Meet Raul. Originally from Puerto Rico, Raul brings a warm, people-first approach to his role as an HR Generalist at Calista Brice. He came to Alaska in 2018 and built his path into human resources through hands-on experience, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning. What started as a job in seafood processing became a new career path, a new home, and eventually a role helping others find their own next step.

Today, Raul serves as an HR Generalist at Calista Brice, where he supports recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, career fairs, and day-to-day HR needs across the organization.

But his approach to HR starts with something much simpler: making people feel welcome.

Finding a New Path

Before moving to Alaska, Raul lived in Puerto Rico and studied business administration with a minor in music. He sang, performed, and spent much of his time connected to the arts.

After Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017, Raul accepted an opportunity with an Alaska-based seafood company and began building a new chapter in Alaska. He started as a seafood processor and, over time, moved into supervisor and manager roles. While working in the industry, he noticed how much employees needed support — and how often managers were trying to handle recruiting, onboarding, and employee concerns without a dedicated HR team.

That experience shaped the way Raul saw Human Resources. For him, HR was not just about paperwork or policies. It was about helping employees, supporting managers, and building trust between both.

Raul went on to finish his degree in human resources and moved into recruiting and HR representative roles. In 2024, he joined Calista Brice and found a place where he could keep growing.

A Friendly Face at Career Fairs

As part of the HR team, Raul’s work covers a wide range of responsibilities. He helps with onboarding, recruiting, employee relations, and more. It is a role that requires patience, organization, and a willingness to learn.

When he first started attending career fairs in a new industry, he worried about having all the answers. Over time, he learned that the most important thing was not knowing every detail right away. It was making people feel comfortable enough to start the conversation.

His advice is simple: smile, listen, and make people feel welcome.

That matters. A career fair booth can be intimidating. A job application can feel like a big step. Raul wants candidates to know there is a real person on the other side who is ready to help.

That same approach helps him connect with candidates and employees in a more personal way. Spanish is Raul’s first language, and he currently supports hiring and onboarding efforts where Spanish communication plays an important role. Being able to help people in their preferred language gives him another way to build trust, answer questions clearly, and make the process feel more approachable.

A Different View of HR

Raul knows HR can sometimes feel intimidating. People may think HR only gets involved when something has gone wrong. That is not the kind of HR professional he wants to be.

His goal is to be someone employees can talk to, ask questions, and trust. He wants people to understand policies, know what to expect, and feel supported before issues become bigger problems.

“I want to be known as that HR partner that says, ‘Let’s sit down and talk about it,’” Raul said.

Life Outside of Work

Outside of work, Raul is deeply connected to music and theater. Since moving to Anchorage, he has performed in local productions of The Wizard of Oz, The Addams Family, and Grease. When summer arrives, he enjoys camping, biking, hiking, and spending time outdoors. At home, he likes relaxing with his partner and their dog, Precious.

That balance matters to him. Calista Brice has given Raul room to grow his HR career while still making time for the creative life he brought with him from Puerto Rico.

Helping Others Take the Next Step

Raul’s path to Calista Brice was not a straight line. It took him from Puerto Rico to Alaska, from music to seafood processing, and from seasonal work to human resources.

That journey helps him connect with candidates who are also looking for change, stability, or a new opportunity.

Today, whether he is answering questions, supporting onboarding, or greeting someone at a career fair, Raul brings the same goal to each conversation: make people feel welcome.

For anyone thinking about applying, Raul’s message is clear. Come with an open mind. Be ready to learn. And don’t be afraid to start the conversation.

Interested in starting your own career journey with us? Explore opportunities at Calista Brice companies and discover where your path might lead.

Pictured left to right: Teri Nienhaus (Director of HR & Employee Development), Todd Henderson (VP of Finance & Strategy), Matthew Brice (Director of IT),  Krista O’Neill (Senior Executive Advisor), Sam Robert Brice (President Emeritus & Executive Advisor), Stefan Rearden (President), Mac Stevens (Director of Safety & Risk), Siobion Richards (Director of Communications)

A resume isn’t just a document—it’s a marketing tool. It’s your chance to show employers what you bring to the table, the skills you’ve built, and the impact you can make on their team. Whether you’re just starting your career, changing industries, or applying for jobs across Alaska, these strategies will help you stand out and get to the interview stage.

1. Keep Your Resume Clear, Simple, and Easy to Read

First impressions matter, and most employers will only spend a few seconds scanning a resume.

DO:

• Keep it to one page unless you have enough relevant experience to justify two.

• Use a clean, easy-to-read font (10–12 pt).

• Place your most relevant experience at the top.

• Use short, skimmable bullet points—not paragraphs.

• Ask a mentor or colleague to review for errors.

DON’T:

• Use personal pronouns (I, me, my)

• List high school once you’re in college or beyond (unless directly relevant)

• Include personal details like age, marital status, or a photo

• Use complex graphics or templates from Canva (application systems may reject them)

• List references (send them separately if asked)

2. Tailor Your Resume to the Job

No two jobs are the same—and your resume shouldn’t be either.

Read the job description closely and match:

• Key skills

• Required qualifications

• Software or tools mentioned

• Industry-specific terms

Employers and their Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) look for keywords. Using the same language as the job posting can help your resume rise to the top.

3. Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly

Most employers, especially larger companies, use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sort candidates (e.g. Workday). 

To help ATS’s scan your resume:

• Use simple formatting and standard headings (Education, Experience, Skills).

• Avoid text boxes, graphics, columns, or charts.

• Save and submit as PDF or .docx, unless instructions say otherwise.

• Use keywords directly from the job description.

• Keep dates and titles formatted consistently.

4. Focus on Experience—Not Just Job Duties

Employers care about what you accomplished, not just what you were responsible for.

Include:

• Part-time, full-time jobs, and seasonal work

• Internships

• Volunteer roles

• Leadership positions

• Projects (school, community, or independent)

5. Write Strong, Results-Focused Bullet Points

Your bullet points should do two things:

1. Show what you did
2. Show the impact you had

A great formula from the attached resource is:

Action Verb + Skill/How You Did It + Task + Result/Outcome

Examples:

• Maintained a clean and organized store environment by restocking shelves hourly, improving customer satisfaction for 100+ daily guests.

• Collaborated with team members to meet sales goals, helping increase annual profits by 5%.

• Trained and supervised 10 new employees using weekly coaching sessions to build confidence and improve team performance.

Whenever possible, quantify your results—numbers catch attention.

6. Use Strong Action Verbs

Start every bullet with a verb that reflects your impact. Examples include:

Led, improved, organized, collaborated, created, supported, supervised, analyzed, trained, managed, designed, built, implemented

Avoid weak phrases like “responsible for” or “helped with” when possible.

7. Highlight the Skills Employers Want Most

Across various industries, employers consistently look for:

• Communication

• Teamwork & collaboration

• Problem solving

• Adaptability

• Customer service

• Leadership & supervision

• Attention to detail

• Time management

• Work ethic

• Administrative & technology skills

If you have these skills, show when and how you used them.

8. Include Additional Sections (If Relevant)

These work especially well for students, early-career applicants, or career changers:

• Certifications

• Language skills

• Technology/software skills

• Projects

• Research experience

• Community involvement

• Field or lab skills

• Awards & achievements

These sections can help fill gaps and provide a fuller picture of your abilities.

9. Final Steps: Review and Refine

Before submitting your resume:

• Print or save a clean PDF

• Double-check spacing, alignment, and headings

• Make sure your contact info is correct

• Confirm your file name looks professional (e.g., FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf)

Meet Ben: Vice President of Brice Highway, Brice Civil Constructors & Brice Construction and Design

From running a bike shop at age 15 to leading large-scale infrastructure companies today, Ben’s career journey is anything but ordinary. Now serving as Vice President for Brice Highway, Brice Construction and Design and Brice Civil Constructors, he’s helping expand Calista Brice’s presence in Texas and the Gulf region while building on the company’s strong culture of trust and stewardship.

A Foundation in Hard Work and Trades

Ben’s story begins with entrepreneurship at an early age. Growing up in Washington state, he worked at a bike shop as a kid and eventually bought the business while still in school. After high school, he entered the trades, balancing college coursework, an apprenticeship, and multiple jobs to fund his own education. By his early 20s, Ben was already managing crews across several states and overseeing multimillion-dollar projects.

He went on to co-found and operate a group of industrial companies with his father, tackling Department of Defense contracts nationwide. Along the way, he learned firsthand the importance of resilience, adaptability, and building systems that support people.

Joining the Calista Brice Family

Ben joined Tunista Construction in 2018 as a Construction Manager, where he quickly became known for his ability to implement systems that set teams up for success. He later took on leadership of Tunista’s Construction Programs, leading out and developing the Safety department, Quality Control Program and equipment department, turning around significant losses and building a foundation for long-term growth, with having a high level of confidence in incredible managers appointed to each of these departments for the future.

This experience led him to his current role: Vice President of Brice Highway and Brice Construction and Design, based in Texas. With over 200 employees and ambitious revenue goals, his focus is on applying the Brice model—building strong systems, empowering people, and fostering a culture of trust.

Building for the Future in Texas

In the Gulf region, opportunities are vast: from flood control and roadway projects with TxDOT and county governments to private construction markets. Under Ben’s leadership, Brice Highway is already underway on its first major contract, with long-term plans to grow annual sales well beyond $100 million.

For Ben, success isn’t just measured in numbers. It’s about creating an environment where employees have the tools, support, and trust they need to thrive. “People run systems, and systems run companies,” he explains. “If you have the right people in the right seats, the results follow, as Packard’s law states – No company can grow revenues faster than its ability to get enough of the right people to implement that growth and still have a great business.”

Lessons in Leadership

When asked what advice he would give to someone starting their career at a Calista Brice company, Ben’s answer is clear: build trust. “The reason I’m in this role isn’t because of a degree or even my experience—it’s because I’ve earned trust within this organization,” he says.

That trust extends beyond the jobsite. As part of a Calista Corporation-owned business, every project is ultimately funded by and for Alaska Native Shareholders. Stewardship, respect, and transparency are at the core of how Ben leads, ensuring the work done today supports communities for generations to come.

Looking Ahead

Ben is confident about the future. While the work of building systems and navigating change isn’t always easy, he believes in the team and the mission. “It’s tough now, but I know where we’re going,” he says. “With the right people, the right culture, and the right systems, we’ll get there—and we’ll be stronger for it.”

Interested in starting your own career journey with us? Explore opportunities at Calista Brice companies and discover where your path might lead.

Meet Maureen Fitzgerald. A career that began with dispatching trucks in Portland has carried Maureen all the way to the world of marine logistics in Alaska. Today, as Marine Business Manager at Brice Marine, she helps coordinate projects that bring essential freight, fuel, and equipment to some of the most remote parts of western Alaska.

Building a Career in Marine Logistics

Maureen spent 16 years with Northland before continuing her career with other carriers and eventually joining Brice Marine in 2025. For her, the draw was clear: a chance to stay deeply connected to western Alaska and work alongside familiar colleagues she’s known in the industry since 2005.

Her role covers a wide range of responsibilities: preparing quotes for internal & external customers, reviewing contracts, coordinating schedules with the operations manager, negotiating fuel prices, handling invoicing, and working with ports across Alaska. It’s a job that requires attention to detail, deep knowledge of vessel capabilities, and strong relationships with both customers and crews.

“What I enjoy most is quoting and problem-solving with customers,” she says. “Even if we can’t take on the job, I’ll help them find another option. That kind of trust keeps people coming back.”

Facing Challenges

Marine logistics is not without obstacles. Weather delays, shifting tides, and vessel limitations are daily realities.

Working closely with customers often means navigating complex situations and earning their trust along the way. Building credibility with new clients can sometimes be challenging, but Maureen has developed her own approach: “It’s about listening, staying confident in what you know, and finding ways to keep the conversation moving forward.”

She emphasizes that spending time in Alaska—visiting ports, villages, and work sites—has been key to earning trust. “Seeing the places firsthand helps me understand why certain jobs are priced a certain way or why a landing is difficult. It makes me better at what I do, and customers can tell the difference.”

Advice for the Next Generation

For those interested in a career in logistics, Maureen recommends starting small: “Find a customer service role where you can learn the basics—quoting, routes, and customer needs. Once you’ve built that foundation, you can grow into more complex work. It’s all about building knowledge step by step.”

Life Outside of Work

Now based in Payette, Idaho, Maureen balances her remote role with a busy family life. Her husband owns a concrete business, and together they keep a full schedule—whether it’s supporting projects close to home or planning their next getaway.

When work slows down in the winter, travel takes center stage. San Diego has become a favorite escape for sunshine and downtime, but the holidays draw her back to Oregon to reconnect with family and friends.

It’s this mix of work, family, and adventure that keeps Maureen energized—whether she’s quoting projects for western Alaska or swapping snow boots for flip-flops during the off-season.

Interested in starting your own career journey with us? Explore opportunities at Calista Brice companies and discover where your path might lead.

Financial aid refers to funding provided to students to help cover the costs of their education, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. It can come from federal and state governments, colleges, and private organizations, and is designed to make higher education accessible and affordable.

Applying for financial aid can make higher education more affordable by helping cover tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully apply for financial aid:

1. Understand Your Options

Financial aid comes in several forms, including:

• Grants: Need-based and do not require repayment (e.g., Pell Grants).
• Scholarships: Merit-based or need-based and do not require repayment.
• Work-Study Programs: Part-time jobs for students with financial need.
• Loans: Borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Gather the following documents before starting your application:

• Social Security Number (or Alien Registration Number, if applicable).
• Federal tax returns, W-2s, and other income records for you and your parents (if dependent).
• Bank statements and records of investments.
• Records of untaxed income (e.g., child support, veterans benefits).

3. Complete the FAFSA Form

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary form for applying for financial aid. Here’s how to complete it:

• Visit the FAFSA Website: Go to fafsa.gov or use the myStudentAid mobile app.
• Create a FSA ID: Both you and your parent (if dependent) need an FSA ID.
• Fill Out the Application: Provide personal, financial, and academic information.
• List Schools: Include the colleges or universities you are considering. They will receive your FAFSA information.
• Sign and Submit: Use your FSA ID to electronically sign the application and submit it.

Important Deadlines:

• Federal FAFSA Deadline: June 30 for the upcoming academic year.
• State and school deadlines may vary. Check with your state and prospective schools.

4. Apply for Scholarships

• Search for Scholarships: Use online search engines like Fastweb or Scholarships.com.
• Check with Your School: Many institutions offer internal scholarships.
• Meet Deadlines: Each scholarship may have unique requirements and deadlines.

5. Review Your Student Aid Report (SAR)

After submitting the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing your application. Review it for accuracy and make corrections if needed.

6. Respond to Financial Aid Offers

Each school you list on your FAFSA will send you a Financial Aid Award Letter detailing the aid you’re eligible for. Compare offers and:

• Accept grants and scholarships first.
• Consider work-study opportunities.
• Evaluate loans carefully, borrowing only what you need.

7. Maintain Eligibility

To continue receiving financial aid:

• Meet academic progress requirements.
• Renew your FAFSA annually.
• Report any significant financial changes to your school’s financial aid office.

Bonus Tips

• Seek Guidance: Contact your school’s financial aid office for assistance.
• Beware of Scams: Avoid services that charge for FAFSA completion or scholarship searches.
• Start Early: Apply as soon as possible after October 1 to maximize your aid eligibility.

By following these steps, you can navigate the financial aid process with confidence and secure the funding you need for your education.

Meet Shannon Fitzsimmons. A biochemistry background and passion for outdoor work led Shannon to a rewarding career managing environmental remediation projects across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

Shannon’s path to environmental consulting began in an unlikely place—a wine harvest in the south of France. After starting her career in an environmental sampling lab while pursuing her biochemistry degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she took a detour into wine chemistry, working in California’s Napa and Healdsburg regions.

But the appeal of environmental work called her back, seeking opportunities to tackle contaminated sites and restore lands to their previous conditions.

Building Expertise Through Diverse Projects

Shannon joined Brice Engineering nearly four and a half years ago, bringing experience from CH2M Hill (later acquired by Jacobs). Currently based in Portland, Oregon, she holds the dual role of Project Manager and Project Chemist, supporting environmental cleanup efforts from Alaska to the Pacific Northwest.

Her responsibilities span the entire project lifecycle—what the industry calls “cradle to grave.” This includes developing proposals, managing and executing field work, overseeing sample collection, validating laboratory data, and drafting final reports with recommendations for future work or site closure.

The unpredictable nature of field work keeps Shannon engaged. Despite extensive pre-planning, many projects require constant adaptation and creative problem-solving to get around weather delays, equipment issues, and challenging site conditions.

Remote Work, Real Impact

Shannon’s projects take her to some of Alaska’s most remote locations. At Shoal Cove, an hour and a half boat ride outside of Ketchikan, her team stayed on a boat and used UTVs to drive seven miles to the work site each morning. Weather delays and logistical challenges are part of the job, requiring quick thinking when conditions don’t match the original plan.

Currently, Shannon is working on the project planning for Palmyra Atoll located 1,000 miles South of Hawaii. After taking an ecological toxicology class that studied different ecological receptors, she gained a new perspective on how legacy contaminants affect wildlife and how they can bioaccumulate within these systems – especially protected and endangered species seen on a national wildlife refuge. Shannon will be executing the field work at Palmyra in October collecting over a thousand soil and concrete samples in under three weeks. These extra challenges of sample shipping logistics, multiple involved agencies, and limited available historical data are what make these jobs extra exciting for her.

Continuous Learning and Growth

Beyond her project work, Shannon is pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Management at Portland State University, taking advantage of Calista Brice’s Education Assistance Program. She’s also expanding her expertise into biota sampling—testing fish and other wildlife for contamination exposure.

Shannon emphasizes the importance of understanding multiple disciplines in environmental work. Risk assessors, geologists, data managers, and other specialists all contribute to the success of projects, and learning from these different perspectives makes her more effective in her role.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, Shannon hopes to manage her own projects independently while helping Brice expand its Pacific Northwest presence. The region offers abundant opportunities for environmental work, and she’s already supporting two projects in Oregon.

The variety keeps her engaged—from drilling soil cores to collecting groundwater samples to exploring new areas like tree core sampling for wildfire impact studies. Each project brings unique challenges and site conditions that require field teams to adapt their approach while maintaining their core objectives.

Life Outside Work

When not managing environmental projects, Shannon enjoys ceramics, hiking, biking, comedy shows, and exploring Portland with her pup and husband.

From wine labs to contaminated sites, Shannon’s journey demonstrates how diverse experiences can lead to meaningful environmental work. Her story exemplifies the growth opportunities within our companies—where curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to making a difference can build a rewarding career.

Interested in starting your own career journey with us? Explore opportunities at Calista Brice companies and discover where your path might lead.

Planning a career through education means choosing studies that align with your goals. By selecting relevant courses and gaining the right skills, you build a strong foundation for future job opportunities and growth.

Understand Your Interests

The first step in finding the right educational path is to understand your interests and passions. What subjects or activities do you enjoy? What sparks your curiosity or inspires you? Take some time to reflect on these questions and make a list of your interests. This will help guide you towards fields of study that align with your passions.

Keep in mind that your interests may change over time and that’s okay. This step is simply about gaining a better understanding of yourself and what motivates you. Embracing your interests and passions can lead to a more fulfilling educational experience.

Analyze Your Skills & Strengths

Knowing your skills and strengths is crucial when it comes to choosing the right educational path. What are you good at? What areas do you excel in? Make a list of your skills and strengths, both academically and personally. This will not only help you identify potential career paths, but also give you confidence as you embark on your educational journey.

It’s important to be honest with yourself during this step. Recognize your weaknesses as well, and consider how you can improve in those areas. This will help you make informed decisions and set realistic goals for yourself.

Research Different Majors & Jobs

Now that you have a better understanding of your interests, skills, and strengths, it’s time to research different fields and career opportunities. Look into industries and job roles that align with your passions and strengths.

Additionally, consider the job market and demand for certain fields in your region or globally. This will give you a better idea of the potential opportunities available in different fields. Ensure to keep an open mind and explore various options during this step.

Meet Marcus Trivette. Twenty years ago, Marcus was a college student looking for summer work. Today, he’s the president of Brice Inc. and the first non-Brice family member to lead the company in its 60-year history.

Marcus’s path to leadership wasn’t typical, but it perfectly reflects the opportunities for growth and advancement that define our company culture. When Marcus began pursuing an engineering degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Brice team offered him a summer internship that launched his career, eventually taking him from the field to the executive suite.

Learning from the Ground Up

Marcus’s first project was rebuilding an airport runway at Birch Creek, north of Fairbanks. The remote location meant flying all equipment in on C-130 aircraft—his first experience with the logistical challenges that make Alaska construction unique.

Beyond the technical aspects of the project, Marcus learned from veteran team members that success depends on taking care of your people. On a flight to scout crew housing in Birch Creek with Sam Richard Brice, one of the Brice Inc. founders, Marcus learned that simple things—like ensuring field crews have good meals after long days away from home—can make or break a project’s success. This lesson stuck with Marcus throughout his career, and taking care of team members continues to be a core philosophy at Brice Inc. today.

Building a Career at Brice

After spending several summers working on projects across the state as an intern, Marcus joined the Brice team full-time. He continued gaining experience and was promoted to project engineer, then superintendent, and eventually project manager.

When Calista Corporation acquired Brice Inc. in 2010, the business was able to expand, creating new advancement opportunities for team members. By 2014, Marcus had stepped up as construction manager, overseeing the entire construction division for the next decade. In early 2025, Marcus was named president of Brice Inc.—becoming the first person outside of the Brice family to lead the company in its 60-year history.

Marcus’s journey from intern to president illustrates a simple truth: at Brice Inc., growth creates opportunity. “We are growing,” Marcus explains. “Do your job well and be ready for when the phone rings, and you’ll get an opportunity to take on a larger role.”

Leading with Purpose

Marcus brings a unique perspective to his role, having experienced Brice Inc. as both a family-owned business and as part of large organization after Calista Corporation acquired the company in 2010. As president, Marcus carries forward the values that attracted him to Brice in the first place.

From the Brice family, he learned to treat team members like family —creating a culture where people feel valued and supported.

From Calista, he embraces the philosophy of constant improvement. Rather than trying to fix everything at once, Marcus focuses on incremental progress by selecting a few key areas for improvement each year. His approach is methodical: pick the things you can control and make them better.

His advice for new employees and interns centers on alignment: “Make sure your personal goals and values align with the company you work for, then it’s really easy to carry out the mission.”

Looking Ahead

For Marcus, leadership isn’t about the spotlight—it’s about continuing Brice’s tradition of excellence while creating opportunities for others. As helenka Brice, co-founder of Brice Inc. and matriarch of the Brice family, once said: “Our organization is competent, our productivity consistent”—words that still appear on company timecards today and capture what the organization continues to work toward.

Growth means giving people room for advancement in the organization, whether they’re new to the company or moving up from within.

Marcus’s story isn’t rare at Brice Inc.—it’s how we do business. When employees grow, the company grows, and when the company grows, new opportunities emerge for everyone ready to answer the call.

Interested in starting your own career journey with us? Explore opportunities at Calista Brice companies and discover where your path might lead.