Bio to come!

Stephanie, while not a native to Alaska, has spent her life and career trying to move up to the ‘last frontier’ ever since her first visit. An outdoor enthusiast as well as a marine biologist and temperate rainforest ecologist with the University of Alaska, Stephanie finally made the permanent move over ten years ago. “The wilderness, grandeur, and rich history is not something you can easily forget.” Stephanie hopes to bring her public education and natural history experience to the lighthouse, “Five Finger Lighthouse is where human history and the magnificence of nature mix in a perfect example of the rugged endurance of Alaska, and so many don’t realize the gem that is here!”. It is with gratitude to be a part of such a fun and important project that Stephanie serves on the board to protect and revitalize the historic landmark.

Looking to help the Five Finger Lighthouse Society? Join our Board of Directors and help ensure the lighthouse shines bright for years to come!

Abbey has resided in Petersburg since she moved here in high school back in 2015. Abbey grew up in the small desert town of Valentine, Texas and since moving to Petersburg has found a home that has enhanced every part of her life. She currently works for the Petersburg Medical Center and is pursuing a career in behavioral healthcare. Abbey part-time DJs for local radio station KFSK and is also a proud member for the Mitkof Mummers Theater Company. "I'm honored to serve as treasurer for the Five Finger Lighthouse Society and bring more awareness to our mission to preserve Five Finger Island and the history of Alaska's first lighthouse!"

Jeff is a forty year resident of Petersburg, Alaska. He grew up in Washington and worked at a cannery for eleven years before becoming a full-time fisherman. Over the years he has enjoyed many visits to the lighthouse with friends and family. He is highly motivated to preserve and maintain the lighthouse infrastructure and the lovely island on which it stands so others can come and enjoy this magical place. With his 59' seiner, 32' open skiff and other craft, he is well equipped for supporting work parties and moving equipment on and off the island. “The first thing I do every day when I wake up is check the weather at Five Finger Lighthouse”.

Paul Johnsen retired to Petersburg in 2007 after a long career as a marine engineer.  Originally from New York state, Paul graduated from the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York with two things:  a dual degree (deck and engine) and a burning desire to leave New York.  Paul worked all over the world both on board ships and ashore as a ship superintendent and a port engineer living in Georgia, Florida, Taiwan, and the Philippines.  In 1997, he moved to Southeast Alaska for good, serving with the AMHS again for ten more years as Juneau port engineer and a vessel chief engineer. Paul will draw on his reservoir of engineering experience to address Five Finger Lighthouse electrical and mechanical issues.  “The lighthouse is an exceptionally beautiful place, and I enjoy nature very much.  I just think it’s improved (and made more accessible) by the hum of well-functioning machinery.”

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Jack was always an avid outdoorsman and growing up was a mechanic on farm tractors, old trucks, and any type of internal combustion engine machinery he could get his hands on. Later he would work as a west coast logger and timber faller for several years before working as a mechanic at new and used car dealers. After graduating from Wyoming Tech Institute's diesel program (WyoTech) in 1986, he worked as a Caterpillar mechanic and automotive transmission technician. He joined the U.S. Merchant Marines in 1996 and from 2000-2023 was a licensed marine engineer at AMHS. It was there he met fellow board member Paul Johnsen and retired after serving 13 years as a Chief Engineer. Now he serves his community in the Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter and antique truck mechanic. He has a wife, two daughters, and a granddaughter, Lily. It's a huge pleasure for volunteer for the FFLS and help preserve this fascinating part of history. 

Eric has lived in Petersburg since 2009 working for the Forest Service in fisheries management. He was born and raised in a small mountain town near Lake Tahoe, California and has always been enamored with evergreen forests, bedrock shores, and crisp blue waters. Southeast Alaska has that in spades, and the location of the lighthouse epitomizes his personal utopia. “I was thankfully introduced to Five Finger Lighthouse by Thomas Cumps, who had for months been cajoling me to participate in a routine maintenance mission to the island. I left that magical spot with a stirring desire to help, in small part, brighten the future of this historic lighthouse.”