# Bill Thomas

> William A. “Bill” Thomas Jr. is a Tlingit commercial fisherman, former Alaska state representative, veteran, and former chairman and CEO of Klukwan, Inc. Rooted in Haines and the Chilkat Valley, his public career has moved between the water, Native corporate leadership, local boards, the state capitol, and advocacy for Southeast Alaska.

- **Role:** Commercial fisherman
- **Organizations:** Alaska House of Representatives, Klukwan, Inc., Sealaska, Haines Borough Assembly, Haines School Board, Chilkoot Indian Association, United Fishermen of Alaska, Office of Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy
- **From:** Haines, Territory of Alaska, United States
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** High school diploma, Haines High School, University of Alaska
- **Known for:** Served four terms in the Alaska House of Representatives from 2005 to 2013., Rose to co-chair of the Alaska House Finance Committee., Served as chairman and CEO of Klukwan, Inc.

## Career timeline

- **c. 1960** — Began fishing with his uncles at about age 12 or 13.
- **1966-1969** — Served in the U.S. Army, including six months in Vietnam in 1968.
- **1969** — Returned to Alaska and began the commercial fishing career he continued for more than five decades.
- **Before 2005** — Served four years each on the Haines School Board and Haines Borough Assembly; also served as chairman and CEO of Klukwan, Inc. and worked as a lobbyist.
- **2005-2013** — Represented Alaska House District 5 for four terms and later co-chaired the House Finance Committee.
- **2012** — Lost reelection after a recount by 32 votes.
- **2015-2018** — Provided state lobbying services for the Haines Borough through Thomas, Inc.
- **2020** — Joined Governor Mike Dunleavy’s office as a special assistant representing Southeast Alaska.
- **2024** — Filed for Alaska House District 3, then withdrew when vessel repairs and the fishing season made campaigning impractical.

## Achievements

- Served four terms in the Alaska House of Representatives from 2005 to 2013.
- Rose to co-chair of the Alaska House Finance Committee.
- Served as chairman and CEO of Klukwan, Inc.
- Completed U.S. Army service and received Good Conduct, Crew Chief Wings, and a Sharpshooter Army Appreciation Award as listed in his legislative biography.
- Sustained a commercial fishing career of 55 years by 2024.
- Served on the Haines School Board and Haines Borough Assembly.
- Was selected as a special assistant to the Alaska governor for Southeast Alaska in 2020.

## Latest updates

- **2024-06** — Withdrew from the Alaska House District 3 race, citing major engine problems, fishing income, and the demands of the commercial season.
- **2024-02** — Testified to the Alaska Senate Resources Committee in opposition to Executive Order 132.

## Links

- Website: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Member/Detail/27?code=THM
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-thomas-034b74a1

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/bill-thomas
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-25