Jeannette Duenow’s career with NANA/NMS is one defined by leadership, commitment, and a genuine love for people. She grew up across the western U.S. and eventually moved to Arizona, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arizona State University. Today, Jeannette and her husband Andy are proud parents to two grown sons—Reece, who is completing his degree in Japanese at UAA and preparing to move to Japan, and Tasman, a pilot flying a LEAR45 out of Juneau.
As of May 2026, Jeannette will celebrate an incredible 30 years with NANA/NMS. She joined NANA in 1996 as General Manager of the Courtyard Marriott while it was still under construction, helping open multiple Marriott properties over the years, including SpringHill Suites and Residence Inn locations. During this time, she also earned her MBA while balancing a growing family.
Following the sale of NANA’s hotel properties in 2017, Jeannette transitioned to a Director of Operations role overseeing the Pioneer Homes in FFM and served as a rotational GM at the Nullagvik Hotel. In 2022, she chose to step back from extensive travel and focus solely on Nullagvik. She is currently training her replacement and will retire in August.
When asked what she has valued most throughout her career, Jeannette points to the people—working with sta_, guests, and clients and building strong teams during hotel openings and operations. Her travels with NANA/NMS took her from Utqiaġvik to Ketchikan and even to Guam and the Marshall Islands, experiences she considers career highlights that reflect her leadership and dedication.
Jeannette said, “It’s always the people that made things memorable… the shared experiences, not only in the moment, but the work that we did behind the scenes to bring projects together, setting things in motion with all the support functions.”
Her impact is deeply felt. As Clint Lasley, VP, FFM, shared, “Jeannette’s dedication and leadership have left a lasting impact on our team and our operation. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and wish her nothing but happiness and fulfillment in her well- earned retirement.”
Outside of work, Jeannette enjoys hiking and biking, and even creates lamps and wind chimes from old bicycle parts—a hobby that led her to learn welding. As she looks ahead to retirement, she’s excited for more time outdoors and new adventures with friends.
Thank you, Jeannette, for your leadership, dedication, and heart. Your impact on NMS—and the people you’ve worked alongside—will be felt for years to come.
