Kris Palmatier

35 Kris Palmatier

Director of Finance, Rasmuson Foundation

Hometown/Current City: Anchorage

Education: I graduated from West Anchorage High School and went on to pursue an associates in accounting from Alaska Pacific University, which became a Bachelor of Business Management, minor in finance. In 2019, I returned to school and completed a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University. I have participated in two leadership development programs: Leadership Anchorage (Cohort 20) at the Alaska Humanities Forum and Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence (Cohort 7) at the Foraker Group.

Community Work: I have served as the treasurer for Momentum Dance Collective since 2018 and have supported them since they were founded in 2008. I have participated in the Leadership Anchorage Program of Alaska Humanities Forum in 2016 and subsequently helped form the Leadership Anchorage Advisory Board, of which I am currently the Vice Chair. I am actively involved in recruiting, alumni events and fundraising for the program and have increased alumni engagement and grew alumni donations. I am a founding member and the current treasurer for the DanceWest Booster Club. I have come to enjoy mentoring and discussing mentorship. I have mentored two people through Leadership Anchorage, four people through Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence at The Foraker Group, and have participated in speed mentoring for High School Students with the Alaska World Affairs Council.

Family: My father’s side of the family has been in Alaska since the late 1950s. My mother is from Southwest Louisiana and came to Alaska after she graduated from high school. She and my dad met shortly after she arrived and the rest, as they say, is history. He is a carpenter by trade who went on to be a principal at Cornerstone General Contractors. Some of his notable buildings are the Integrated Science Building, Kodiak Library and Camp Singing Hills Girl Scouts Lodge. I’m the youngest of three and am a total momma’s boy. My mother is very eclectic and very Cajun. I am told I speak a little differently and once you meet my mother you’ll understand why. She is from a little town called Forked Island in which I had the opportunity to go every summer. My grandparents spoke broken English and French, especially my Papa (Grandfather). My fondest memories are listening to my Papa play his accordion and singing his creole songs.

What is your favorite place in Alaska and why?

The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts is hands down my favorite place in Alaska. Its sole purpose as a building is to amplify human creativity and its backstage maze of hallways and rooms is covered with posters, paintings and murals of the thousands of shows hosted through- out the years. I have been lucky to sign the walls a few times. My most memorable show I per- formed in was Jesus Christ Superstar with local artists from Theatre Artists United.

Name the person you respect and why

My high school dance teacher, Lori Bradford, has had one of the largest impacts on my personal life and career. Lori taught thousands of students during her 27-year tenure as a teacher at West Anchorage High

School. Her classroom was a safe space to create and express for every student who came her way. Now that she’s retired, it’s more like every student, their partner and their kids. She is love and light and embraces each person and each day with kindness, compassion and empowerment.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?

I love supporting Alaska artists, whether it’s as a member of the audience or as a contributor to their work. I also love entertaining friends and family. Prior to the pandemic my home was a bustling place filled with good food and even better company.

What was your first job?

My first job was a customer service representative at the Alaska Club Midtown. It was one of the few places that would hire 14-year-olds part-time. My first boss was

Megan Killoran, who is a celebrated local musician and currently my vocal coach.

What has been your most rewarding community service?

I completed the Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence program through the Foraker Group in 2018. I was invited to return in 2021 to support the cohort as a mentor and connected with a group of four amazing nonprofit leaders as their team mentor. In addition to the Catalyst cohort,

I have had the opportunity to mentor several other professionals over the last several years. Cont. on Page 56