Meet Our Team

Dan Newman

• Founder, Auctioneer & Appraiser
• Dan@AlaskaPremierAuctions.com
• (907) 570-7050

Dan Newman is a professionally certified auctioneer and founder of Alaska Premier Auctions and Appraisals LLC, having graduated from the Missouri Auction School, the “Harvard” of auction schools. Dan is also a certified personal property appraiser and member of the Certified Appraisers Guild of America. He has over 12 years of broadcast TV and digital media marketing and sales expertise that he uses to help promote his auctions online.

Dan is a member and ambassador for the state of Alaska for the National Auctioneers Association. He has gone above and beyond in his training and continuing education in the auction industry to earn his Benefit Auctioneer Specialist designation. Having a BAS designation means he is well trained in working with non-profit and school organizations in the most effective methods of charity benefit auction fundraising events. He is one of only less than 1% of minority Auctioneers in the world that are Benefit Auctioneer Specialists.

Dan has helped the non-profits he works with raise over a million dollars through his emceeing, fundraising consultation services, and auctioneer services for their yearly benefit auction events. For his for-profit clients, through the various estate sales, business liquidations, and consignment auctions, Dan works to sell their inventory in the most efficient and profitable means possible.

Dan is a well-connected, successful sales professional, networker, and consummate community volunteer.  He has received an Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Goldpan Award for his volunteer work and was recognized as an Alaskan “Top 40 Under 40” honoree in 2017 by the Alaska Journal of Commerce.  He is also a member & ambassador of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Board and a member and the BNI Alaska Business Pipeline Chapter, a business referral networking group. 

Dan volunteers his time as a dedicated Rotarian with the Anchorage South Rotary Club.  Dan is bilingual in English and Spanish. He is also the very proud father of two amazing boys, a beautiful baby girl, and a very lucky husband to his fantastic wife.

Alaska's Top 40 Under 40 Award for Dan Newman

Nick Cline

• Partner, Lead Appraiser & Lead Auction Manager
• Nick@AlaskaPremierAuctions.com
• (907) 570-7050

Nick Cline is a Managing Partner, Lead Appraiser, and Lead Auction Manager at Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals, based in Anchorage, Alaska. He has been with the firm since June 2018 and plays a central role in appraisal methodology, auction strategy, and client consulting across a broad range of asset categories. Nick has appeared as an appraiser on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow during Seasons 28, 29, and 30, contributing his expertise to the program’s mission of public education and responsible valuation.

Professional Background

Nick specializes in the appraisal and sale of collectibles, fine antiques, and historically significant objects. His work spans appraisal research, auction creation, catalog development, and targeted marketing, with a focus on accuracy, transparency, and market-supported results. Throughout his career, Nick has worked with established auction houses nationwide and has facilitated the sale of items ranging from everyday collectibles to museum-quality antiques and fine art. His approach emphasizes ethical appraisal standards, clear communication, and informed decision-making for clients.

Antiques Roadshow Participation
PBS’s Antiques Roadshow brings together experienced appraisers from across the country to evaluate objects of historical, cultural, and market significance while educating the public about provenance, craftsmanship, and value.
Nick’s participation as an appraiser during Seasons 28, 29, and 30 reflects his professional experience and ability to communicate valuation concepts clearly to a national audience. His role on the program aligns with his broader work at Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals, where public education and responsible valuation are core priorities.

Selected Appraisal Categories
Nick’s appraisal experience includes, but is not limited to:

• Collectibles and Decorative Arts (seemingly unique for going to multiple tables)
• Americana
• Fine antiques and decorative arts
• Historical objects and memorabilia
• Advertising, signage, and ephemera
• Silver, metalwork, and early material culture

Examples of objects he has appraised include historic advertising signs, early American silver, collectible memorabilia, and firearms-related artifacts, evaluated within appropriate historical and market contexts.

Local Roots, Professional Standards
Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Nick graduated from Robert Service High School in 2011. His interest in antiques began at a young age through collecting coins and small objects, eventually developing into a career centered on research, accuracy, and client service. Nick’s professional values emphasize honesty, respect, and long-term relationships. He works closely with clients to ensure that every appraisal and auction is handled with care, diligence, and professionalism.

About Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals
Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals is a full-service auction and appraisal firm headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. The firm specializes in personal property, commercial assets, estates, and select real estate offerings, serving private clients, institutions, and public entities across Alaska and beyond.

Disclosure
Antiques Roadshow is a trademark of PBS and GBH. Nick Cline’s appearance as an appraiser on Antiques Roadshow does not imply endorsement by PBS, GBH, or the program.

Abigail McLagan

• REALTOR®, AMM, Marketing Director & Auction Manager
• Abigail@AlaskaPremierAuctions.com
• (907) 308-0282

Abigail McLagan is an Alaska REALTOR® with experience selling over 50+ pieces of real estate at auction; from raw land to residential, commercial, foreclosures, and more. She earned her Auction Marketing Management (AMM) designation with the National Auctioneers Association in 2021 hot on the heels of two municipal auctions for the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Her zest and zeal, combined with her skills in technology, analysis, online marketing, graphic design, and attention to detail make Abigail an absolute asset to every one of her clients throughout the state of Alaska and beyond.

Megan Gibbs

• Shipping Manager
• shipping@alaskapremierauctions.com
• 907.570.7050 Ext. 714

Megan Gibbs, Shipping Manager, brings a "stick to it" mentality and meticulous detail to every order. Her days are filled with optimizing shipping processes, from invoice preparation to complex packing solutions, ensuring items arrive in pristine condition. Megan thrives on problem-solving and building a solid foundation for the company, contributing to her goal of streamlined team integration. Outside of work, she's a rugby player, Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast, country dancer, and astrology aficionado. Her logical and detail-oriented work style is complemented by her passion for continuous learning, advising newcomers to research extensively. A fun fact? She collects unique rocks, a testament to her appreciation for detail and natural beauty.

Michelle McLagan

• Chief Editor
• mmclagan@alaskapremierauctions.com

Michelle resides in a quaint New York town nestled along the Canadian border. By day, she is a part-time contractor at Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals (APAA), where she excels remotely in editing descriptions of auction items before they hit the bidding stage. Michelle's insatiable curiosity and research acumen find their perfect match in this role, allowing her to delve into Alaska's rich history and vibrant culture. When she's not immersed in editing, she proudly serves as the Director of our local public library, advocating for knowledge and literacy in the community.
On a personal note, Michelle is a devoted pet parent to two adorable cats and ardently follows a vegetarian lifestyle. Her passion for creativity knows no bounds, as she constantly seeks ways to express herself through various artistic endeavors.

Shawna Ashlock

• Auction Account Executive, Appraiser
• shawna@alaskapremierauctions.com
• 907.570.7050 Ext. 706

Shawna hails from the Pacific Northwest's temperate rainforest, near Portland, Oregon. Her love for Alaska blossomed during a summer at Denali NP in 2013, and she never looked back. Astrology, exploring new places, camping, and thrifting are her passions. Working at APAA keeps her learning and growing, making it her favorite part of the job.
 

Chloe Moore

• Auction Account Executive
• chloe@alaskapremierauctions.com
• 907-570-7050 Ext. 707

Chloe has been in Alaska for over 20 years and loves spending time with her daughter when she is not working to help curate and develop auctions. With over 10 years of experience working with local Alaskan businesses, she previously managed a local antique store before joining APAA.

Mekenzie Pettitt

• Benefits Auction Manager
• mekenzie@alaskapremierauctions.com
• (907) 570-7050 ext. 716

Mekenzie Pettit is a dynamic force behind benefit fundraising and storage unit auctions. Her days are a whirlwind of interdepartmental collaboration, inventory management, and client meetings, all driven by her passion for community support. Mekenzie thrives on being a pillar for local nonprofits, a role that fuels her career goal of opening a photo studio, "by the weird, for the weird," where everyone feels comfortable. She brings strong organization, communication, and empathy to the team, valuable skills honed through her diverse responsibilities. Outside of work, she indulges in gaming, photography, art, and nature. A conversation with Van Gogh tops her dinner guest list, drawn to his inspiring and solitary spirit. Her work style is a "controlled chaos," a precise and calculated approach uniquely her own. A surprising fact? Mekenzie has a soft spot for bugs and reptiles, including a Carpet Python and a Regal jumper spider.

Rob Clem

• Auctioneer, Auction Account Executive
• rob@alaskapremierauctions.com
• 907.570.7050 Ext. 704

Rob brings a dynamic fusion of energy, enthusiasm, and professional expertise to the live auction stage. In April 2025, Rob honed his craft at the prestigious Nashville Auction School, receiving world-class training from past and present International Auctioneer Champions. His style is defined by a fast-paced yet accessible "chant" designed to engage audiences and maximize bidding wars.

Rob operates with a single philosophy: an auctioneer’s primary job is to raise the maximum amount of funding possible for the client. He is relentless in his pursuit of professional development, currently holding credentials as a Certified Auctioneer and Certified Benefit Auction Specialist, with a Ringman Certification coming this summer 2026.

Rob is dedicated to ensuring APAA raises more money for its clients than any other auction house in the region.

Frances Owen

• Auction Account Executive
• frances@alaskapremierauctions.com

Frances joined as an Auction Inventory Cataloger in August 2023 and quickly distinguished herself through strong customer service and dependable execution. Within eight months, she was recognized as Purple Star Employee of the Month and shortly thereafter transitioned into an Admin & Sales Support role, providing consistent customer-facing support, including live benefit auction galas. In January 2026, she was promoted to Auction Account Executive, reflecting her continued growth and leadership within our organization.