First Alaskans Institute Chooses Next President/CEO
First Alaskans Institute
First Alaskans Institute (FAI), a statewide nonprofit advancing Alaska Native voices in decision-making roles, has a new President and CEO for the first time in a dozen years.
After a nationwide search, FAI selected Apagzuk/Apagruk Roy Agloinga. As President and CEO, he is responsible for leading the organization’s day-to-day operations while working with the board on strategically positioning the organization to serve its vision.
He is the successor to La quen náay Liz Medicine Crow, who has led FAI for the last twelve years. “We are so excited to welcome Apagzuk to FAI,” she says. “His love and service to our peoples will be such a great asset in helping FAI reach its next of level of commitment to our Native peoples and all of Alaska. I will leave FAI with a full heart and gratitude to our Team and Trustee’s knowing that he is stepping into this role. Welcome home, Apagruk!”
Apagzuk/Apagruk is the Yup’ik/Iñupiaq spelling of his name, and he goes by both to honor both identities. With maternal roots in the Bering Straits region and paternal roots in Spain, the Philippines, and New England, Apagruk was immersed in Iñupiat and Yup’ik cultures.
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May 2026
Apagruk comes to FAI with a background in nonprofit management, philanthropy, rural health, government policy, and Iñupiat language preservation. Most recently, he served as an external affairs and granting program officer for the Rasmuson Foundation. He previously held a diverse array of leadership roles within Alaska municipal, tribal, business, and political organizations. He volunteers in support of arts and language education.
“I’m honored to join First Alaskans Institute in fulfilling the mission we have to inform and advance our peoples. I look forward to the opportunity to continue our partnership across Alaska in doing this important work,” Apagruk says.
First Alaskans Board Chair Iġġiaġruk Willie Hensley says, “We are excited to welcome Roy as our new President/CEO. His diverse leadership experience, combined with his passion for serving Alaska Native peoples and communities will be a tremendous asset to FAI as we work to ensure Alaska Natives are informed and engaged in leading the decisions that shape the future.”
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