Ricardo Worl is the new president and chief executive officer for the Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority.

Worl will leave his current position as Vice President of Tribal Service and Loans where he lead the Authority’s loan department, grants administration and tribal housing programs, according to a THRHA press release.

Worl is a 14-year employee of the housing authority.

Set to retire at the end of April, current president and CEO, Blake Kazama, wraps up over a decade as head of the authority, starting in 1998.

“We extend our deep appreciation to Dr. Kazama and wish him the best in his retirement,” Joe Williams, THRHA board chairman said. “He has served the people of Southeast Alaska well. We have great confidence that Mr. Worl will continue this work and effectively meet the challenges of creating quality housing opportunities in Southeast Alaska.”

A member of the Shangukweidi Clan, Thunderbird Clan, Worl is from the village of Klukwan, from the Kawdliyaayi Hit, or "House Lowered From the Sun" and is Lukwaxadi Yadi, a child of the Sockeye Clan. Gaachxweinaa is his Tlingit name.

Worl has performed several roles during his career.

Worl graduated from Dartmouth College in 1984.

Afterward he and his family founded Alaska Native Magazine. The monthly publication discussed Alaska Native Corporation issues and the social and economic issues of Alaska’s native communities.

Worl left the magazine and started work at Sealaska Corporation as the Assistant Director of Corporate Communications. Later, Worl seized an opportunity to work as staff for Sen. Jerry Mackie R-Craig.

Worl has also worked as an assistant vice president with National Bank of Alaska.

Worl also gives back to the community as a coach for Native Youth Olympics and teaches Junior Achievement classes. He coordinates with his Alma Matter, Dartmouth, to arrange student interviews for the state of Alaska. And Serves on a CBJ Advisory Board. He is a husband and father of two.

Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority provides and develops affordable housing in Southeast Alaska. It operates in 14 communities and serves close to 2,000 residents.

For more information visit www.thrha.org