University of Alaska Foundation names Tlisa Northcutt for primary leadership role
May 16, 2025
The University of Alaska (UA) Foundation Board of Directors and 㽶ƵPresident Pat Pitney are pleased to announce that Tlisa Northcutt has been selected to serve in the dual-role of 㽶ƵFoundation president and chief development officer for the University of Alaska system.
“The 㽶ƵFoundation Board of Directors has worked closely with Tlisa in her interim capacity since July, and we’ve seen firsthand her deep institutional knowledge and clear understanding of how the 㽶Ƶsystem functions,” said Meg Nordale, 㽶ƵFoundation Board chair. “She brings a thoughtful, sensitive approach to the unique needs of each university, and her ability to connect donors with meaningful opportunities is essential to advancing our mission across the state.”
“Hiring Tlisa is a 㽶Ƶsuccess story,” said 㽶ƵPresident Pat Pitney. “She began her career at 㽶Ƶin 2000, and we can say proudly that her 25-year UAA and 㽶Ƶcareer path has led to this well-earned leadership opportunity. We are proud to have a longstanding, deeply committed employee now leading the 㽶ƵFoundation.”
A lifelong Alaskan, Northcutt brings a unique combination of institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and steadfast commitment to philanthropy at UA. She holds a BA in Journalism and Public Communication from UAA, an MA in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary's University of Minnesota, and has maintained the designation of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2009. Northcutt has been recognized for several achievements over the years, including making “The Top 50 Women Leaders of Alaska” list for Women We Admire in 2024.
In addition to being an alumna and dedicated staff member, Northcutt and her husband, Scott, are proud parents of two current 㽶Ƶstudents - one attending UAA and the other UAF.
As president, Northcutt will continue to work closely with the 㽶ƵFoundation Board, the 㽶Ƶsystem president’s office, university chancellors and advancement teams across the three universities (University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and University of Alaska Southeast) to promote philanthropy across the university system.
The 㽶ƵFoundation is an independent, nonprofit corporation established in 1974 to seek, secure and steward philanthropic support in partnership with the 㽶Ƶsystem. For more information on the 㽶ƵFoundation and how to contribute, please visit .