Kara Cronan, known by her Iñupiaq name “Tati,” serves as the Assistant Corporate Controller at NMS. Originally from Eagle River, Alaska, Kara has strong roots in the NANA region. Her mother, Sandy Baker, works in IT at NANA North, and her grandfather, James “Jim” Hayes, played a pivotal role in Kotzebue’s telecommunications history—bringing the first telephone to the community and establishing its first phone lines and satellites.
Kara has been with NMS for just over five years, following six years at NANA Development Corporation, where she performed auditing and other accounting tasks. In her current role with NMS, she leads the Corporate Accounting, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable teams. She finds fulfillment in problem-solving and helps managers better understand the complexities of accounting. One of her proudest accomplishments has been improving financial processes, including streamlining the month-end closing, allowing for quicker financial reporting to leadership.
At home, Kara and her husband, Josh, a Licensed Massage Therapist, stay busy with their two children, Emry and Freya. Whether it’s playing soccer with her son, going to dance classes with her daughter, or enjoying outdoor family adventures, Kara embraces every opportunity to be active. She also enjoys crafting, crocheting, and—perhaps most surprisingly—speaking almost entirely in movie quotes with her family.
Looking ahead, Kara is eager to deepen her knowledge of NMS’s diverse operations and continue making a lasting impact on the company. She aspires to grow into a Controller position and strengthen the finance department by supporting employee development. She’s also passionate about fostering an interest in finance and accounting among young NANA shareholders.
With a keen eye for financial strategy and dedication to mentorship, Kara is committed to guiding NMS toward success in an ever-evolving economic landscape.
