At a special meeting held Oct. 27, 2026, the BSNC Board of Directors appointed Silas Paniptchuk of Shaktoolik to fill the vacant Board seat previously held by Eugene Asicksik. Paniptchuk will serve the remainder of Asicksik’s term, which concludes at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Paniptchuk was selected from a pool of 35 applicants.
“We are pleased to welcome Silas to the Board of Directors,” said President Cindy Massie. “His longstanding commitment to education, community leadership, and preserving our traditional way of life reflects the values that guide BSNC. Silas brings valuable experience in governance and service to our region, along with a deep understanding of the needs of our communities. We look forward to the perspective and leadership he will bring to the Board.”
Paniptchuk brings more than two decades of experience in education, community service, and regional leadership. He has worked as a teacher with Kawerak since 2006 and currently serves on the Shaktoolik City Council. He previously served on the Bering Strait School District (BSSD) Board, BSSD’s Advisory Education Committee, and the Shaktoolik Tribal Council. He is also a commercial fisherman and head coach of the Shaktoolik boys basketball team.
Raised in Shaktoolik by his mother Ebba Paniptchuk and grandparents Jessie and Franklin Paniptchuk Sr., he continues to reside in the community with his wife, Stacey, and their three children.