Meet the Team

Jim Leslie- Vice President

Jim grew up in Montesano, Washington.   He instructed white-water canoeing for many years before moving to Wrangell, Alaska and co-founded Alaska Waters, Inc.  He has over 25,000 hours of experience operating boats in local waters, including over 30 years navigating the Stikine River. Jim has served his community as a board member and President of the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce, as commissioner and chairman of the City of Wrangell Port Commission, as well as an Emergency Trauma Technician and a member of the Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department.

James Leslie II  – President,  CEO

James was born and raised in Wrangell, Alaska and follows his mother’s heritage of Haida & Tlingit descent, as is tradition. James holds a degree in Diesel Mechanics from Idaho State University and has worked for Alaska Waters as a deckhand, bear guide, Captain, mechanic, and now company President. His career started as he learned how to read water and control jet boats as a very young lad with his father’s guidance. Through a lifetime spent on the Stikine River he has gained a unique knowledge of local geology, glaciology, biology and botany and loves to share this with visitors from around the globe.

Brooke Leslie- Consultant

Brooke is the first born of Jim & Wilma Leslie. She was born and raised in Wrangell, Alaska. She follows her mother’s heritage of Haida & Tlingit descent, as is tradition. She has worked for the family business since she was 12 years old.  Brooke has extensive knowledge on Southeast Alaska’s history, geology, glaciology, biology and botany. Although she is not a Licensed Captain, like her father and brother she is also an accomplished jet boat operator.

Glen- Captain, Bear Guide

Glen has been operating boats in Alaska for over 20 years. He is an avid outdoorsman, subsistence hunter and fisherman and has extensive knowledge about wildlife and plants in Southeast Alaska. He worked for many years as a Wilderness Ranger for the United States Forest Service and works in the off-season as a certified arborist.

Corey- Cultural Tour Guide

Corey was born and raised in Wrangell, spending his childhood exploring the Stikine river with friends and family before turning to commercial fishing in high school; both of which led to a deep love and respect for the outdoors. As a member of the Ta’alkweidí clan, Corey was brought up learning Tlingit cultural practices and was a member of the local dance group, attending Celebration in Juneau several times to showcase traditional songs, dances, and regalia. Corey is currently attending the University of Alaska Southeast pursuing degrees in Marine Biology and Alaska Native Studies.

Vydell – Land Tours Director

Vydell is Lingít, L’uknax̱.adí dachx̱n. Born and raised in Soldotna, Alaska, she grew up without the cultural learning opportunities that some of her friends and relatives experienced. This absence has fueled her passion for cultural preservation and revitalization. Vydell is dedicated to inspiring others to learn about and participate in their cultures, as well as her own. As Director of Land Tours for Alaska Waters, Vydell serves as a cultural guide, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm. Outside of work, she practices indigenous crafts like harvesting devil’s club, sewing regalia, beading jewelry, and depicting love within culture through painting. 

Olivia – Tour Operations Manager

Olivia was raised in Kentucky and spent a lot of time out West in Wyoming and Montana. Dedicated backpacking trips and technical hikes are her favorite while she gets to map and plan out the best routes with friends. She has a degree in Biology where her passion for the great outdoors and wildlife flourish. She is a proud new Alaskan Resident in a home that has always been in her heart, she just had to discover it.

Grace- Botanical Guide and Office Manager

Grace came to work for Alaska Waters in 2021 as a tour guide and now fills the shoes of office and retail manager. She holds  degrees in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Environmental Science and Studio Art. Grace has lived on Wrangell Island for 9 years and  loves every minute she gets to spend on the ocean or exploring the wild Tongass rainforest.