ANCHORAGE, Alaska –The Alaska Native Heritage Center is pleased to announce Kelsey Ciugun Wallace (Yup’ik and Irish) as its new President and CEO. Ms. Wallace is the first in this role to have been promoted from within the organization, marking a historic moment at the Heritage Center and underscoring its commitment to cultivating Alaska Native leadership. Formerly the Heritage Center’s Vice President of Strategic Advancement and Communications, Ms. Wallace joined the Heritage Center more than 10 years ago as a public relations intern. Since that time, she has built a distinguished career in nonprofit leadership, cultural stewardship and Indigenous advancement.
Under Ms. Wallace’s previous leadership, she significantly expanded the Heritage Center’s reach and impact by growing culturally relevant programs and social enterprise initiatives, and by cultivating philanthropic partnerships and events that celebrate culture and inspire collective investment in the organization’s mission. Over the last two years, Ms. Wallace strengthened the Heritage Center’s financial position by securing more than $13 million in transformational funding from federal, state, tribal and philanthropic partners, and by fortifying systems for donor engagement. From an organizational standpoint, Ms. Wallace co-led the development of the Heritage Center’s multi-year responsibility plan, helped shape organizational strategy, co-directed a multimillion-dollar facility renovation, and directed the Heritage Center’s largest capital and programmatic campaigns.
Originally from Mamterilleq (Bethel, Alaska), Ms. Wallace was raised in a family deeply rooted in the Yup’ik values of respect, generosity and community. A bilingual speaker of Yugtun and English, she believes language is a bridge that connects generations and strengthens identity. Her upbringing and education in Yup’ik immersion taught her that leadership begins with listening, that joy is collective, and that every act of generosity strengthens the whole.
“Kelsey leads with heart, humility and an unwavering belief in the brilliance of our Alaska Native Peoples. Under her guidance, the Heritage Center will continue to grow as a global leader in cultural tourism and Indigenous innovation, expanding access to cultural education and creating spaces where community remains at the center,” said Tiffany Tutiakoff (Yup’ik and Athabascan), Board Chair of the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
To advance the organization’s mission to preserve and strengthen the traditions, languages and art of Alaska Native Peoples through statewide collaboration, celebration and education, Ms. Wallace will call upon her professional experience and grounding in Indigenous knowledge systems and shared cultural values. She will work closely with the community, staff and board of directors to ensure the Heritage Center remains accessible, inclusive and responsive to the community’s evolving needs.
“Quyaunga (I am thankful). I am deeply honored to serve as President and CEO of the Alaska Native Heritage Center—a place that has shaped who I am both personally and professionally. My journey from intern to this role reflects the power of community and the importance of investing in our people. I look forward to building upon the Heritage Center’s strong foundation to ensure it remains an accessible and living space that celebrates the beauty, strength, and diversity of Alaska Native peoples, cultures, and ways of life,” said Ms. Wallace.
This appointment concludes the Alaska Native Heritage Center’s Board of Directors’ national search for a new president and CEO.
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About the Alaska Native Heritage Center:
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a nonprofit organization that preserves and strengthens the traditions, languages and arts of Alaska’s Native Peoples through statewide collaboration, celebration and education. To learn more, visit www.alaskanative.net.
Media Contact: Rachel Ruston
Communications & Development Manager
[email protected] | 907-330-8071