17June2009
Board of Directors Election Candidates
Posted by admin under: News.
With the call for candidate nominations closing on June 9th, ten candidates have been put forward for five seats open on the UAA Alumni Association Board of Directors. Ballots were mailed out on Friday June 12th to all Active Alumni Association members eligible to vote. The postmark deadline to return ballots is July 12th.
In alphabetical order, the candidates standing for election are:
Jeffrey E. Grabinsky
Residence: Abbotsford, British Columbia
Occupation: Director of Sales, Northwest Group
UAA Degree: BBA, Management, 1998
Biography
Educational Background:
BBA, Management
University of Alaska Anchorage 1998
Executive MBA program
Royal Roads University - Present
Work History
Director of Sales, Northwest Group - Present
The Northwest Group covers British Columbia, Alberta, Eastern Washington and Idaho. As Director of Sales, Jeff is responsible for a sales organization of 70 employees and all new business, selling expenses and sales efficiency. The role includes but is not limited to overseeing all hiring, training and financial reporting duties.
Jeff has been employed with Cintas for over nine years and has held such roles as Sales Representative, Sales Manager, and Management trainee. Jeff has been involved in such programs at Cintas as the Action Learning Program, Six Sigma executive steering program and the Mentorship Program.
Prior to Cintas Jeff spent one year working for Colorado pro sports and as a professional hockey player for the Colorado Gold Kings. Jeff is an UAA Alumni and played 4 years for the UAA Seawolves Ice Hockey team.
Cintas Corporation:
Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types throughout North America. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, promotional products and first aid and safety products for over 700,000 businesses.
Personal
Jeff and his wife Lisa reside in Abbotsford, BC and with their two sons Jace and Luke. Jeff’s hobbies include golf and working out.
Ben Grenn 
Residence: Anchorage, Alaska
Occupation: Retired
UAA Degree: Bachelor’s of Education, 1972
Statement
I am submitting my name in nomination for one of the five, three-year term open seats on the University of Alaska Anchorage Alumni Association board of directors.
To be a part of this board, I consider a privilege to serve my alma mater and give back to the University by volunteering to work on this fun, challenging, and rewarding organization.
Not only did I graduate from UAA (B. Ed. 1972), but have also worked (as Assistant Sports Information Director) and previously served on the UAAAA’s board of directors. I continue to support the university’s goals and athletic events. I also have a family member who is a recent (2007) UAA graduate.
My wife and I are 40+ year Anchorage residents, with three-grown children. I am semi-retired and would be available and willing to commit whatever time and energy needed to fulfill the goals of the board. I look forward to re-committing my time and experience to serve another term on the UAAAA board.
Bob Hagmaier 
Residence: Lake Oswego, Oregon
Occupation: Owner, Compass Capital Private Wealth Management
UAA Degree: BBA, Finance, 1981
Biography
Bob is the current alumni association president and 1981 graduate of UAA. Upon graduation Bob began his business career by joining a local Anchorage investment firm. Since that time he has worked for Lehman Brothers in San Francisco and in 2001 founded his own wealth management firm, Compass Capital Private Wealth Management in Lake Oswego.
Bob has been involved in varied charitable ventures over his career serving in various board and executive capacities on both non-profit and church boards.
Bob and Wyn, his wife of 26 years, live in Lake Oswego, OR, a Portland suburb. His personal time is consumed by passions for golf, gourmet cooking, and raising champion miniature schnauzers.
Statement
As the outgoing UAAAA president, I have a keen understanding of the needs of the UAAAA and possess a very clear understanding of association’s future direction. My business finance, accounting, and marketing experience combined with my previous two year’s UAAAA board experience permits me to bring competent, knowledgeable, and experienced decision making to the association. It would be an honor continuing my service to the association and to the University of Alaska Anchorage. I ask for your consideration and vote.
James Hemsath
Residence: Eagle River, Alaska
Occupation: Director for Development, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA)
UAA Degree: MS, Engineering Management, 2001
Statement
As Alaska enters its next 50 years the essential challenge will be to diversify our economy and create the next generation of opportunities for both Alaska and the Arctic. At the center of this evolution is the University of Alaska, Anchorage. Technology, research, science, engineering, education, management are all critical components to take the State into the future. The Alumni Association, with its understanding of the University as well as the practical experience as alumni has the right kind of skill set to influence UAA in the direction it heads as well as reach to recruit new students and new faculty. As a member of the Alumni board I look forward to matching my passion for lifetime learning with the needs of the future of the University.
Biography
Jim Hemsath is the Deputy Director for Development at the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA). Jim has thirty years experience managing the development of large projects, predominately in the oil and gas fields. He has worked in the oil industry as a project manager and consultant with special expertise in the application of management systems, change management, technical integrity and quality management. Hemsath has additional experience as a faculty member of the Engineering and Science Management Department at the University of Alaska Anchorage; teaching classes in quality management, project and engineering management and operations research. He was a recipient of a NASA Faculty Fellowship in which he developed a dynamic simulation model to assist in staffing projections at Kennedy Space Center.
As a member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Arctic Energy Office he managed research projects at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the development of Arctic energy. As a Senior Fellow at the Institute of the North he developed and led an International Polar Year project on Arctic Energy, culminating in an international Arctic Energy Technology Conference in October 2007.
Hemsath has an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Cleveland State University and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Alaska - Anchorage. Hemsath is a licensed Professional Engineer and a certified Project Management Professional.
Tommy D. Kibler
Residence: Anchorage, Alaska
Occupation: Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch
UAA Degree: BBA, International Marketing, 1998; BA, Russian and Business Administration, 1997
Statement
As a father of two beautiful daughters, it is important to me for them to learn about giving to their community and giving of themselves. In the beginning, I volunteered from the classrooms with field trips to helping with the soccer practices/games and even some of the Daisy Troop meetings. Over the last few years I have tried to broaden my reach and have become involved in Rotary and the Parent/Teacher Groups at their school. Most recently I started a group at Turnagain Elementary, All Pro Dads. The main purpose of this group is to build better, stronger relationships between dads and their kids. In an endeavor to teach my children the importance of community involvement I have found my own rewards. It is true, the more one gives of themselves the more rewarded and fulfilled they become.
Biography
Volunteer Experience
Anchorage Downtown Rotary, June 2006 - Present
Member of the Youth Exchange Committee, 2007 - Current
MIR Parents, Inc., Turnagain Elementary Russian Immersion Program, Current President
Chair of the Exchange Committee, 2008 - Present
Team Captain (Organizer) for Alaska’s first All Pro Dads Group 2008 - Present
Turnagain Elementary PTA, Vice President 2008-2009
Member of Field Day Committee, 2008
Chair of Field Day Committee, 2009
Work Experience
Wealth Management Advisor, Assistant Vice President 2000 - Present
Merrill Lynch, Anchorage, Alaska
Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), August, 2003
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), December 2003
Certified Special Needs Advisor (CSNA), November 2007
Project Manager/Communication Manager May 1998 - 2000
Craciun Research Group, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska
Russian Linguist 1991-1994
U.S. Army, Ft. Richardson, Alaska
Natalia Manfredi
Residence: Anchorage, Alaska
Occupation: Intern, Alaska Center for Public Policy
UAA Degree: BA, Anthropology, 2006
Statement
I would be a good candidate for the UAAAA Board because I have vested interest in the UAA community, as well as Anchorage. I have been a member of the UAA Alumni Association since 2007 and am passionate about UAA and the growth it has been experiencing over the course of my six years as a student. I would love to be a part of the continued growth and help make decisions that strengthen the ties between UAA graduates and their university, as well as their community. My educational background has provided me with the tools necessary to be a valuable member of the UAAAA Board. I have a strong connection to the UAA community and desire to strengthen that connection through public service. This opportunity would be of great value to me and I would take it on with the utmost diligence.
Biography
I am a 2006 graduate of UAA and hold a BA in anthropology, with a minor in communications. I am currently a full time student in the masters of public administration (MPA) program, with an emphasis on pubic management, at UAA with an anticipated graduation date of May 2010. I am a lifelong Alaskan who has lived in Sitka, Kodiak, and Anchorage. I am currently interning at the Alaska Center for Public Policy and have a strong desire to serve the needs of Alaskans.
Scott A. Markle 
Residence: Anchorage, Alaska
Occupation: Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
UAA Degree: BBA, Economics & Marketing, 2006
Statement
UAA has been growing for years. In my experience, I have noticed UAA lacks a strong community presence and scholarship opportunities. UAAAA should work towards improving these two issues. I will add value to UAAAA by continuing my work on the finance committee, leveraging my personal experiences to guide my decisions on the board and reaching out into the community for financial support.
Biography
I was born and raised in Anchorage, AK. I graduated from East Anchorage High School in 2001. I interned for Senator Ted Stevens in Washington, D.C. in 2001. I graduated from UAA in 2006.
I worked at a few restaurants while in college. After graduating, I began and still presently work at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC. I am currently working towards my Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. I intend to return to UAA for a Master’s Degree in either Economics or Public Administration in 2011.
In my spare time, I enjoy multiple activities around the state. I enjoy long distance running with my two retrievers. I snowmachine and four wheel at the cabin on the weekends. I hike Flattop in the summer and am involved in multiple sporting events year round.
David J. Parks
Residence: Palmer, Alaska
Occupation: Small Business Owner and Public Policy Consultant
UAA Degree: BA, Political Science, 2005
Statement
It has been a pleasure serving on the UAA Alumni Association board of directors the last three years. I look forward to serving a second term.
Top 5 Priorities
- UA legislative advocacy
- Expand undergraduate mentorship/ scholarship programs
- Host Alumni social, networking, community service events
- Support UAA Athletics & student athletes
- Expand Alumni Association programs and benefits
Biography
Education
M.A. Rural Development
University of Alaska Fairbanks
B.A. Political Science ‘05
University of Alaska Anchorage
Professional Experience
I have worked in the United States Senate, as a non-profit manager. I own a logistics company and serve as a public policy consultant.
University Experience
Director, UAA Alumni Association Board of Directors (2006-09) - President (2007-08)
UAA College of Fellows
Regent, Board of Regents, University of Alaska (2003-05)
University of Alaska Board of Trustees, Ex-Officio Trustee (2003-05)
UAA Union of Students, student body President and Vice President
Founder, UAA Recycles, Recycling program
Sara Kwan Ying Randall Paul
Residence: Anchorage, Alaska
Occupation: Account Executive, Nerland Agency
UAA Degree: BBA, Marketing, 2005); BBA, Management 2005
Statement
I am an alumni of UAA, completing my undergraduate studies in 2005. During my four years at the University, I was also a scholarship member of the Seawolf Women’s Gymnastics Team. My relationship with the University continued after graduation when I began work at the Nerland Agency and subsequently worked on the Seawolf Athletics advertising campaigns. Further, I worked on campaigns for UAA Office of Advancement and for different departments of the UA Statewide System, thus enhancing my knowledge and pride of the University. My relationship with the University continues in my pursuit of a MBA, as I am approaching the last semester of my graduate studies. I look forward to the opportunity to further my involvement with the University through a seat on the UAAAA Board of Directors.
In my personal life, I married a life-long Alaska a little over a year ago. My husband, Russell, is in construction engineering and quality assurance, and owns a small company jointly with his father. We have a small home in south Anchorage that we share with our amazing dog, Duke, and, in the summers, with my stepdaughter, Nadia, who is nine. Although life is busy, we try to make frequent trips to visit friends and my family back in Connecticut.
Biography
Education
University of Alaska, Anchorage. Masters of Business Administration. GPA: 4.0.
University of Alaska, Anchorage. Business Marketing and Business Management double major; athlete scholar. GPA: 3.35
Conard High School, W. Hartford, CT. A national school of excellence; graduated June 2001 with Honors.
Current Work Experience
Nerland Agency, Anchorage, AK. Account Executive, August 2005 through present.
Responsibilities include strategic marketing planning for businesses in various industries, managing client expectations and budgets, project timelines, system training for new employees. Responsible for management and supervision of the client’s communication
needs. Maintain awareness of current research, the marketplace, the competitive environment, the client’s industry and the client’s position in order to make strategy/project recommendations. Complete jobs profitably as measured by the actual job billing versus project estimate. Current major account work focus is with McDonald’s Corporation.
Volunteer Activities and Committees
AWAIC, Covenant House, UAA Alumni Committee, GIFT (supplying gifts and food to those less fortunate during the holidays), American Marketing Association, Special Olympics, Girl Scout Women’s Sports Camp, Circle of Friends (for high school special education students), and Reading With The Seawolves (encouraging elementary school students to read).
George Wayne Skladal 
Residence: Anchorage, Alaska
Occupation: Private Practice Attorney
UAA Degree: Master of Public Administration, 1973
Statement
I am the chair of the Scholarship Committee. The committee selected six recipients for $1,000 scholarships each from the six colleges of UAA. There were 63 applicants this year. I have gotten four professors from UAA the Association’s Distinguished Teaching Awards, and two alumna Community Service Awards. I wish to continue to increase the active membership in the Association, to assist the library in getting more books and periodicals for our students, to increase the interaction between the students and the Association, and to continue giving scholarships to deserving students in need.
My wife, Betty, a UAA graduate, and I have been residents of Anchorage for 42 years. We have been married 52 years and have two sons and five grandchildren. As a hobby, I have taken a UAA class in fine arts every semester, except one, since the fall of 1993.
I have been in the private practice of law for over 31 years. My licenses to practice include the United States Supreme Court; the United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit; the United States District Court, District of Alaska; and all courts of the States of Alaska and Texas. I am also trained as a civil engineer and a petroleum manager.
My service to UAA has included serving on the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee for eleven years as the Alumni representative, two of which were as chair; on the UAA Budget Committee for two years; on two committees to select Chancellors; and as a UAA Alumni Association board member for eighteen years. For my service to UAA, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce gave me an award for contributions to quality higher education in Alaska.
Other committees on which I serve include the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council’s Terminal Operations and Environmental Monitoring Committee for almost 20 years in which we oversee, by federal law, the Valdez terminal of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline to ensure the safe operation of the terminal and ocean tankers, and to protect the land, sea, and air environmentally for the citizens of Alaska and Valdez. I also serve on the Alaska Bar Association’s Law-Related Education Committee for 15 years, which, among other things, educates teachers in the law. I serve as a judge on high school moot court competitions and as a teacher of elementary school students in constitutional law and trial advocacy. I am also a member of the Tax Section of the Alaska Bar Association.