Institute of the North Board member Gail Phillips was honored by the Anchorage chapter of the YWCA as a 2009 Woman of Achievement.

Phillips is a past Speaker of the House for the Alaska legislature and for two decades, she championed legislation that makes it easier to do business in Alaska.  An Alaskan pioneer, Phillips has shared her many gifts with the people of Alaska.  “She is a mother, a wife, a community supporter and a public servant,” reads the YWCA announcement. “BP and the YWCA honor Gail Phillips, a Woman of Achievement.”