Robert Retherford

President

A Certified Professional Geologist with a M.S. in Geology from the University of Colorado, Rob has 38 years experience in geologic consulting. Ten of those years were devoted to geotechnical investigations supporting civil engineering for hydroelectric projects, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and foundations. He has spent a considerable portion of his career managing drilling camps of all sizes on native corporation lands across Alaska. Rob is a member of the Alaska Minerals Commission, a director of the Alaska Miners Association, and has been an advisor to the land managers of nine of Alaska's Native Regional Corporations. Rob oversees company and field operations.

Bill Ellis

Vice President

A graduate of the Mackey School of Mines and Certified Professional Geologist, Bill brings 39 years of primarily Alaskan experience to AES, exploring for most metal commodities and energy. Major mining company experience includes Battle Mountain Gold, American Copper and Nickel, Sunshine Mining, and Anaconda Copper. More than half of his exploration career has been involved in managing exploration on native corporation lands. He has implemented complex, multi-year programs ranging from small remote reconnaissance camps through semi-permanent drill camps with multi-million dollar budgets. He currently directs the technical efforts of the AES geologic staff.

Alan Roberts

Senior Geologist

With a Masters in Mineral Exploration from the Royal School of Mines, London, Alan has 16 years of mineral exploration experience and is a Certified Professional Geologist. In addition to Alaska, he has worked in Canada, China, Africa, Central and South America, as well as the lower 48 states. Primarily focused on gold exploration, Alan has also worked on platinum group elements, nickel-copper, sediment-hosted copper, porphyry copper-molybdenum, silver and uranium deposits. Most recently he led the exploration team for Gold Canyon Resources that has discovered a multi-million ounce gold deposit in northwestern Ontario.

Mike Belowich

Coal Geologist

A Certified Professional Geologist, with a Master's degree in geology from the University of Alaska, emphasizing coal science and technology, Mike runs the AES branch office in Wasilla. Mike has 29 years of coal experience in Alaska, including surface and underground coal mine exploration, coalbed methane exploration, underground coal gasification exploration, and permitting of coal related projects through Alaska's stringent Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) and associated State and Federal regulatory agencies. Mike has worked or consulted for Alaska's Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, Arctic Slope Consulting Group, Evergreen Resources Alaska, Forest Oil Corporation, Storm Cat Energy, Chugach Native Corporation, Black Range Minerals, Laurus Energy, Usibelli Coal Mine, and Cook Inlet Regional Corporation. Recently, Mike's work includes the Jonesville, Chickaloon, and Wishbone Hill coal mine exploration projects, upper Cook Inlet natural gas exploration, and Beluga Coal Field underground coal gasification exploration.

Greg Thurow

Senior Geologist

A Certified Professional Geologist, Greg brings 37 years of geologic experience to AES, including seven years supervising coal bed methane drilling programs in the Powder River Basin. He has worked on a full range of metal exploration projects from grass roots exploration to feasibility studies. Greg has a Masters degree in Economic Geology from the University of Colorado.

Gary Friedmann

Project Manager

With ten years experience in mineral exploration in every part of Alaska and 25 years in business, Gary's responsibilities at AES include business development and project management. Gary provided management support for Naknek Electric Association's geothermal exploration program. To help meet tight timelines, Gary coordinated a winter geophysical investigation, assembled a team of drilling professionals and geothermal engineers, facilitated the purchase of a drilling rig, and kept permitting on track.

Andy Angel

Geologist

Andy has been performing geological and geotechnical assessments and leading exploration teams with AES since 2004. He has a B.S. in Geology and a minor in GIS from Clarion University in Pennsylvania. Most recently, Andy has been supporting geotechnical and energy projects which include Cook Inlet Region Inc.'s Underground Coal Gasification project, Ormat Technology's Mt. Spurr Geothermal project, and Koniag Native Corporation's Shakmanof Quarry investigation.

Mark Neuroth

Geologist

Mark has worked for AES since the summer of 2006. Since graduating from the State University of New York -- Potsdam in 2007, Mark has worked as a core logging geologist at the Red Dog Mine, the nearby Lik prospect, Nixon Fork Mine and Springpole, Ontario. He has also been a geothermal mudlogger for Naknek Electric Association and is currently lead logging geologist at Red Dog Mine.

Varina Zinno

Geologist

Varina received her undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and her M.Sc. in Earth and Planetary Science from McGill University in Montreal. She has worked primarily in gold and silver exploration, most recently as the lead core logging geologist at the Springpole prospect in Ontario, Canada. In her free time, she enjoys both gem and cave exploration, in addition to metalsmithing and lapidary artwork.

Catherine Kim

Geologist

Catherine graduated from the University of Alaska in Anchorage with a B.Sc. in Geological Sciences and worked for SGS Environmental and the Pebble Partnership before coming to AES. She has supported coal, underground coal gasification, and a wide range of hard rock mineral exploration projects across the state as a core logger and geologic field mapper. She is currently working on brownfield and minesite exploration at Red Dog as Drill Program Coordination Geologist/Database Manager.

Ryan Young

GIS/IT Manager

Ryan oversees GIS services for AES, and runs ground magnetic surveys during the field season. He has a B.S. from Trinity College in Computer Science and Math, and received his Certificate in Geographic Information Services from the University of Alaska in 2009. Born and raised in Anchorage, he has been with AES since 2007.

Anita Williams

Geologist

Anita has been working in Alaska for 30 years. She is a Certified Professional Geologist with a Masters in Geology from Missouri School of Science and Technology. Primarily working in exploration for both minerals and oil and gas, Anita also has a background in geotechnical studies for power plants, hazardous waste monitoring programs, and project management. She is active on the Alaska Miners Association convention committee and was instrumental in starting the AMA's short course programs and its rock and mineral show.

Sherry Shimek

Lands Technician

Sherry has worked in the AES Lands Department for three years, filing and maintaining new and existing claims, providing documentation required by the State of Alaska, and assisting with other administrative tasks. Sherry enjoys getting outside for all types of physical activities including walking, hiking, and biking.

David Redgrave

Field Operations Manager

Since 2006 Dave has contributed extensive knowledge of bush Alaska to provide logistical support to AES field projects. He has managed a remote, aviation-supported drilling operation in Canada, mobilized 8 million pounds of oil drilling equipment and supplies from Seattle to Naknek for a deep geothermal exploration program, and designed, mobilized, built and managed a 24-man exploration camp in the Brooks Range. Dave has a degree in geology from Montana State University and has lived and traveled throughout southeast Asia.

Teresa Clark

Logistics Manager

Teresa moved to Alaska in 1981 to work as a commercial fisherman in Bristol Bay. Since then, she has gained 20 years of senior management experience with extensive knowledge of international and domestic logistics via all modes of transportation, customs brokerage and warehousing. Teresa has a vast knowledge of shipping to and from the continental U.S. and Alaska, specializing in North Slope and other bush locations. She provides logistical support for all AES Alaska projects. Teresa enjoys camping, fishing, snow machining, photography, and creating pottery and stained glass.

J.R. Alexie

Warehouse Foreman

J.R. was born and raised on the Kuskokwim River. His management experience began at Donlin Creek, where he constructed a number of facilities and supervised core cutting, photography, and warehouse operations. His responsibilities at AES include planning, organizing and controlling warehouse operations, facilities maintenance, rentals inventory and coordination of expediting. J.R. enjoys making homemade wooden toys for his children.

Benny Borowski

Lead Driller

Born and raised on the Kuskokwim River, Benny began his drilling career as a driller's helper at Donlin Creek in the late 90s and was promoted quickly to driller. He has since worked as driller at several mineral exploration projects in Alaska. Benny has worked on the River Boys Drilling team for three years, and has served as lead driller for the last two drilling seasons.

Freddie Alexie

Driller’s Helper

Born and raised on the Kuskokwim River, Freddie began his drilling career on the Donlin Creek project. His experience at AES includes lead positions as Core Cutter and Camp Manager. He has worked for three years as a driller’s helper for the AES River Boys Drilling team, and has served occasional shifts as a driller.

Michelle Johnson

Stakeholder Relations and Community Engagement Professional

Michelle has worked for AES since 2006 in logistics and marketing and is currently developing and executing all community engagement and shareholder hire efforts. Michelle holds a Masters in Sociology from the University of Montana with an emphasis in Rural and Environmental Change.

Steve Bennis

Local Hire Relations Manager

Born and raised in Southwest Alaska, Steve worked at Donlin Creek in core-cutting and safety/medical positions. At AES Steve assists with shareholder hire and provides Anchorage-based support for logistics, operations, and River Boys Drilling team.

Linda Cushman

Business Manager/Controller

Linda has been with AES for 10 years, starting as the bookkeeper and now as the business manager/controller. She is responsible for all activities within the department, as well as contract administration, insurance, and financial management. She brings over 25 years of business experience to AES, and has a B.S. in Management from Purdue University and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Alaska-Anchorage.

Julie Saddoris

Bookkeeper

Julie is responsible for all aspects of the accounting system, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll. With 22 years experience in management, accounting and benefits administration, she has a B.S. in Business Management from Ferris State University and continued education in payroll law/management and human resources. Outside of the office Julie is an explorer of the outdoors and enjoys breaking culinary boundaries.

Darla Graham, PHR

Human Resources Generalist

Darla coordinates all human resource functions, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training and professional development, and employee relations.   Darla is attending Alaska Pacific University working towards a B.A. in Business Administration & Management and has worked in Human Resources since 2007.  She has experience working in rural Alaskan communities, especially in Western Alaska.  Darla was born in Homer, Alaska and enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, spending time with family, and traveling as much as possible.

Kimberly Pelo

Executive Administrative Assistant

Kim brings a wide variety of administrative experience to our office, most recently working for a personal injury law firm. She is responsible for front office functions and manages employee travel. Kim earned her B.S. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin. An avid runner, Kim aims to complete a marathon in 2012.