Leadership Anchorage

Founded in 1997, Leadership Anchorage (LA) is the premier leadership development program for established and emerging Alaskans seeking to expand their impact in the community.

LA is designed to develop the skills, knowledge, perspective, and networks needed to be an effective and compassionate changemaker for our city, and our state. Each year, a diverse cohort of leaders is selected to participate in this 9-month program consisting of monthly Saturday sessions, enhanced by group projects, individual mentorships, readings, resources, and guest speakers from the community.

Why LA?

Transform Your Leadership
LA participants practice and strengthen essential 21st-century leadership competencies including facilitation, coaching, collaboration, and team-building.

Through assessments and interactive activities, you will develop an understanding of how you show up in the world and tap into your vision, mission, and purpose.

Amplify and Diversify Your Networks
LA is a unique opportunity to become a part of a powerful community of diverse leaders from a wide range of industries, backgrounds, ages, and experiences.

Throughout the program, participants are introduced to new organizations, individuals, venues, and connection points across the city. You will build close, supportive relationships within your cohort and across our powerful network of over 400 LA alumni and mentors.

Activate Ideas Into Action
If you aspire to make a real difference in your community or organization, your LA Community Project provides the perfect opportunity to step boldly into that vision as you tackle real, immediate needs within the Anchorage community.

Thank you to LA 28 Mentors for investing in our Cohort! Mentors are community members who volunteer their time to meet with LA participants and serve as a trusted partner for advice, guidance, and inspiration. Mentors can be anyone in the community and are selected by the participants themselves - with recommendations and support from Leadership Anchorage - and participants take on the initiative to reach out and establish a relationship.   

LA 28 MENTORS

Charisse Arce, Senior Attorney at EarthJustice

Chellie Skoog, Vice President of Programs at Foraker Group

Cindy Bailey, Senior Vice President of Community Affairs at Santos

Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent at Alaska Conference, Covenant Churchc

Debra Call, Director, Board of Directors at the Alaska Federation of Natives

Jackie Schaeffer, Director of Climate Initiatives at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Jasmine Boyle, Chief Operating Officer at RurAL CAP

Jessica Graham, Executive VP, Chief Risk Officer & General Counsel at Global Federal Credit Union

Joelle Hall, President at AFL-CIO

Kris Palmatier, Chief Financial Officer at Catholic Social Services

Lael Bach, Training and Development Specialist at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Lee Post, Chief of Juvenile Probation (retired) & Professional Artist at State of Alaska & PostMarks

Michelle Egan, Chief Communications Officer at Alyeska Pipeline

Polly Carr, Vice-President of Programs at Alaska Humanities Forum

Regan Brooks, Founder, Story Works Alaska

Ryan Buchholdt, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services at University of Alaska Anchorage

Theresa Lyons, Healthy & Equitable Communities Grant Administrator, Alaska Black Caucus