Staff Story: Cindi Sowder

The Gnomes of AHFC

“AHFC needs a mascot, a sort of Flat Stanley. Something we can bring along on our travels throughout the state. It could be perfect for social media pictures and posts -- helping us to tell our story.” 

Stacy Barnes, director of governmental relations and public affairs, was serious.

Really? A 51-year-old idea revisited?  

The Creation of Iggy

Moose, bear, eagle, salmon, orca or what? If Jeff Brown’s character Flat Stanley from 1964 was good, maybe a 16th century Renaissance mythical figure would fit the bill?

Say hello to Iggy, AHFC’s Gnome from Nome, lovingly created by administrative services knitting needle wizard Cindi Sowder. 

Iggy quickly became popular with staff, so popular he needed help with his travel schedule.

A Family of Traveling Gnomes

Cindi brought out her needles again and along came Tongass, followed by Luna a few weeks later as a total surprise for Stacy Barnes.  

By now the whole gnome family is well travelled state wide, nationally and internationally. Tongass even got lost for four months in Europe.

AHFC is featuring our employees as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration. Click here to find more staff stories!