AOGA

Staff Bios

 Kara Moriarty
Kara came to Alaska from her home state of South Dakota to teach elementary school in Atqasuk. After working in Washington, DC for then South Dakota Congressman, now U.S. Senator John Thune, she moved back to Alaska and lived in Fairbanks for seven years. She has served as legislative staff in Juneau to Senator Gary Wilken and was the President/CEO of the Fairbanks Chamber for four years. She joined the AOGA staff in April 2005. She became the fifth Executive Director of AOGA on January 1, 2012.  Her husband Gerry is an Alaska Airlines pilot and they enjoy their three young children, Joseph, Margaret and Garrett.

Kate Williams
Kate was born and raised in Juneau, AK, Kate is an attorney who spent most of her career in public policy serving as staff to U.S. Senator Ted Stevens in a variety of capacities, including his Legislative Director and Chief Counsel. Prior to joining the AOGA staff, Kate was an Associate Attorney at Birch, Horton, Bittner and Cherot. She joined the AOGA staff in August 2010. Kate’s current title is Regulatory and Legal Affairs Manager.  Kate enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Sarah Erkmann 
Sarah is a life-long Alaskan with years of experience in strategic communications and media relations. Prior to joining AOGA, Sarah worked as Communications Director for Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan, and was a senior manager for a local public relations agency for many years. Sarah is married to Jason Ward, with whom she has two young children, Drake and Susie. The entire family enjoys camping, traveling and exploring Alaska.

Tamara Sheffield
Tamara moved to Alaska at an early age with her family, and has never left. She came to work at AOGA in December 1980. She has held various administrative positions at AOGA and her current title is Support Services. Earlier in her career, she was very involved in the Desk and Derrick Club of Anchorage. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling and volunteer work.  She is married to Mike and together they have one son Steven and two dogs Coco and Abby.