Alaska Geographic board of directors
Community Leaders Guiding Our Work
Since 1959, Alaska Geographic has been the nonprofit education partner of Alaska’s spectacular national parks, forests, refuges, and conservation lands.
Since 1959, Alaska Geographic has been the nonprofit education partner of Alaska’s spectacular national parks, forests, refuges, and conservation lands.
Chair
Vice Chair
Interim Treasurer
CPA
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Interim Secretary
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Paul Anderson, Chair – Paul is a National Park Service retiree who served 18 years as a law enforcement Park Ranger, Subdistrict, and District Ranger in Rocky Mountain, Big Bend, Grand Canyon, Shenandoah, Yosemite, and Delaware Water Gap. He also served as Assistant Superintendent of Shenandoah National Park, Deputy Regional Director for the Alaska Region, and the Superintendent of Denali National Park. Paul worked with Alaska Geographic to establish and fund the Murie Science and Learning Center at Denali. He served as President of the National Association for Search and Rescue for four years, leading the SAR TECH training and certification program.
Bonni Brooks, Vice Chair – Originally from New Mexico, Bonni resides in Fairbanks and has chosen the Interior of Alaska as her forever home. With an undergraduate degree in theatre and a graduate degree in dance, her passion for the outdoors is paired with an equal drive to build a community around the performing arts and ensure access for all. Bonni’s winding career path has taken her from performance, choreography, and teaching to a rewarding career in hospitality, working in luxury and boutique markets. Her community outreach and fund development roots would not allow her to rest for long, though, and she took another turn in the road toward peer-to-peer fundraising as a National Director for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. Bonni now works for Fountainhead Development as General Manager at Sophie Station Suites. She serves on the Board of the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra. She spends her free time trail running, weaving, and thinking of new ways to connect her community to the endless opportunities to explore the arts and outdoors.
Mary Tougas, Interim Treasurer – Mary Tougas is a lifelong Alaskan and co-owner with her husband of Seward Wildlife Cruises dba Major Marine Tours and several Alaska businesses involved in accounting, customer service, and retail. Mary has volunteered in the classroom and fundraising for the local public school and served on non-profit community boards supporting the Seward Tsunami Swim Club and constructing a Seward Community Library and Historical Museum building. She serves as President of the Seward Community Library Association and the Community Health Center/QA Committee. Mary has lived in Seward for over 30 years and enjoys travel, reading, quilting, cooking, history, fishing, and hiking/biking in her spare time. She and her husband, Tom, have four grown children and seven grandchildren.
Darcy Carney, CPA – Darcy Carney is a lifelong Alaskan based in Anchorage and has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1991. She is the owner of Carney Consulting Group, a firm providing accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll services to businesses and nonprofits across Alaska. With more than two decades of experience, Darcy specializes in nonprofit and grant accounting, helping organizations strengthen financial oversight and compliance. Alongside her husband Ralph Carney, she has also co-owned the Alaska Chip Company since 2003.
Darcy grew up with entrepreneurial parents in the airline industry, which shaped her passion for small business and community involvement. She has been a member of Soroptimist International of Anchorage since 2005 and is committed to supporting organizations that strengthen the community. Outside of her professional work, Darcy enjoys exploring Alaska’s outdoors, traveling, quilting, growing dahlias in her backyard garden, and spending time with family and friends.
Kari Gardey, Board Member – Kari was born in Alaska but grew up in England, finally returning to Alaska twenty years ago. She graduated from UC Berkeley with an undergraduate degree in geography and graduate degrees in City and Regional Planning and Landscape Architecture, emphasizing environmental planning. Kari has worked entirely with non-profits in a variety of roles, including educating advocates on how to use GIS datasets for their work with Ecotrust; researching water conservation and recycling with the Conservation Law Foundation; managing volunteers for Earthwatch; coordinating programs for Alaska World Affairs Council; managing outreach for Partners for Progress; and after fifteen years still managing membership, public programs, board support, databases, and grant writing for Alaska Common Ground. She has enjoyed her return to the wild places where she came from and sharing her joy with her husband, Mike Bruce, who works at the Centers for Disease Control, and her now-grown children, who are pursuing careers in environmental fields.
Jim Brodie, Board Member – Jim Brodie is a lifelong Alaskan with four generations of his family living in the greater Anchorage area. He was born in Sitka, Alaska, before moving to Anchorage with his family as a young boy. He completed his school years in Anchorage. After graduating high school, he moved to Fairbanks for five years while attending UAF, earning a BS in Civil Engineering. Since 2004 Jim has worked for ConocoPhillips Alaska, where he currently manages their Capital Projects Organization. He enjoys the abundant access to public lands in Alaska and spends as much time as possible hiking and skiing in the Chugach Mountains near Anchorage, trying to keep up with his wife, Shannon. Jim and Shannon have two girls who are now university graduates and working in Anchorage. The newest addition to the family is his granddaughter Sami, who moved back to Alaska with her mom and dad.
Ralph Samuels, Board Member – Ralph is a lifelong Alaskan and avid outdoorsman and hunter who currently serves as vice president for government and community affairs for Holland America Line. Ralph graduated from Metlakatla High School in 1979 and attended the University of Alaska in Fairbanks. He was an airline executive for many years with Peninsula Airways. From 2002 to 2008, Ralph served as a state representative in the Alaska State Legislature, representing House District 29, and served as the majority leader. He ran for Governor in 2010.
Jillian Simpson, Board Member – Jillian Simpson is the President and CEO of the Alaska Tourism Industry Association. She has spent the last 22 years working in Alaska tourism, focused on marketing and policy-related issues. She began her tourism career at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward and then worked continuously at the Alaska Travel Industry Association until 2021 in various positions. In her role there, she oversaw the state’s global tourism marketing program and worked closely with the industry to develop new marketing initiatives. She has traveled to 18 countries to promote Alaska as a destination. She graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Arctic and Northern Studies from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Jillian has served on the boards for the Friends of the Campbell Creek Science Center, the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council, and the Leadership Committee for the National Tour Association. She is a current volunteer with Covenant House Alaska. Jillian and her family balance their time between Coldfoot and Anchorage. She enjoys skiing, running, hiking, knitting, and spending time with her daughters in the mountains.
Steven David, Board Member – Steve David is an accomplished technology professional with experience in corporate and non-profit sectors, including AT&T and Salesforce.org, where he partnered with organizations to help with their technology projects. During his tenure at Salesforce, Steve collaborated with non-profits such as the Montana Wilderness Association and American Prairie Reserve, providing technical expertise and support. In 2021, he moved to Alaska to work for Thread Alaska, a local non-profit, as their Salesforce CRM Administrator. Currently, Steve serves as the CRM Systems Administrator for Pantheon, a web operations startup. When not working, Steve enjoys outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing, hiking, and paddleboarding, which he actively pursues while exploring the beauty of Alaska. With his experience in both the corporate and non-profit sectors and his passion for technology and the outdoors, Steve is excited to contribute to the Board of Directors of Alaska Geographic.
Richard Toussaint, Interim Secretary – I was born in Wisconsin and raised in Tennessee. My undergraduate degree is in Environmental Science and the Law. I spent 40+ years “adulting” in Colorado, which included getting a law degree. I met and married Susan, and we raised our two daughters there. I ran a small-town law firm from which I retired, although I continue to serve as the part-time Judge for two mountain towns. My practice focused on real estate law and Special District law. I enjoy being outdoors: biking, fishing, boating, hiking etc. We travel a lot and have visited all seven continents. I like a good mystery and cracking the Wordle in three guesses.
Mark Oldmixon, Board Member – Mark was born and raised in Massachusetts where he participated in the local YMCA adventure program regularly. Attending Saint Michael’s College in Vermont he earned a degree in Business Administration, but it was really the Wilderness Program that brought him joy. There he gained certifications as a WFR and EMT-B as well as becoming a certified instructor in rock climbing, sea kayaking and whitewater kayaking. Mark moved to Alaska in 2006 to get a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Design while working with the Outdoor Adventure program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. After graduating in Spring 2007 he became the Coordinator for Outdoor Adventures at UAF. Since then he has worked diligently to provide access to the Alaska wilderness for both the UAF students and Fairbanks community. Today he is the Director for Recreation at UAF; managing the pool, ice rink, recreation center, outdoor programs, climbing walls, and more. He has volunteered as a Board member and instructor for 10 years at the Eastern Alaska Range Avalanche Center. After work, you can find him on a raft, fat bike or pair of skis with his two kids and wife exploring Alaska year round.
Nicole Boswell, Board Member – Nicole has 14 years of experience in employee development and engagement. She founded two learning and development agencies and currently serves as AVP of Employee Experience, creating incentive, performance management, leadership development, and training programs aimed at improving employee engagement, quality, and retention. She also has a background in first responder roles, serving five years as a lifeguard and two years as a ski patroller. Nicole transitioned from responding to people to responding to wildlife when she volunteered as a first responder to injured sea turtles for two years along the Gulf of Mexico.
Rachel Lance, Board Member – Rachel, a third-generation Alaskan, recently returned to Anchorage after spending several years in Chicago for work and graduate school. She holds an undergraduate degree in information management and a doctorate in education with a special interest in digital literacy. Her background includes work in digital communications and IT project management for an array of organizations from authors and small businesses to global event producers; she is currently a product owner for a non-profit based in Wisconsin, overseeing their online donation platform. Beyond working hours, she finds joy in gardening (or daydreaming of it), baking (she and her daughter both won ribbons at the state fair in 2024), and immersing her two middle schoolers in the open spaces she loved exploring as a child.
Billy Jenkins, Board Member – Billy Jenkins brings more than 28 years of management and leadership experience, including over 16 years in the financial industry. He currently serves as Director of Branch Operations in Anchorage, Alaska, where he focuses on building strong teams and delivering service with integrity and accountability. An Eagle Scout and member of the National Eagle Scout Association, Billy is deeply committed to stewardship and community service. He has called Alaska home since 2010 and values the state’s unique natural and cultural heritage. Billy and his family enjoy exploring Alaska’s outdoors and are proud to support missions to connect people with the state’s lands, waters, and wildlife.
Katy, Denali Education Program Coordinator – Rooted in the mountains of West Virginia, where she grew up immersed in family camping trips and explorations of local state parks, Katy’s early experiences instilled in her a profound respect for the outdoors and a passion for sharing its wonders.
She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health from West Virginia University where she got a footing in the outdoor industry through guiding freshman orientation trips. Upon graduating, her journey in guiding and environmental education has taken her throughout the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain West, Alaska and the Appalachian region of the United States.
Eventually, her passion took her to Scotland where she completed a Master’s Degree in Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education from the University of Edinburgh in between exploring the Scottish Highlands. Since then, she’s called the Greater Yellowstone region and the deserts of the southwest home while guiding and working in the ski industry.
Equipped with certifications in Wilderness First Response, Outdoor Ethics, and Avalanche and Swiftwater Rescue, Katy brings enthusiasm for outdoor exploration and her expertise to every adventure. When not at work, she enjoys in trail running, skiing, reading and finding a good coffee shop to hang out in.
Natasha, Education Program Coordinator – Growing up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Natasha has always loved going on adventures in beautiful outdoor spaces with friends, family, and dogs!
Natasha loves combining her love for the outdoors with principles of stewardship in guiding, personal endeavors, and research- whether rock climbing in the desert, packrafting in the mountains, or using her degree in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability to teach environmental education to youth.
Over the last few years, Natasha has worked as a backpacking instructor for Alaska Geographic, taught place- based environmental science, researched climate change in arctic Alaska, and completed a thesis focusing on inclusivity and accessibility to outdoor recreational spaces and opportunities. Natasha is thrilled to share her knowledge and passion for the outdoors while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Natasha lives in Anchorage, Alaska and is a Wilderness First Responder.
Rachael Eggleston, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer – Rachael brings over a decade of experience with Alaska Geographic, where she has led retail, marketing, development, publishing, and brand strategy. As Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, she focuses on driving retail growth, visibility, and educational outreach. She works closely with our teams and public land partners to create content and campaigns that inspire, educate, and invite action. Whether developing a new publication, launching a campaign, or mentoring a teammate, she’s motivated by the belief that meaningful connections can lead to lasting stewardship. She’s proud to contribute to an organization that shares her passion for environmental education, broadening access to public lands and protecting Alaska’s most inspiring places. Outside of work, Rachael can be found hiking, camping, pack rafting, tending her garden, or getting crafty with a new project. She’s an avid reader who believes you can never have too many books or mugs. Rachael shares her home with her husband, Galen, and their very good dog, Lupine, who are always ready for the next adventure.
Jess Brillhart, Field Course Coordinator – Jess has worked as an educator in several national parks but has called Denali home for many years. She loves getting people out into the park by coordinating Alaska Geographic’s multi-day courses based out of a field camp near the Teklanika River. She oversees instructor scheduling, university accreditation, registration, and participant communication – ensuring smooth operations and meaningful experiences from start to finish. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is collaborating with scientists and connecting them with the amazing people who participate in our courses every summer.
Karen Bente, Office Administrator (herder of cats) – Born and raised in Wisconsin, Karen came to Alaska via Florida and the Navy. She has been in Alaska for over 40 years and married for 30 years. She has two children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. There is one additional son and three more grandchildren on her husband’s side. All in all, they are spread from Fairbanks to Portland, OR. Karen’s 30 years of progressively responsible office positions made her the ideal candidate for this unique position. Karen works with all of AK Geo including our full-time and seasonal staff, our board of directors, our partners, our donors, our vendors, and anyone who calls or comes through the door. If Karen doesn’t have the answer she will find it.
Liz Munns, Regional Operations Manager – Liz manages the retail operations for eight different sites throughout Alaska Geographic’s network. She has a B.S. in Parks & Recreation Management from Western Carolina University and an M.S. in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University – Mankato. She has worked as a classroom teacher, seasonally for USFS (developed recreation), and in other visitor service positions throughout Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. Liz considers the Appalachian Mountains (specifically the Smokies) her home, but she loves her life in Alaska! Her biggest joys are picking berries, rockhounding, and spending time with her loved ones. When she’s not at work, her two labrador retrievers usually boss her around.
Steve Brown, Regional Operations Manager & Warehouse Coordinator – Steve is the Regional Operations Manager for seven of the Alaska Geographic stores around the state, including the online webstore at akgeo.org. He is also the coordinator for the Anchorage warehouse, overseeing the incoming and outgoing of products both for the web store as well as some products which are passing though to other Alaska Geographic stores. He came to Alaska Geographic with 37 years of experience managing and selling Alaska-themed books to the largest retailers in the state of Alaska.
Mark Bailey, Regional Operations Manager – Mark is responsible for retail operations at several of our locations across the state, including Denali National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Lake Clark National Park, and our store within the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. Mark was born and raised in Alaska. His first job out of high school was at the Kantishna Roadhouse in Denali National Park. Being in the wilderness for a summer sparked his love for public lands, especially Denali. Mark graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics. Mark’s professional experience includes time in the oil industry, politics, state government, and as a small business owner before joining Alaska Geographic in 2022. When not on the job, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife and son at home, camping, or fishing.
Andy Hall , Executive Director – Andy is a lifelong Alaskan who was born in Sitka and spent his early years in Mt. McKinley National Park where his father was superintendent. Andy spent many years as a journalist, editor and publisher working at newspapers around Alaska. For 16 years he was the editor and publisher of Alaska Magazine and general manager of The Milepost. He is the author of Denali’s Howl, The Deadliest Climbing Disaster on America’s Wildest Peak, published by Penguin Random House in 2014. He served on the Alaska Geographic Board of Directors for nine years from 2005 to 2014. He has been Alaska Geographic’s Executive Director since February of 2018.
Caitlyn Tetterton, Anchorage Education Director – Caitlyn is an outdoor education professional with over a decade of experience designing and leading impactful education programs, managing risk in dynamic expedition environments, and fostering strong partnerships to deepen community connection to public lands. At Alaska Geographic, she develops place-based education programs that inspire both local youth and visitors, with a focus on making the outdoors more approachable and accessible, empowering the next generation of leaders, and setting a high standard for risk management. Her leadership is rooted in a people-first philosophy that values growth, empowerment, and fostering engaging environments. Caitlyn holds a B.S. in Outdoor Recreation & Education from Ohio University, is a Wilderness First Responder, and holds certifications in Avalanche Level 1, Swiftwater Rescue, ACA Level 2 Sea Kayak Instructing, and is a Leave No Trace Instructor. She stays fresh with the younger generations by teaching skiing at Alyeska on the weekends and leading teen canoe expeditions in California each fall. When she’s not working, she’s usually on a mountain bike, skiing in the backcountry, at a thrift store, or chasing after her senior (and formerly rejected) sled dog.