New Leadership for KEDC
A Heartfelt Thank You to Karl Hertz and a Warm Welcome to KEDC’s New Leadership
At Kodiak Economic Development Corporation (KEDC), we are driven by a commitment to strengthen economic opportunities for Kodiak Island. As we reflect on our recent transitions, we want to express our deepest gratitude to outgoing KEDC President Karl Hertz for his direction and leadership, and to also welcome our new President, Jascha Zbitnoff, and Vice President, Corey Gronn, who are stepping into their roles with vision and dedication. Together, we are poised to advance KEDC’s mission to connect, listen, and support Kodiak’s vibrant future.
Honoring Karl Hertz’s Leadership at KEDC
Karl Hertz, during a discussion at a KEDC community forum
Karl Hertz has been a cornerstone of KEDC’s progress over the past few years, serving as Vice President in 2022 and President from 2023 until June 2025. His leadership has left an indelible mark on our organization and the broader Kodiak community. As we bid farewell to Karl, who is transitioning to a new role as Administrator at Providence in Soldotna, Alaska, we celebrate his contributions, particularly in addressing one of Kodiak’s most pressing challenges: housing.
While serving Kodiak on the KEDC board, Karl also served as the CEO of Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center (PKIMC), where he spearheaded an innovative housing initiative to support the hospital’s workforce. Recognizing that Kodiak’s tight housing market is a barrier to attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, Karl looked for solutions. He recognized the potential good that could be done with the development of a 16-unit apartment complex off Bartell Avenue. This project provides temporary housing for hospital staff, easing the transition for new employees relocating to our island. The apartments not only address a critical need for Providence but also set a model for creative housing solutions in a community where high rents and limited availability often deter essential workers.
At KEDC, Karl brought this same problem-solving spirit to our board. As Vice President and later President, he was an advisor for our Housing Action Plan. Karl’s insights into possible housing solutions helped shape a plan that prioritizes affordable, community-driven housing. His ability to listen deeply and connect stakeholders across the island ensured that our efforts reflected the needs of people who live here. Karl’s leadership also strengthened KEDC’s role as a facilitator, fostering trusted relationships that will guide our work for years to come.
As Karl moves to Soldotna, we extend our heartfelt thanks for his service and wish him success in his new chapter. His thoughtful direction at KEDC will continue to guide us as we build a resilient economy in Kodiak.
Welcoming Jascha Zbitnoff and Corey Gronn
Jascha Zbitnoff, KEDC President
Corey Gronn, KEDC Vice President
As we look to the future, we are thrilled to introduce KEDC’s new leadership: President Jascha Zbitnoff and Vice President Corey Gronn, elected in June 2025. Their deep ties to Kodiak and proven expertise position them to guide KEDC through an exciting phase of growth and innovation.
Jascha Zbitnoff, Vice President of Operations at Brechan Construction, brings a wealth of experience in community development and a passion for Kodiak’s economic vitality. Brechan Construction, in business in Kodiak for over 70 years, has been key in local infrastructure projects. Jascha’s leadership at Brechan has emphasized sustainable development, and his dedication to addressing Kodiak’s workforce development needs, align closely with KEDC’s goals. As President, Jascha will steer KEDC toward completing critical initiatives like the Housing Action Plan and the Multi-Use Processing Facility Feasibility Study, which supports mariculture and the blue economy. His collaborative approach and commitment to listening to community voices make him an ideal leader for KEDC now.
Corey Gronn, newly elected Vice President, is a familiar and respected figure in Kodiak. With 14 years of service to the City of Kodiak and nine years as a board member and chair for Natives of Kodiak, Inc., Corey brings expertise in corporate governance, real estate investment, and community development. As Vice President of Natives of Kodiak, he leads projects that uplift the community while honoring its cultural heritage. Corey’s perspective will be instrumental as KEDC works to connect siloed groups, share knowledge, and activate resources that benefit all of Kodiak Island. His dedication to inclusive, community-led solutions will help ensure that KEDC’s work reflects the wisdom and needs of our diverse communities.
KEDC’s Vision: Connecting Kodiak’s Future
Under Jascha and Corey’s leadership, KEDC is advancing several key initiatives that embody our updated mission: to be a catalyst and connector, building trusted partnerships and supporting community-led solutions. Our draft strategic plan outlines a vision of KEDC as a facilitator and listener, ensuring that our work strengthens connections throughout all Kodiak. When you’re in community with KEDC, you are in community with the whole island.
Among our priorities is the completion of the Housing Action Plan, which will guide affordable housing development across the island. We are also finalizing a Multi-Use Processing Facility Feasibility Study, a critical step toward supporting mariculture and the blue economy. By fostering market demand for kelp farming and other sustainable industries, KEDC is helping Kodiak diversify its economy while preserving its natural resources. Additionally, our new strategic plan, set to be completed soon, will provide a roadmap for initiatives we can take sharing information, gathering feedback, and developing economic drivers for our island.
A Future Built on Collaboration
KEDC thanks Karl Hertz for his remarkable service and welcomes Jascha Zbitnoff and Corey Gronn to their new roles. KEDC remains committed to acting as a connector, identifying opportunity spaces, and supporting organizations and communities that make our island thrive. Together, we will continue to listen, collaborate, and take strategic action to ensure that Kodiak Island remains a place where all can prosper.
Stay tuned for updates on our Housing Action Plan, mariculture initiatives, and strategic plan. As we work together, we build a future that reflects the heart of our island.
