Rasmuson Foundation Creates COO Role, Taps Tribal Healthcare Leader

Rasmuson Foundation selected LeeAnn Cooper Garrick as COO, an executive position the state’s largest philanthropic organization had not had before.

“The COO role is key to creating a unified, collaborative work environment and strengthening our ability to serve Alaskans,” says President and CEO Gretchen Guess. “Success means a humble leader who elevates teams, partners with her directors, and fosters a positive, solution-focused culture. LeeAnn brings all of that and more.”

A member of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, Garrick most recently served as director of the Office of Tribal Programs for the US Indian Health Service. She also spent sixteen years at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, where she led several operational improvement projects across the campus. Garrick also has prior experience as a COO at Cook Inlet Tribal Council, where she oversaw recovery, education, workforce development, early learning, and family reunification programs.

Her background supports the foundation’s work with nonprofits, tribes, and community partners statewide. Garrick is a lifelong Alaskan who grew up in Petersburg and Eagle River. She holds a master’s degree in public administration and a master’s degree in English, both from UAA. She has served on the boards of Alaska Pacific University, Covenant House, and Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation.