UA Foundation announces board leadership updates and new members

January 23, 2026

The University of Alaska Foundation announced several updates to its Board of Directors following its December meeting in Anchorage. These updates include new leadership roles, newly elected members, and recognition of departing directors.

The Board recognized Aleesha Towns-Bain, Ben Roth, Dave Karp, and Stephanie Madsen as they concluded their terms of service. Their leadership, generosity, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the University of Alaska and the UA Foundation.

At the same meeting, the Board elected four new members: Bill Bailey, vice president and business development officer for Northrim Bank; Tanya Kaquatosh, chief operating officer of Doyon, Limited; Melissa Kookesh, tribal liaison for the Alaska Broadband Office within the state Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development; and Amy Cook, Fairbanks manager for TOTE Maritime Alaska. Melissa Reiser was re-elected to a second term.

The Board also announced leadership transitions. Jennifer Schrage now serves as Board Chair, and Laura Edmondson was named Chair-elect. Roald Helgesen was re-elected as treasurer, and Stephanie Erickson was re-elected as secretary, continuing their service in these leadership roles.

In addition, the Board recognized Meg Nordale for her service as Board Chair over the past two years. Nordale will continue to serve on the Board for an additional year.

In January, Anna Atchison stepped down from the Board due to new professional commitments. She has served on the Board since 2022.

A full list of Board members and bios is available at alaska.edu/foundation/about/board/index.php.