Stefan Rearden Assumed Presidency of Calista Brice

The leadership change followed a multi-year mentorship program under outgoing president Sam Robert Brice.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a geometric mountain peak and gear, representing a corporate leadership transition in Alaska. — Stefan Rearden has officially assumed the role of president at Calista Brice, succeeding long-time leader Sam Robert Brice following a multi-year mentorship program. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

In 2026, Stefan Rearden replaced Sam Robert Brice as president of Calista Brice, a company valued at $500 million. Brice has transitioned into a new role as a part-time executive advisor for the corporation.

Why it matters

This leadership transition marks the culmination of a three-year mentorship period designed to maintain continuity within the Alaska-based enterprise. It signals a shift in operational oversight for a key subsidiary of the Calista Corporation.

Calista Brice holds a valuation of $500 million, while its parent organization, Calista Corporation, manages 40 subsidiaries and serves 39,100 shareholders. The parent company has issued $166 million in total distributions and $6.6 million in scholarships.

The players

Stefan Rearden

The current president of Calista Brice is a Bethel native who previously held operational roles at BP and Alyeska Pipeline Service Co.

Sam Robert Brice

The former president of Calista Brice now serves as a part-time executive advisor after overseeing a long-term transition program.

The details

Stefan Rearden climbed the corporate ranks after joining the firm in 2021, serving as senior director of special projects before becoming vice president of operations and later chief operating officer. He brings experience from his previous roles at BP and Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. to his new leadership position.

1961: Brice Inc. was founded in Fairbanks.
2010: Calista Corporation purchased the Brice companies.
2021: Stefan Rearden joined Calista Brice.
2022-2024: Stefan Rearden served as Vice President of Operations.
2024-2025: Stefan Rearden served as Chief Operating Officer.

Market Landscape

The leadership change reflects the integration of the Brice companies into the broader Calista Corporation ecosystem since the 2010 acquisition. This stability underscores the corporation's strategy of grooming internal talent to lead its significant Alaskan infrastructure and service assets.

For shareholders and community members in Alaska, the leadership change ensures continuity in how the company manages its various operations and scholarship funds. Clients can expect the firm to maintain its established business strategies under Rearden's administration.

The takeaway

Effective leadership succession often relies on multi-year mentorship to ensure that operational knowledge is successfully transferred. Establishing a clear transition plan helps maintain stability for major organizations and their stakeholders.