Avis Alaska announced today that Scott Habberstad has been elected Chair of the company’s Board of Directors and Sophie Floyd, formerly Sophie Minich, has been appointed to the Board, marking another step in the evolution of the company’s governance following its transition to 100 percent employee ownership.
Habberstad joined the Avis Alaska Board in 2025 as the first outside director in the company’s history, bringing independent business experience and perspective to a company that had been family-led for its entire 70-year history.
“Scott has brought an independent and thoughtful perspective to the board from the beginning,” said Andrew Halcro, outgoing chair. “As Avis Alaska enters this next chapter, his leadership as chair will help ensure the board remains focused on the long-term success of the company and its employee owners.”
Habberstad said he is looking forward to continuing the work already underway.
“It is an honor to serve as Chair of the Avis Alaska Board,” Habberstad said. “Avis Alaska has an exceptional history and a strong foundation. Employee ownership gives us an opportunity to build on both, while keeping our focus on our people, our customers and the long-term strength of the company.”
Floyd brings a long career of stewardship and creating lasting value for shareholders, with a distinguished career at CIRI, including 10 years as its CEO. Her appointment comes as Avis Alaska continues an important period of transition following its move to employee ownership.
“Over a remarkable career, Sophie demonstrated that strong business performance and a strong commitment to employees strengthen each other,” Habberstad said. “Her experience translates naturally to Avis Alaska as we build a company owned by our employees.”
Floyd’s appointment reflects Avis Alaska’s continued focus on strong governance, thoughtful leadership and maintaining a long-term perspective as the company enters its next generation.
“I’m honored to join the Avis Alaska Board of Directors,” Floyd said. “This company has an extraordinary history, but what makes it special has always been its people. I look forward to working with the board and management team as we continue building on that legacy as an employee-owned company.”
Avis Alaska became 100 percent employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan in 2025, beginning a new chapter for one of Alaska’s longest-standing locally operated businesses. Since then, the company has continued strengthening its governance structure to support the interests of its employees and the long-term health of the business.
About Avis Alaska
Avis Alaska has served Alaska travelers and communities for more than 70 years. Locally operated and headquartered in Anchorage, the company provides vehicle rental services throughout Alaska. In 2025, Avis Alaska became a 100 percent employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
Press release provided by Avis Alaska.
