For Immediate Release
Contact: Cassandra Stalzer, 907-334-0520
Anchorage, AK –  Rasmuson Foundation has elected a new member to its Board of Directors and reorganized its management team, resulting in several promotions and one new hire.

Jason Metrokin was elected to the Board. Metrokin is president and CEO of Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC) and chairs the ANCSA Regional Association, which represents the presidents and CEOs of the 12 Alaska-based Native regional corporations. His family hails from Kodiak Island, Bristol Bay and Massachusetts. Metrokin was named to the top post at BBNC in 2009. Prior to that he served on the board of directors for five years and as director of shareholder and corporate relations.

Metrokin has served on a number of corporate and nonprofit boards of directors including BBNC subsidiary companies, United Way of Anchorage, the Alaska Community Foundation, Alaska Regional Hospital, Alaska Pacific University and the Alaska Native Professional Association. He lives in Anchorage with his wife, Shannon, and their two sons. He enjoys the outdoors, plays hockey and continues to volunteer in the community.

 

Deborah Bitney recently joined the Foundation as Vice President of Administration. Bitney has 30 years of experience as an administrator in a wide range of sectors. Most recently, she was administrative services director for the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, where she worked to establish AGDC as an independent corporation of the State of Alaska. Previously, she was director of the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend Division.

 

Sammye Pokryfki has been promoted to Senior Vice President. Program Officer Aleesha Towns-Bain has been promoted to Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Communications Director Cassandra Stalzer has been promoted to Vice President of Communications.

 

About the Foundation


Rasmuson Foundation was created in May 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson to honor her late husband “E.A.” Rasmuson. Through grantmaking and initiatives, the Foundation is a catalyst to promote a better life for all Alaskans.

 

-30-