NEWS
Maria Bourne Named UAA Alumni of Distinction
We’re proud to share that our President and CEO, Maria Bourne, has been named a 2024-25 Alumni of Distinction by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The award honors UAA graduates who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and impact—and Maria’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible with resilience, vision, and community at heart.
Putting People First: Patty Bryant’s Path Through DUS
Patty’s career at Denali Universal Services is a testament to the power of dedication, adaptability, and a deep belief in supporting others. She began her journey as a front desk receptionist and, over the years, grew into a trusted leader on the Human Resources team. Her path has included roles in recruiting, employee relations, and benefits-each driven by her passion for helping people feel seen, supported and empowered in their careers.
Starting Where You’re Needed: Jayme on Building a Career with DUS
My name is Jayme Thomas, and I’m the Operations Coordinator at DUS. I started as a temporary housekeeping hire in Nenana, then moved into a permanent role in Kuparuk. After several months, I became a lead supervisor and later transitioned into an HSE technician role, focusing on safety for three years. I also trained as an executive housekeeper and worked in other support roles. Before moving to headquarters, I was a step-up HSE specialist, overseeing training and supervising technicians.
Portraits of Success: Security Officer Soileau
This year marks the sixth anniversary of Security Officer Soileau’s service to one of our Oil and Gas clients in Houston. Soileau started her career in private security, drawn by the flexibility and overtime opportunities, a decision she’s never regretted. She attributes her long tenure to the confidence her team and leadership have in her abilities and the supportive environment that motivates her daily. A standout moment for her was receiving a hand-signed birthday card from the leadership team, which made her feel valued.
Denali Universal Services Announces Key Leadership Promotions
Effective immediately, Denali Universal Services (DUS) is excited to announce organizational changes within the DUS Leadership Team with six key promotions. These promotions reflect the exceptional leadership and dedication of our team members and signify DUS’s continued commitment to operational excellence, strategic growth, and client satisfaction.
“DUS is excited about these leadership promotions and confident in their continued impact. These advancements reflect our commitment to strong leadership, a people-centric culture, and exceptional client support as we grow and uphold service excellence,” said Maria Bourne, CEO & President of Denali Universal Services.
DUS Transitions to New Leadership
DUS is pleased to announce its transition to new private ownership, effective September 1, 2024. The new ownership group includes a select team of investors featuring DUS CEO Maria Bourne. This change marks a significant milestone, first as private ownership and secondarily DUS now qualifies as a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), aligning with clients who prioritize diversity in hiring and procurement. DUS was previously owned by the global food services and facilities management group Sodexo.
Professional Protection: Interest in Private Security Firms Steadily Increasing
Guarding the lobby of an office building. Watching the entrance gates at a conference venue. Patrolling a fairground, head on a swivel. Responding in the dark of night to a burglar alarm. Monitoring camera feeds from a remote panopticon. Private security takes many forms, and providers have many tools to protect clients’ assets.
Denali Universal Services Receives the 2021 Hire Vets Gold Medallion Award from US Department of Labor for our Exemplary Efforts in Recruiting, Employing, and Retaining our Nation’s Veterans
Denali Universal Services (DUS) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh recognized them as one of the recipients of the 2021 Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony. DUS is honored to have received a Gold Medallion Award.
Denali Universal Services Announces New Leadership
Denali Universal Services (DUS) is announcing that Bob Kean, who has spent the last 20 years with DUS, is retiring effective December 31, 2020 after a long and esteemed career of both public and private service. Mr. Kean has made significant contributions to the growth of DUS during his tenure and will continue to serve DUS and Sodexo in an advisory role. DUS wishes Mr. Kean well in his retirement and thanks him for his many contributions.
What’s Cookin’ at the Camps?
It takes a lot to keep Alaska’s remote worksites running smoothly. Whether it’s transporting goods and materials, maintaining operating equipment, or managing camp quarters, support service companies play an integral role in keeping the mining, oil and gas, and other critical industries open for business.