Nuvision Heroes: A Lifetime Achievement Award — Honoring Cathy Hiebert

Most people know Cathy Hiebert as the steady hand behind the Alaska Broadcasters Association, but her connection to our state’s airwaves goes back much further than her career—it’s in her DNA. As Cathy prepares to retire at the end of this year, we realized that a standard "Hero of the Month" title wasn't enough to capture her impact. From her father’s pioneering days in 1953 to her own decades of service, Cathy has been a cornerstone of the Alaskan community. This month, we are honored to present her with the Nuvision Hero Lifetime Achievement Award.

A Family History on the Alaskan Airwaves

Cathy’s story is woven into the very fabric of Alaskan broadcasting history. Her father, August “Augie” Hiebert, was a true pioneer, founding the state's first television station in 1953 and helping build radio stations across the state, from Fairbanks to Nome. His impact was so significant that his biography features a foreword by the legendary Walter Cronkite—a man Cathy remembers meeting several times when he visited Alaska at her father’s invitation.

While she spent 18 years working for an oil company in Los Angeles, her heart remained in Alaska. In 2000, she returned home to care for her father after he suffered a stroke.

It was during this time that Cathy learned one of her most vital life lessons: the importance of the human connection over the task at hand. "I had to stop and say, ‘Dad, I’m your daughter first,’" she recalls. By prioritizing their relationship over her role as a caregiver, she laid the foundation for a beautiful final chapter with him.

Leading the Voice of Alaska

After her father passed, Cathy felt a calling to stay connected to the industry he helped build. She began as a volunteer for the Alaska Broadcasters Association (ABA), eventually working her way up to Executive Director in 2014.

Under her leadership, the ABA has supported commercial, public, and religious broadcasters across the most challenging terrain in the country. Cathy has always been moved by the grit of her members—like a radio group in the Kenai Peninsula that recently raised $90,000 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in just two days.

"Just seeing how diligent, hardworking, and creative our broadcasters from around the state are is pretty amazing," she says. In a place where infrastructure and distance make communication difficult, Cathy has championed the collaboration and shared spirit that keeps Alaskans informed.

A Quiet Force in the Community

If you want to find Cathy, don't just look for her in the boardroom. You’ll find her at the Anchorage Memorial Cemetery, cleaning headstones for veterans. You’ll find her at "Shop with a Cop," helping local children pick out Christmas gifts. You’ll find her at Holy Family Catholic Church every Saturday morning, replenishing pews and printing bulletins before the 9:30 AM Mass.

For Cathy, these aren't "extra" activities; they are essential. A lifelong supporter of law enforcement and first responders, she views her community service as a natural extension of who she is.

Nuvision’s Matt Skaggs, who nominated her, remembers meeting Cathy at a crowded networking event years ago. While everyone else was busy trading business cards, Cathy was focused on a veteran who was sitting alone, making sure he felt included. "She’s at every single one of our events, but her work doesn’t stop there," Matt says. "Cathy is deeply plugged into the community in ways that most people don't even realize."

Recognized by a Grateful State

Cathy’s impact hasn't gone unnoticed by those at the highest levels of leadership. At a recent national conference in Washington D.C., she was surprised with personalized video messages from both U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan and Senator Lisa Murkowski, thanking her for her decades of service to the state.

It was a fitting tribute to a woman who has spent years walking the halls of the Capitol as an advocate, building relationships based on trust and a shared love for Alaska.

Words for the Next Generation

Cathy’s advice for those looking to make a difference is simple: pay attention and be present.

"Know your community, period," she says. "Whatever you have to do". Whether it's following local organizations on social media or attending a Chamber of Commerce meeting, Cathy believes that staying relevant means staying in touch with the people around you.

As Cathy Hiebert moves toward a well-earned retirement, we honor her not just for her professional achievements, but for the quiet, consistent way she has shown up for her neighbors, her colleagues, and her state.

Cathy, you are a true Nuvision Hero. Congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement Award.