Originally from the central region of Luzon in the Philippines, Andrew Martin Gajonera made the move to Anchorage, Alaska at 17 years old, following in the footsteps of his father who worked in the state during the 1990s. Not long after, his mother and four siblings joined him.
Andrew has been part of the NMS team since December 2019. He began as an Assistant General Manager overseeing kitchen operations and later advanced to his current role as Hospitality Services Manager. Today, he leads a team of approximately 50 employees across both food service and housekeeping, serving a facility that houses 170 residents, many of whom are elders from across Alaska. Andrew takes pride in the opportunity to support and build connections with the state’s elder community every day.
A key highlight of the work his team does is organizing festive monthly meals and care partner events, which are always met with enthusiasm and gratitude from residents. About 30% of their population are Alaska Native, and through the Niqipiaq NMS traditional foods donation program, Andrew and his team proudly offer culturally familiar meals to honor and nourish their heritage.
Outside of work, Andrew is passionate about outdoor adventures, travel, and staying active. He has recently embraced a new hobby of collecting rare houseplants and now tends to a collection of over 50. “I find myself contemplating when to draw the line,” he jokes.
Andrew is grateful for the professional growth he has experienced at NMS and is enthusiastic about future opportunities within the company. His dedication to service and continuous improvement is rooted in a deep appreciation for his team, the residents he serves, and the community he’s come to call home.
