Captain and Crew

Neil is the owner of Alaska Wilderness Charters and Glacier Bear. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Lieutenant Commander aboard U.S. Coast Guard cutters. Neil is familiar with Alaska waters, including the Inside Passage and Prince William Sound. He has sailed north beyond the Arctic Circle and west to Attu Island in the Bering Sea. Neil is a Maritime Professor and is certified in First Aid and CPR.

A licensed captain and fishing guide, Josh oversees the Glacier Bear's operation and safety at sea and is responsible for piloting and navigation. He is an excellent fishing guide and coordinates fishing activities for our guests. Josh has extensive experience, having worked as mate, engineer, and captain on boats ranging from small skiffs to 200-ton vessels. He teaches history at the Juneau Borough School District.

Al is our onboard engineer and oversees Glacier Bear's mechanical and propulsion systems—including engines, pumps, boilers, and generators. Additionally, he is responsible for electrical generation, refrigeration, ventilation, heating, and cooling systems. Al is a Certified Boatwright with the knowledge and skills to design, fabricate, install, and repair wood structures and fixtures on Glacier Bear.

Jegger is a man of many talents. Guided fishing in Alaska offers access to premier locations for salmon, trout, and halibut, and Jegger helps guests reel in the big ones. He is highly experienced and coordinates daily sport-fishing excursions, including trolling for salmon and other sport fish and jigging for halibut and bottom fish. Jegger also assists guests in setting out and retrieving crab pots and shrimp traps.

Kari is a culinary powerhouse. She meticulously prepares every meal, appetizer, dessert, and snack aboard Glacier Bear—with care and creativity. From managing the food budget to sourcing fresh ingredients and accommodating diverse dietary needs, Kari ensures every guest is treated to a breathtaking dining experience in the Alaska wilderness.

Janet is originally from Barrington, Illinois, and is passionate about adventure. Her career has taken her from the beautiful beaches of Marco Island to the rugged coastline of Maine. Today, Janet is the marketing advisor for Alaska Wilderness Charters, combining her love for travel and the outdoors with her expertise in branding, marketing, and content development.

For nearly twenty years, John has been our photographer and web designer. His images have appeared in Audubon, Nature Conservancy, and Sierra Club Calendars. John has lived in Africa, Canada, and Germany, but Alaska is his true home. He is an FAA-certified drone operator and was an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Alaska Southeast.

Michelle is a paddleboard guide, yoga instructor, and certified wine professional. She is an exceptional leader who pioneered backcountry paddleboard expeditions in Glacier Bay National Park. Michele has competed in the stand-up paddleboard category of the Yukon River Quest. She is passionate about teaching and uses her skills to teach paddling safety and community yoga classes.

Sven Hooson brings a world of flavor to the rugged beauty of Southeast Alaska. Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, Sven’s culinary journey is wonderfully diverse. He has honed his craft everywhere—from bustling Jewish delicatessens and cozy family-run Italian restaurants to innovative farm test kitchens and old-world bakeries. For six years, Sven has called Alaska home.

Kevin is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Master of a 100-Ton Vessel Near Coastal Waters and can operate any vessel up to 100 tons. He is the Chief Ranger for Southeast Area State Park, where he has conducted research, enforced fisheries regulations, and managed the park since 2009. Additionally, Kevin has worked for Alaska State Parks, the National Park Service, and the Nature Conservancy.