Portman Achieves 30 Years at RDC
On April 1, 2011, Carl Portman celebrated his 30th Anniversary at RDC. Carl celebrated by not discussing the occasion with anyone he knew and crossing his fingers that nothing was planned to recognize him. His hopes were dashed upon arriving at the Petroleum Club of Anchorage for what he thought was a business meeting, only to be greeted by a huge group of colleagues, friends, and family.
Carl began his amazing career at RDC as a Community Relations Coordinator and worked in various capacities over the years, including Interim Executive Director several times. His current title is Deputy Director, but expanded titles include Mentor, Resident Genius and Oracle of all things Resource Development.
Former Executive Directors Applaud Portman
Paula Easley, Executive Director 1979-1987
You don’t become a change-agent to get rich. You do it because you care about people and believe your work can improve peoples’ lives. That’s really what RDC has always been about - changing policies and systems so we all can live and work in this great state. Carl is that change-agent; he thrives on the daily challenges and if he gets discouraged, you’d never know it. His tenacity, passion and integrity are unmatched, as is the quality of his work. He’s grown a lot and given a lot in the last three decades. Alaskans owe him a huge “thank you” for his contributions.
Becky Gay, Executive Director 1987-1998
Since we met in 1984, I think of Carl synonymous with the Resource Review. It epitomizes Carl’s decades of dedicated work. In the early years, it absorbed him as photojournalist and researcher. Over the decades, as editor, writer and publisher, his words helped shape public views of Alaska resource development for policy, education, and debates nationwide. Carl clearly has staying power, creating his own destiny at RDC. Funny, he so resists change, but Carl has been at the forefront of change in Alaska. Now with his RDC career span of 30 years, Carl is a force to be reckoned with, a determined constant. I could always count on Carl as my “compass” on all things RDC.
Debbie Reinwand, Executive Director 1998
Everyone who works with Carl knows what an incredible resource he is for historic and current information about Alaska. From resource development, to oversight laws and regulations, to weather patterns for the past 30 years, Carl is our “go-to” guy. As a reporter in the 80s, I would call him for information and he always had it. Now at Bradley Reid, when discussing resource projects, we often say “Carl will know that - let’s call him!” He is a unique Alaska treasure. I’m honored to have worked with him and that he allows me to continue to rely on him as a credible source of information.
Ken Freeman, Executive Director 1998-2001
Carl is one of the finest, most genuine and sincere persons I have ever known. Carl taught me a lot about RDC during my early days as an intern, projects coordinator, and most of all when I had the opportunity to serve as Executive Director. RDC is one of the most dynamic and important organizations in support of Alaska’s economy, and the continuity Carl has provided over the many years of tireless service have helped make it one of the most prominent organizations in the state.
Tadd Owens, Executive Director 2001-2006
It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to contribute something in honor of Carl and his 30 years of service to RDC. Readers of this newsletter know Carl through his outstanding writing, public policy analysis, and advocacy for the responsible development of Alaska’s natural resources. Others have gotten to know Carl over the years at RDC events and public hearings, and they have invariably come away impressed with Carl’s intelligence, passion and tireless work ethic.
By employing these qualities and characteristics over the course of a 30-year career at RDC, Carl has left an indelible mark on the organization. RDC would not be what it is today without Carl. In many respects the organization IS Carl Portman.
Jason Brune, Executive Director 2006-2011
“Nobody knows more about resource development in Alaska than Carl Portman.” That is a phrase I’ve repeated over and over again in my time at RDC, often to Carl’s blushing, waving of hands, and denial. As humble and embarrassed as Carl may be, it’s true. Across all resource sectors, Carl is a wealth of knowledge. Each Executive Director RDC has ever had has had the privilege of working with Carl. He has made the organization what it is today. I learned so much from Carl and I will always value his mentorship and sincere caring nature. Alaskans owe a sincere debt of gratitude to Carl Portman.
Compiled by Jason Brune, Deantha Crockett, and Marleanna Hall
Return to newsletter headlines
