WorkSmart CEO to Receive NCAIED Native American Award

DURHAM, N.C., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- WorkSmart, a leading provider of Information Technology services in North Carolina, announced today that their CEO, Ron Unger, has been selected as one of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) 40 Under 40 recipients.

The Native American 40 Under 40 Award honors young business leaders who have demonstrated significant professional achievement and tremendous community involvement.   To qualify for the award, individuals must be under the age of 40 and have achieved notable success in their business endeavors, while making a considerable impact to the American Indian community.

Unger was first elected to the Board of Directors for Koniag, Inc. in November of 2004 and currently serves as the corporation's treasurer.  Koniag is one of thirteen regional Alaska Native corporations formed following the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971.  Koniag, Inc. is the regional corporation for the Kodiak Island area and is owned by 3,700 shareholders of Sugpiaq Alutiiq descent.  Since Unger was elected to the Koniag Board of Directors in 2004, Koniag has grown its shareholder dividend and shareholders' equity each year.  In 2010, Koniag paid its largest ever dividend from operations and completed construction of its new headquarters building in Kodiak, Alaska.

"We want to continue to recognize the hard work of a diverse group of young Native American leaders," said Eric S. Trevan, NCAIED President and CEO. "This year's elite group includes community organizers, elected officials, policy leaders, entrepreneurs and business professionals who exemplify the spirit of progress in Indian country."

"The Koniag board is proud and excited -- but not surprised by Ron's award," exclaimed Chris Johnson, Koniag's Chairman of the Board.  "He has continually demonstrated leadership within our native community of the Koniag region." 

"Serving our Native people is one of my greatest passions, "said WorkSmart CEO, Ron Unger, "at Koniag, we have a very unique mission, preserving our lands and culture while continuing to grow profits for dividends and scholarships.  It is a huge honor to receive an award for this work."

Recipients of the award will be honored at a reception prior at the Indian Progress in Business Awards on Thursday, October 21^st in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

About WorkSmart

WorkSmart is the industry leading provider of Information Technology management and support for businesses and organizations throughout North Carolina and the Mid-Atlantic region. With the philosophy that reliable IT services require dedication, responsiveness and accountability, WorkSmart partners with clients to provide IT strategy consulting, managed services, onsite and helpdesk support and computer network design and implementation services. They are headquartered in Raleigh-Durham with branch-offices in Charlotte, Greensboro and Philadelphia and onsite support partners across the U.S. Visit www.worksmart.com to learn more.

SOURCE WorkSmart