Dan Graham.

PositionOFF THE CUFF

Donlin Gold appointed Dan Graham as its new General Manager in June; he previously served as its permit manager for years. He says, "There's nothing I would rather do than be involved in mining. As a kid I had the best sandbox equipment collection in the entire neighborhood. I spent hours digging holes and building dams. And look where I am now: same kid, just a bigger sandbox."

Alaska Business: What do you do in your free time?

Dan Graham: Weekend mornings, I like to slow down, enjoy some coffee on the deck, and catch up on current events and touch base with family. For activities, I still convince myself I can play old-timers hockey, I play a few rounds of golf every summer, enjoy a good hike and climbing around historic mining areas, and I like to fish but I really suck at the catching part--just ask my wife and daughters.

AB: Is there a skill you're currently developing or have always wanted to learn?

Graham: Get better at equipment mechanics so I can do more than just change the tires, check the oil, and charge the battery.

AB: What's the most daring thing you've ever done?

Graham: In 2001 we lived in Healy (my wife and two daughters, ages 5 and 7), and I put my notice in resigning from my job with Usibelli to move closer to my wife's family in Anchorage and try something new--with no job lined up We took a risk and it has worked out! What is the saying? No risk, no reward.

AB: What's your go-to comfort food?

Graham: A little bubbly beverage called beer--there is a porkchop in every bottle.

AB: What's your favorite way to exercise?

Graham: Hockey, golf, and hiking. I can't run anymore (bad knees), and stationary equipment works in a pinch, but much rather be moving when I work out.

AB: Dead or alive, who would you like to see perform live in concert?

Graham: I was a concert buff in my teens: Queen (with Freddy Mercury), Van Halen (the original crew), ZZ Top, Charlie Daniels, Allman Brothers. It was a great era to grow up in. But I never got to see the likes of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, or Elton John--it would have to be one of those three.

AB: What's your greatest extravagance?

Graham: Vacations, We're not big on the low cost/low budget options...

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