our story
Governance
Bethel is home to our corporate office, with remote teleworking offices in Akiak, Alaska and Alexandria, Virginia. Member Tribes elect a Board of Directors that represent each of the 56 federally recognized Tribes in the YKD region. The Board is the chief policy-making body of the organization, exercising control, management and supervision.
about the yukon-kuskkwim delta
Our region's geographic area is larger than half of the 25 sates in the nation, or roughly larger than the state of Pennsylvania. The YKD is not connected with highways, with most villages accessible by boat or small airplane. The land and waters are rich in fish, mammals, birds, and plants that sustain us. Communities range in size from 25 to over 1,000 persons each, all without broadband internet access.
unserved tribal lands
The unique geography of our area has prevented expansion of affordable broadband internet to the region. The YKD Tribal Broadband Consortium was founded on the principle that being unserved is unconscionable, that being left behind is no longer acceptable, that Tribal governments helping tribal governments is a solution to bridging the expansive chasm of digital inequality.
senior leadership team
Sharon Hamer Co-Founder
Sharon Hamer Co-Founder
Sharon Hamer Co-Founder
Sharon is the co-founder of the Consortium, is Yup'ik and an enrolled member of the Akiak Native Community, Akiak, Alaska. She holds an MBA from the University of South Dakota and B.S. in Communications/Journalism from the SIU at Carbondale, Illinois. She has over 31 years experience in the IT industry, working in, and alongside, federal government technology executives and working groups.
Kevin Hamer Co-Founder
Sharon Hamer Co-Founder
Sharon Hamer Co-Founder
Kevin is the co-founder of the Consortium and leads with purpose by setting the tone for the Consortium's strategic direction, and guides tribes to see what’s possible. He has over 32 years working as a civil service employee in the Chief Information Offices of several Federal agencies. He holds a Master’s in Management of IT from the Un
Kevin is the co-founder of the Consortium and leads with purpose by setting the tone for the Consortium's strategic direction, and guides tribes to see what’s possible. He has over 32 years working as a civil service employee in the Chief Information Offices of several Federal agencies. He holds a Master’s in Management of IT from the University of Virginia and B.A. in History and Political Science from the University of Notre Dame.
Sheila Carl
Sharon Hamer Co-Founder
Sheila Carl
Sheila is Yup'ik and an enrolled member of the Akiak Native Community, Akiak, Alaska. Sheila holds an Associate's Degree in General Education from the University of Fairbanks-KUC. She has over 20 years working in tribal administration and government grants.
About YKD Tribal Broadband Consortium
We are leaders advancing broadband connectivity solutions for YKD Tribal communities. We are a Tribal Government-Owned non-profit organization (as defined in 25 U.S.C. § 5304(l)) made up of YKD Tribal governments who have authorized the Consortium to provide broadband internet services on their Tribal lands. Board Members are appointed by their respective tribal governments. The YKD Tribal Broadband Consortium encourages all eligible tribes to become members.