Ralph Samuels
Holland America Line has named Ralph Samuels vice president of external relations, based in Anchorage, effective August 1, 2008. The appointment was made by Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer.
An Alaska resident and legislator, Samuels will represent the interests of the company and the industry in Alaska, Hawaii and Canada with State and Federal legislators and government officials, industry trade organizations, lobbyists and community organizations.
Ralph was elected in 2002, 2004 and 2006 to serve District 29 in the State House in the Alaska Legislature. Ralph serves as Majority Leader in the House as well as Chair of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee and holds a seat on the Judiciary, Legislative Council and Oil and Gas committees. Ralph previously served as Co-Chair of the Resources Committee in the 24th Legislature.
“Ralph’s career experience in private business, government and public affairs will be a great asset to Holland America Line,” said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer. “We are confident of his abilities and welcome him to the team.”
Most recently, he was an airline executive with PenAir, Alaska’s largest in-state airline.
A lifelong Alaskan, Samuels attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks.