Marlene Johnson has worked at the community, regional, state and federal levels to advance Alaska Native social and economic progress and has provided public service to promote quality education and access to health and legal services across Alaska. She participated in the fight for the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and was one of 5 original incorporators of Sealaska . She led that corporation as the Chairman of the Board for its first decade. Marlene also served on the Hoonah School Board for 25 years and on the Board of Trustees of Huna Heritage Foundation and the Sealaska Heritage Institute.

On a statewide basis, Marlene led the fight against rural poverty through her service on the RuralCAP Board of Directors – including 10 years as the president. She has also served on the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska, the Board of Alaska Legal Services and numerous state boards and commissions. Nationally, Marlene has served as an Advisory Committee member to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and also participated in numerous pieces of federal legislation such as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA).

Marlene has received the Alaska Democratic Party’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Alaska Federation of Natives Citizen of the Year Award and Outstanding Women of America Award. She and her husband, Clifford, have five children and thirteen grandchildren.