UA Foundation Names Dr. Tod A. Burnett as President

The University of Alaska Foundation Board of Directors named Dr. Tod A. Burnett as President of the University of Alaska Foundation and Chief Development Officer of the University of Alaska. Burnett was previously the executive vice chancellor for advancement at Brandman University, Irvine, CA, and has extensive experience in higher education philanthropy and non-profit leadership. Burnett succeeds Susan Foley who retired in August and will begin his presidency on November 8, 2020.

In addition to his advancement position at Brandman, Burnett served as the university’s interim dean for the school of education and as adjunct faculty.

Prior to his time at Brandman, Burnett served for nearly ten years as president of Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA where he led the community college’s efforts in building a highly successful foundation and enhancing workforce development and student success. Burnett also was previously vice chancellor of the California Community Colleges, and served in the Office of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as the director of state and local government relations for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. and as a commissioner on the Los Angeles Board of Public Works.

Burnett has extensive private business experience, has served on a number of public and private boards and commissions and has been recognized by more than 75 public officials and organizations for his contributions to community and social causes.

Burnett earned a bachelor’s in political science from University of California, Riverside, a master’s in management/finance from University of Southern California and a doctorate in education and psychology from Pepperdine University.