EVOLVING BOARD NOMIATION PROCESS (2)

As Aleut grows, so must the Board that helps guide it.

Aleut has grown significantly in recent years. As the Corporation continues to grow, the Board of Directors is making thoughtful updates to its Board candidate process to help ensure the Board has the skills, experience, and perspectives needed for the future.

These changes are designed to provide shareholders with more information and greater transparency while preserving shareholder voting rights.

This page provides an overview of the updated process, key dates, and helpful answers to common questions about serving on the Board.

Why the Process is Changing

Aleut’s Board of Directors help guide long-term planning, strategy, and oversight. As Aleut’s operations have expanded, the Board is making changes to ensure it can meet the Corporation’s evolving needs:

  • Internal self-evaluations are now used to identify gaps in knowledge and expertise.
  • The Board is seeking qualified candidates who bring targeted experience to help drive corporate strategy.
  • The goal is to build a Board that is both highly qualified and more reflective of Aleut’s shareholder base.

This is a shift from operational oversight toward big-picture, long-term leadership.

What is not changing?

  • Shareholders still elect the Board.
  • Every vote carries the same weight.
  • All candidates receive equal space in the proxy.
Text: What's New

Beginning in 2027, shareholders will notice several updates in the Board recruitment process. These updates do not change the way shareholders vote, but they do add important layers of transparency and accountability.

BoD Candidate Process Schedule

Board Self-Assessments
The Board now conducts annual self-assessments to identify strengths, opportunities for improvement, and future needs.

Board Interviews All Candidates
Aleut’s Shareholder Affairs & Elections Committee will now interview each candidate using a standardized set of questions. This ensures a fair and consistent evaluation process.

Board-Recognized Candidates
After interviews, the Board may recognize up to three candidates who align with identified gaps in knowledge or experience. These individuals will be designated as “Board-Recognized Candidates” in post-record-date/proxy materials.

This designation is for information only. Shareholders retain full control of the election process, and all votes carry the same weight.

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text: Board Recognized Candidates

As part of Aleut’s effort to strengthen corporate governance and better serve our shareholders, the Board of Directors is introducing a new designation in the 2027 election cycle: Board-Recognized Candidate.

This label will appear on select candidates in Aleut communications following the official Date of Record and is intended to help shareholders make informed decisions, not to influence voting.

What Does “Board-Recognized Candidate” Mean?
Each year, the Board conducts a formal self-evaluation to assess its strengths, gaps, and future needs. Based on this assessment, the Board identifies specific areas of expertise or experience that would help Aleut continue to grow strategically and responsibly.

After reviewing applications and conducting structured interviews with all eligible candidates, the Shareholder Affairs & Elections Committee may recognize up to three individuals whose skills and qualifications best align with the Board’s identified needs.

These individuals will be designated as Board-Recognized Candidates in proxy materials and other post-record-date communications. They will have a ribbon or tag next to their name and photo indicating this status.

Why Is This Being Introduced?
The goal is greater transparency, not endorsement.

Aleut’s operations have grown significantly, and the Corporation is working toward an ambitious long-term vision, including a $1 billion revenue milestone. Achieving these goals requires a Board that can provide high-level strategy and expert guidance.

By identifying and sharing which candidates are best positioned to help address current gaps in knowledge or experience, the Board is equipping shareholders with more information – nothing more, nothing less.

Voting power remains entirely with shareholders. There are no changes to the election process or the weight of any vote.

Due Diligence You Can Count On

The recognition process is grounded in fairness and objectivity:

  • Every applicant will be interviewed using a standardized set of questions.
  • All candidates, recognized or not, will have equal space in the proxy to share their background and platform.
  • The designation is based strictly on alignment with the Board’s needs, not personal relationships or popularity.
  • Final decisions on recognition are made collectively by the Board, following a review of all materials and interviews.

This process reflects Aleut’s commitment to thoughtful leadership, responsible governance, and continued service to our shareholders.

If you have questions about the Board-Recognized Candidate designation or the broader election process, we encourage you to reach out to us any time.

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text: Board Service at-a-glance

Purpose of the Board
Aleut’s Board of Directors represents Aleut Shareholders and helps guide the long-term success of the Corporation. Board Members provide oversight, help set strategic direction, and support sound decision making.

Leadership Structure
The Corporation is led by a 9-member Board of Directors, a President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and an executive management team. The term of office of each Director is 3 years, and the terms are staggered so that the terms of three Directors expire in each calendar year. The President & CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for leading Aleut according to the direction given by the Board. The executive management team reports to the President & CEO and is tasked with the day-to-day management of The Aleut Corporation.

Eligibility
A director must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Shall be an Aleut voting shareholder at least 18 years of age
  • Shall not be a current employee of Aleut or its subsidiaries
  • Possess leadership experience
  • Possess a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance and strategic planning
  • Possess financial literacy with an ability to interpret financial reports
  • Possess excellent communication and decision-making skills
  • Serve as an example of high ethical standards and integrity
  • Possess strong familiarity and thorough understanding of Aleut and subsidiary business lines
  • Possess a firm understanding of Aleut’s policies, including handling of confidential information

Time Commitment & Expectations
Most Aleut Board Directors should expect to dedicate between 13 and 40 hours per month, average, to fulfill their responsibilities. Time commitments may be higher during months with major decisions, budgeting, or corporate planning milestones.

Regular director responsibilities and expectations for participation include:

  Responsibilities
  • Regular and Special Board Meetings
  • Committee Meetings
  • Meeting Preparation
  • Shareholder Events
  • Training & Continuing Education
  • Travel & Logistics
  Expectations
  • Serve a three-year term
  • Attend shareholder meetings and outreach events in-person
  • Participate in committees and director training
  • Review Board materials and actively engage in strategic decision-making

This estimate reflects the level of responsibility expected of the Aleut Board of Directors, which includes an expectation for active engagement, strategic preparation, and commitment to excellence on behalf of all shareholders.

Compensation
Directors meet to attend Board of Director and Committee meetings, subsidiary meetings, or other functions on behalf of the Corporation. Directors are given a monthly stipend of $2,500, totaling $30,000 annually, for their service on the Board.

Directors may also expend up to $15,000 during their 3-year term as Director on training, travel, and per diem expenses related to Board training. Directors receive reimbursement for actual and reasonable travel-related expenses for attending meetings and other functions on behalf of the Corporation. Per diems are paid according to the current federal government rate.

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Board Recruitment FAQs

What Does “Board-Recognized Candidate” Mean?

Each year, the Board conducts a formal evaluation to assess its strengths, gaps, and future needs. Based on this assessment, the Board identifies specific areas of expertise or experience that would help Aleut continue to grow strategically and responsibly.

After reviewing applications and conducting structured interviews with eligible candidates, the Shareholder Affairs & Elections Committee may recognize up to three individuals whose skills and qualifications best align with the Board’s identified needs.

These individuals will be designated as Board-Recognized Candidates in proxy materials and other post-record-date communications. They will have a ribbon or tag next to their name and photo indicating this status.

Why Is This Being Introduced?

The goal is greater transparency, not endorsement.

Aleut’s operations have grown significantly, and the Corporation is working toward an ambitious long-term vision, including a $1 billion revenue milestone. Achieving these goals requires a Board that can provide high-level strategy and expert guidance.

By identifying and sharing which candidates are best positioned to help address current gaps in knowledge or experience, the Board is equipping shareholders with more information – nothing more, nothing less.

Voting power remains entirely with shareholders. There are no changes to the election process or the weight of any vote.

Will All Candidates be Interviewed?

Depending on how many shareholders apply, the Board will attempt to interview all those who apply and want to be interviewed. The Board will interview each candidate using a standardized set of questions to ensure a fair and consistent evaluation process.

Can a candidate opt out of the interview process?

Yes. The Board of Directors encourages applicants to go through the process, but it is not required.

Will this impact how shareholders vote?

No, there are no changes to how shareholders will vote. Voting power remains entirely with shareholders. There are no changes to the election process or the weight of any vote.

Will this change who can run for the Board?

No, this will not change who can run for the Board. As long as you meet the same requirements that have always been in place, anyone can run:

  1. Be a voting shareholder and at least 18 years of age,
  2. Request a Nominating Packet, which can either be downloaded on the Aleut website, mailed directly to the candidate, or picked up at the Corporate office,
  3. Submit both the completed Nominating Packet and candidate headshot photograph by the published deadline,
  4. Not use the Aleut logo for any of their campaign materials,
  5. File all campaign materials with the State of Alaska Banking & Securities.