Our Team

Originally from New Jersey, Samantha spent her college years in Michigan and found Seward in 2019. After coaching The Kenai Crewsers Rowing Club for three seasons, she transitioned into her role as Membership Coordinator with the Seward Chamber of Commerce in 2022. In 2023, Samantha has accepted the position of Executive Director. Samantha is an enthusiastic and community-minded person and excited to impact Seward in a positive way.

Ally is from the Pacific Northwest town of Edmonds, Washington. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations at Western Washington University. Shortly after, she moved to Seward with her partner who was born and raised here. Ally has a passion for storytelling and creativity. She is excited to share all the wonderful things Seward has to offer. When out of the office, you can find Ally going on adventures with her dog, Winnie, gardening, kayaking and enjoying the variety of live music Alaska has to share!

Malia has been a local in Seward for 17 years, going through Pre-K to 12th grade in Seward's school systems. During her time here in Seward, Malia has worked a variety of jobs, including recently working at the Seward Airport which helped her develop key skills that she is able to utilize at the Seward Chamber of Commerce. Having previously worked at the Visitor Center, Malia has now stepped into the Member & Visitor Services Coordinator position. In this role, she is looking forward to getting to know the various businesses here in town and helping to promote and support them. During her off time, Malia enjoys working on art- anything from drawing, painting, jewelry making and pottery!

Kelly Ann Cavaretta lives and breathes small business. Her past 7 years have been predominantly defined in marine tourism – managing a push-the-limits seasonal small business explosion that Seward summers know best. An entrepreneur herself, Kelly Ann comes from a footing of shared experiences as SBDC’s newest Seward Business Advisor. From working as an environmental consultant in San Diego, to managing 60 seasonal employees and a seasonal boat tour company in Seward, to starting her own small yoga studio and own nightly rental business, Salted Roots Cabins, to buying an existing downtown restaurant and long-term rental business, Thorns, Kelly Ann hopes to bring real time experience to her community clients. To say Seward is her home is an understatement – She’s a proud resident of Seward, a community volunteer and board member, an avid recreationist in these coastal mountains, and a new mom. Kelly Ann has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University.