Creating new opportunities for Alaska'S CREaTIVE INDUSTRIES

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Born and raised in Anchorage, Jesse is deeply committed to building a sustainable and equitable future. With over a decade of experience in data management and visualization, he brings expertise gained from working at the City of Portland and Nike to his current role with ICF International. His career includes serving as a United States Reconnaissance Marine, after which he completed a Bachelor of Science in IT Analysis and later a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Oregon State University. Currently residing in Portland, Oregon, Jesse spends his downtime exploring the Pacific Northwest backcountry, hiking, hunting, and fishing. 

Born and raised in Anchorage, Michael brings over 15 years of experience in grassroots community development to ACE. He currently works as an Analyst for GCI and has held diverse roles across Alaska, including founder of AKIMI / Music Alaska and positions with the Alaska Health Information Exchange, the Anchorage Park Foundation, the Denali Education Center, and Agnew::Beck Consulting. In civic life, he has served as board chair of both the Fairview Community Council and the Anchorage Citizens Coalition, contributing to the implementation of the Anchorage Comprehensive Plan. Michael earned a B.A. in Community Development from Portland State University's College of Urban and Public Affairs and holds a nonprofit leadership certificate from Lewis & Clark College’s Institute for Nonprofit Management. He has also worked as a researcher for the Oregon Community Foundation, evaluating the impact of its philanthropic programs. Michael is a former AmeriCorps VISTA  and was named a “Vanguard” by the Next City urban affairs conference—a national gathering of rising urban innovators. He currently manages the Anchorage band SunDog.

(Current term through 2025) Michael’s residency in Alaska was 29 wonderful years with the last 16 spent as an economic development professional in local, regional, and statewide positions. Continuing his work, now in Tacoma Washington, Michael is a strong believer in the role the creative class plays in place-based economic development. Attracting talent and therefore, business and capital investment is often predicated on a community having a high quality of life. The arts and culture are a major piece of that puzzle and critical to a community’s long-term resiliency and sustainability. 

(Current term through 2025) Chasen Cunitz, esq. is a father, graduate of Willamette University College of Law, and former AmeriCorps VISTA in service of Alaska Native nonprofits. He previously worked with the ACLU of Alaska's Board of Directors to help safeguard civil rights throughout the 49th State. Chasen now works for the EPA and assists rowing nonprofits in Washington, and in his spare time, consults for the Bureau of Indian Affairs on Tribal Court development in rural Alaskan communities.