The Foraker Group

We are thrilled to have partnered with the Cold Climate Research Center to place their new Executive Director, Paul Rasmussen!

We're excited to introduce Paul Rasmussen as CCHRC's new Executive Director!

Starting on Monday, June 15, Paul brings a deep commitment to tackling Alaska's unique housing challenges, and we can't wait to see what we'll accomplish together. Welcome, Paul!

Check out our press release for more information: https://cchrc.org/paul-rasmussen-named-next-executive-director-ofcold-climate-housing-research-center/

Every year, we have the privilege of meeting new executive directors through our Executive Leadership Intensive and supporting them as they navigate the many complexities of their new roles. We are continually inspired by their commitment to serving their communities and advancing their missions. This year was no exception - congratulations to our newest alumni:

Wei Ying Wong, Alaska SeaLife Center
Maggie Winston, Independent Living Center
Lisa Ellison, Independent Living Center
Melissa Schoenweather, Kodiak Economic Development Corp
Sarah Furman, Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition
Haley Johnston, Alaska Trails
Julie Swisher, American Red Cross of Alaska
Inukuk Gerhardt-Cyrus, OPT-in Kiana
Gina Bastian, Assets, Inc.
Betsi Oliver, Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance
Kelley Shoemake, Palmer Chamber of Commerce
Andrea Akalleq Burgess, Native Peoples Action/Community Fund

Congrats to the 8 organizations that participated in our Fast Track Fundraising Intensive for drafting their fund development plans! We’re inspired by their commitment to setting meaningful fundraising goals and metrics for the year ahead — all in service of strengthening their communities. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!

Whew. Decisions.
Big ones. Small ones. Mission-shaping ones.

In uncertain times, it’s easy to feel stuck, wait too long, or chase the next shiny opportunity. But nonprofit leadership requires thoughtful choices that move missions forward — not just for today, but for the future we hope to build.

In our latest Letter from Laurie, we revisit five practical tools to help leaders navigate complexity, avoid mission drift, and make decisions with clarity and purpose.

✨ When in doubt:
• Matrix it out
• Draw it out
• Step it out
• Envision it out
• Space it out

Read the full blog for ideas you can bring to your board, staff, and planning conversations. --->

Unpacking Decisions: Five Ways to Find Your Ground (Revisted) The Foraker Group strengthens Alaska's nonprofit and tribal organizations through education, professional services and organizational development with a focus on new skills, sustainability and strategic thinking.