Alaska.org Editorial Team

The Alaska.org Editorial Team is a group of passionate Alaskans and long-time travel experts dedicated to helping visitors plan unforgettable journeys through Alaska. Together, we research, write, source local images, and update every article to ensure you get the most accurate, inspiring, and insider information available.

Meet the Team

Bob Kaufman - Founder

In 1986, while living in Boston and working for a straight-laced consulting firm, Bob dreamed up an audacious plan to celebrate his 25th birthday: travel to Alaska (a place he’d never been) and climb Denali (Mt. McKinley). Most friends thought he was crazy—he had no ice-climbing or winter-camping experience. But after 35 days on the mountain—14 of them alone—he reached the summit, thanks to insider advice from a veteran guide who shared the secrets to success.

That life-changing climb sparked Bob’s mission for Alaska.org: to give travelers the same trusted, insider guidance he once received. Whether you’re seeking Alaska’s iconic highlights or its hidden corners, Bob ensures our team provides the “straight scoop” to help you plan the trip of a lifetime. Since founding Alaska Channel in 1993, Bob has led a company that’s helped hundreds of thousands of visitors—and protected thousands of acres of Alaska’s wild lands for future generations.

Zen Godfrey

Zen grew up in Alaska and fell in love with sharing her home as a teenage tour guide on the Alaska Railroad. Nearly two decades later, she still delights in seeing Alaska through “new” eyes. Zen has built partnerships with local experts across the state—park rangers, pilots, naturalists, and photographers—so she can source first-hand knowledge for every article and itinerary. Since joining Alaska Channel in 2012, she has specialized in crafting clear advice articles and thoughtfully designed trip ideas, giving visitors the practical answers and detailed itineraries they need to plan their perfect Alaska adventure.

Shawna Wahlstrom

Also part of Alaska Channel since 2012, Shawna brings a designer’s eye to ensure every article is as beautiful as it is informative. She listens closely to guest questions and feedback, turning them into fresh topics and helpful resources for the site. Now living in Minnesota with her family, Shawna remains deeply connected to Alaska and continues to help travelers plan authentic adventures.

Our Promise

Alaska is vast, wild, and often misunderstood—planning the right trip takes more than a search engine or even the newest large language models (LLMs). Our team combines decades of local experience with a commitment to accuracy. Every itinerary, article, and recommendation is fact-checked by locals and updated regularly so you can explore with confidence and leave with unforgettable memories. But, Alaska is always changing.If you spot an inaccuracy or have an update to share, please let us know at [email protected]. Your feedback helps us keep Alaska.org the most trusted resource for planning your trip.