Meet the Board
Jenn Miller - President
Hi! I’m Jenn Miller, a proud born and raised Wrangell-ite of a Southeast Alaska Commercial Fishing family. I served as an elementary teacher and principal in Wrangell for 30 years, as well as wore many, many hats like basketball and little league coach, girl/boy scout leader, member of many local and state committees/organizations, school garden coordinator, NASP Archery Instructor, & WHS Shakes Glacier Survey Team Coordinator, to name a few. I then became an Education Administrator for the Alaska Department of Education's Division of Innovation and Education Excellence for two years. For my 33rd year in an educational capacity, I am serving Bright Lights Book Project, a non-profit whose mission is to increase reading proficiency across Alaska by putting books into appreciative readers hands. Now being mainly retired provides me more time to work on our Wrangell Mariners' Memorial non-profit needs.
During about a decade of my years in the public school system, I was also co-owner/operator Clearwater Packing, our family year-round commercial fishing business, with my husband, Ryan G Miller up until 2005 when the F/V MRS went down and Ryan’s life was lost to the sea. My three children and I have wonderful memories of dungeness crabbing and salmon seining Southeast Alaska every summer.
Wrangell Mariners’ Memorial has been a work in progress for decades, and has become near and dear to my heart. I believe in Wrangell, I believe in volunteers making a difference, and I believe in this project and its positive impact on our community as a place of remembrance, retelling, and reflection. It is an honor and privilege to lead and be part of.
Hi! I’m Jenn Miller, a proud born and raised Wrangell-ite of a Southeast Alaska Commercial Fishing family. I served as an elementary teacher and principal in Wrangell for 30 years, as well as wore many, many hats like basketball and little league coach, girl/boy scout leader, member of many local and state committees/organizations, school garden coordinator, NASP Archery Instructor, & WHS Shakes Glacier Survey Team Coordinator, to name a few. I then became an Education Administrator for the Alaska Department of Education's Division of Innovation and Education Excellence for two years. For my 33rd year in an educational capacity, I am serving Bright Lights Book Project, a non-profit whose mission is to increase reading proficiency across Alaska by putting books into appreciative readers hands. Now being mainly retired provides me more time to work on our Wrangell Mariners' Memorial non-profit needs.
During about a decade of my years in the public school system, I was also co-owner/operator Clearwater Packing, our family year-round commercial fishing business, with my husband, Ryan G Miller up until 2005 when the F/V MRS went down and Ryan’s life was lost to the sea. My three children and I have wonderful memories of dungeness crabbing and salmon seining Southeast Alaska every summer.
Wrangell Mariners’ Memorial has been a work in progress for decades, and has become near and dear to my heart. I believe in Wrangell, I believe in volunteers making a difference, and I believe in this project and its positive impact on our community as a place of remembrance, retelling, and reflection. It is an honor and privilege to lead and be part of.
John Yeager - Board Member
I moved to Wrangell in 2004 after retiring from a career in the US Coast Guard. My wife Brenda and I own and operate Alaska Charters and Adventures, a local sightseeing and charter fishing company.
I also commercial halibut fish with my family. I have been active on the Wrangell Port Commission for over 10 years.
I moved to Wrangell in 2004 after retiring from a career in the US Coast Guard. My wife Brenda and I own and operate Alaska Charters and Adventures, a local sightseeing and charter fishing company.
I also commercial halibut fish with my family. I have been active on the Wrangell Port Commission for over 10 years.
Gig Decker - Board Member
I am married to Julie Ann Decker. We raised two kids in Wrangell, son Siguard, daughter Helen.
I first came to Wrangell commercial salmon fishing in 1973 and then bought home in 1983. I've spent 46 years salmon fishing and 35 years commercial harvest diving. My passion is as an avid shipwreck diver.
I support the Wrangell Mariners' Memorial to primarily commemorate our friends and love ones lost at sea. The Memorial also helps our community develop our rich maritime history and attracts attention to our heritage.
I am married to Julie Ann Decker. We raised two kids in Wrangell, son Siguard, daughter Helen.
I first came to Wrangell commercial salmon fishing in 1973 and then bought home in 1983. I've spent 46 years salmon fishing and 35 years commercial harvest diving. My passion is as an avid shipwreck diver.
I support the Wrangell Mariners' Memorial to primarily commemorate our friends and love ones lost at sea. The Memorial also helps our community develop our rich maritime history and attracts attention to our heritage.
Jeff Jabusch - Treasurer
My family moved to Wrangell when I was six years old and I have been a Wrangellite ever since. My wife Kay and I raised to boys in Wrangell and were active in sports and outdoor activities with them.
After graduating from high school I attended Seattle University and graduated with a decree in accounting. Kay and I returned to Wrangell and I was hired as the finance director for the City of Wrangell. I remained in that position for about 35 years and then was hired as the Borough Manager for 4 years and then retired in 2017.
During my years in Wrangell I have had many interests outside of work that included coaching basketball from youth to high school, run the Elks Hoop Shoot Program, officiating basketball at all levels, playing tennis, pickle ball, biking and fishing. My wife Kay and I also enjoy doing balloon decorations for our 4th of July float and volunteer to do balloon arches for special events.
My family moved to Wrangell when I was six years old and I have been a Wrangellite ever since. My wife Kay and I raised to boys in Wrangell and were active in sports and outdoor activities with them.
After graduating from high school I attended Seattle University and graduated with a decree in accounting. Kay and I returned to Wrangell and I was hired as the finance director for the City of Wrangell. I remained in that position for about 35 years and then was hired as the Borough Manager for 4 years and then retired in 2017.
During my years in Wrangell I have had many interests outside of work that included coaching basketball from youth to high school, run the Elks Hoop Shoot Program, officiating basketball at all levels, playing tennis, pickle ball, biking and fishing. My wife Kay and I also enjoy doing balloon decorations for our 4th of July float and volunteer to do balloon arches for special events.
Calleigh Miller, Board Member
Hi, I’m Calleigh! I was born into a commercial fishing family and raised right here in Wrangell. I was lucky to spend my early childhood on and off the fishing grounds aboard the F/V MRS. My teen years were spent working for a local charter boat company, where I continued to spend time on the water. I left Wrangell to attend college in Washington, got a degree in Anthropology, and returned home shortly after graduating. I didn’t stray far from the Maritime Industry - I currently work full time as Administrative Assistant at the Wrangell Harbor Department. I also own two businesses – a micro bakery and an online fine mineral shop.
My dad, Ryan G Miller, was lost at sea when the F/V MRS went down in 2005. While my brothers carry on our dad’s legacy on the water as commercial fishermen, I’m fortunate to do so here on land through my work with Wrangell Ports and Harbors, and now as a Wrangell Mariners’ Memorial board member. I’m so excited for the opportunity to be involved in this project, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to grow and evolve.
Hi, I’m Calleigh! I was born into a commercial fishing family and raised right here in Wrangell. I was lucky to spend my early childhood on and off the fishing grounds aboard the F/V MRS. My teen years were spent working for a local charter boat company, where I continued to spend time on the water. I left Wrangell to attend college in Washington, got a degree in Anthropology, and returned home shortly after graduating. I didn’t stray far from the Maritime Industry - I currently work full time as Administrative Assistant at the Wrangell Harbor Department. I also own two businesses – a micro bakery and an online fine mineral shop.
My dad, Ryan G Miller, was lost at sea when the F/V MRS went down in 2005. While my brothers carry on our dad’s legacy on the water as commercial fishermen, I’m fortunate to do so here on land through my work with Wrangell Ports and Harbors, and now as a Wrangell Mariners’ Memorial board member. I’m so excited for the opportunity to be involved in this project, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to grow and evolve.
Clay Hammer, Board Member
I have been a Wrangell resident since 1993. I am married to Holly Hammer and am a dad to four kids, all Wrangell born and raised plus two grandchildren.
My career has been broad and busy, a former deck hand and engineer on last purpose built river tug on Stikine river, former charter boat operator and 11 year member of Wrangell Port Commission. My day job eventually transitioned into the management end of electrical generation and distribution where I am currently Operations Manager for Southeast Alaska Power Agency. I still find time though to volunteer with the Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department though and after 30 years with the department I remain an active member.
I was fortunate to be on the Port Commission when we were first approached about taking the Mariners' Memorial project on as a port related project. To date is one of my proudest accomplishments to have been a part of the team as we have saw the Memorial progress from concept to reality. A new member to the Memorial board, I look forward to helping that work continue as we build into the future.
I have been a Wrangell resident since 1993. I am married to Holly Hammer and am a dad to four kids, all Wrangell born and raised plus two grandchildren.
My career has been broad and busy, a former deck hand and engineer on last purpose built river tug on Stikine river, former charter boat operator and 11 year member of Wrangell Port Commission. My day job eventually transitioned into the management end of electrical generation and distribution where I am currently Operations Manager for Southeast Alaska Power Agency. I still find time though to volunteer with the Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department though and after 30 years with the department I remain an active member.
I was fortunate to be on the Port Commission when we were first approached about taking the Mariners' Memorial project on as a port related project. To date is one of my proudest accomplishments to have been a part of the team as we have saw the Memorial progress from concept to reality. A new member to the Memorial board, I look forward to helping that work continue as we build into the future.
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Past Board Members:
John Martin - Past Vice President
I am a lifetime Alaskan (so far) and my mother's family has been here for generations. We have spent the better parts of our lives on the water. Our father was lost off his shrimp boat when I was two years old.
Our stepfather had shipped out of Norway when he was 14 years old on a sailing schooner. We have these experiences and memories that can soon be shared at our new Mariners' Memorial.
I am a lifetime Alaskan (so far) and my mother's family has been here for generations. We have spent the better parts of our lives on the water. Our father was lost off his shrimp boat when I was two years old.
Our stepfather had shipped out of Norway when he was 14 years old on a sailing schooner. We have these experiences and memories that can soon be shared at our new Mariners' Memorial.
Brennon Eagle - Founding Board Member, Past Board Member,
WMM General Contractor
Brennon first moved to Wrangell when he was 7, the first year he was here he was helping his mom and dad gillnet for salmon on their new boat. Forty eight years later he has been running his own boat for 40 years and currently fishes for salmon, halibut and shrimp. Both of his sons have learned and earned fishing with their dad over the years.
Over the years Brennon has been involved in many community activities including Little League and Scouting as both and child and an adult leader. He first became involve with the Mariners' Memorial project in Wrangell when he served on the Port Commission while they where choosing the location and design of the project. Helping to fund and see this project through construction is one of things I would like to accomplish as this will be another part of what makes Wrangell a good community to be part of and a great place to live.
WMM General Contractor
Brennon first moved to Wrangell when he was 7, the first year he was here he was helping his mom and dad gillnet for salmon on their new boat. Forty eight years later he has been running his own boat for 40 years and currently fishes for salmon, halibut and shrimp. Both of his sons have learned and earned fishing with their dad over the years.
Over the years Brennon has been involved in many community activities including Little League and Scouting as both and child and an adult leader. He first became involve with the Mariners' Memorial project in Wrangell when he served on the Port Commission while they where choosing the location and design of the project. Helping to fund and see this project through construction is one of things I would like to accomplish as this will be another part of what makes Wrangell a good community to be part of and a great place to live.