practicing martial arts, fellowshipping with local church members and participating in multiple sports. Kendall is a level 9 instructor in Traditional Wing Chun Kung Fu.

Kendall has a passion for helping the community and is a board member for The Mat-Su MLK Foundation and The United Way of Mat-Su. In 2021, he and his family relocated to his wife's hometown of Anchorage. He truly enjoys the Alaska community and is excited to be a part of the team.

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