KETCHIKAN, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 5, 2026-- Alaska Power & Telephone Company (AP&T) is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Desmond as Vice President – Chief Employee Services. In this role, Desmond will lead the transformation of the Company’s people strategy, overseeing talent development, employee relations, total rewards, compliance, and workforce planning while aligning Employee Services with AP&T’s long-term business objectives and employee-owner model.

The transition from a traditional Human Resources structure to an Employee Services model represents a strategic shift in how AP&T supports its workforce and better aligns with the Company’s long-standing commitment to its employee-owners.

Rather than focusing solely on compliance, policies, and administration, Employee Services emphasizes a holistic, employee-centered experience – integrating talent development, leadership support, workplace culture, and employee well-being. This role is about creating an environment where our employee-owners feel supported, heard, and empowered to do their best work.

Desmond brings extensive experience in executive HR leadership within highly regulated, operationally complex environments, including logistics, aviation and remote market operations across Alaska. She has led workforce strategy for organizations of 1,000+ employees, ensured multi-state compliance across DOT, OSHA, TSA, and federal frameworks, and partnered with executive teams to drive growth and operational performance.

“We are thrilled to welcome Laura Desmond to our leadership team as Vice President and Chief Employee Services Officer. Laura brings a deep understanding of how to build strong, inclusive cultures and align talent strategies with business goals. As we continue to grow, her leadership will be instrumental in attracting, developing, and supporting our employee-owners, who drive our success. We’re confident Laura will help us strengthen our organization and shape a workplace where employees can do their best work and thrive.”

William Marks, President/CEO

Since joining AP&T, she has worked closely with senior leadership to modernize HR into a strategic Employee Services function; advancing leadership capability, strengthening workforce engagement, and implementing scalable systems and policies that support both regulatory compliance and sustainable organizational growth.

“AP&T’s employee-owner culture is a powerful foundation, and I am excited to build on that by evolving how we support our people,” said Desmond. “My focus is on creating an Employee Services model that not only ensures compliance and operational excellence, but also strengthens leadership, engagement, and opportunity across the organization. When our employees feel supported and connected to the mission, it directly translates into better service for our communities, customers, and long-term success for the Company.”

As Vice President – Chief Employee Services, Desmond will oversee initiatives that move AP&T from a traditional HR function into a fully integrated Employee Services model including workforce strategy and planning, leadership development and succession planning, employee-owner engagement, and culture and change management.

AP&T remains committed to building a workplace culture that attracts, develops, and retains talented individuals. Employee Services is not just a name change – it formalizes and strengthens our ongoing commitment to treating our employee-owners as our most important resource.

About Alaska Power & Telephone Company

Alaska Power & Telephone Company (OTCMKTS: APTL) is an employee-owned, community-minded telecom and power utility delivering advanced broadband, communications, and energy solutions across more than 40 rural and remote Alaskan communities. With a strong foundation of local ownership and a forward-looking approach, AP&T is driving growth through innovation, infrastructure investment, and a deep commitment to the people and places it serves.

Discover more at www.aptalaska.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260505892434/en/

Laura Desmond
VP – Chief Employee Services

Cell Phone: (907) 947-0029
Email: laura.d@aptalaska.com

Alaska Power & Telephone Company
136 Misty Marie Lane
Ketchikan, AK 99901

Source: Alaska Power & Telephone Company