UA Regents Appoint Pat Pitney as President
Pat Pitney can take the ‘interim’ from her title. The University of Alaska Board of Regents voted at its February 25 meeting to appoint Pitney as the UA System’s seventeenth president. The decision was unanimous, highlighting the board’s recognition of Pitney’s leadership and contribution to the UA System.
“This is a time for forward momentum and to celebrate our successes, and I’ll note that President Pitney is the first woman to hold the position in the university’s 100-year history. Congratulations, Pat,” says Sheri Buretta, chair of the Board of Regents.
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October 2025
Pitney, who won a gold medal in women’s air rifle at the 1984 Olympic Summer Games, has held administrative positions with the UA System for twenty-three years. From 2014-2018, she was director of the Office of Management and Budget for the Walker administration. She became interim UA president in 2020, succeeding Michelle Rizk, who had stepped in for a couple of months after the resignation of Jim Johnsen.
“Thank you for the confidence in me,” Pitney told Regents. “I am truly honored and humbled to lead this great university system. I am dedicated to continuing to build a strong team with shared governance, with our staff, and with each of our universities. I’m excited about our future.”
Coffman Staffer Certified in Cathodic Protection
Cathodic Protection Specialist is the highest certification awarded by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance, and Eric Jones of Coffman Engineers earned it.
Alaska Native Heritage Center Promotes New CEO
Alaska Native Heritage Center found a new President and CEO in its strategic advancement and communications department, promoting Kelsey Ciugun Wallace.
New Executive Director for Assets, Inc.
Gina Bastian, a former board member of Assets, is hired as Executive Director to lead the nonprofit that supports adults with developmental disabilities or mental illness.
As we have annually since 1985, we are again celebrating the Top 49ers, local Alaska companies ranked by gross revenue. These home-grown companies participate in all of the state’s major industries, generate more than $28 billion in gross revenue, and employ more than 24,000 Alaskans. The special section holds not only the official 2025 Top 49ers ranks but also highlights of their activities, their plans for the future, and other exciting content. Enjoy!