Tracy Vanairsdale Named as Bettisworth North’s Third-Ever President
Bettisworth North
Bettisworth North Architects and Planners elected Tracy Vanairsdale as the firm’s new President.
Vanairsdale joined Bettisworth North in 1997 and for the last ten years has managed the firm’s branch office in Fairbanks, where she was born. Vanairsdale also serves on the boards of Rotary Club of Fairbanks; Association for Learning Environments, Alaska chapter; and the American Institute of Architects, Alaska chapter.
Vanairsdale earned a bachelor of architecture degree from the University of Idaho. She has managed projects across Alaska, such as the expansion and renovation of Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation’s Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel, the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, Ryan Middle School, Ketchikan Public Library, and Mat-Su Borough’s Dena’ina Elementary School. Vanairsdale is currently leading the new Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center at UAF and the Fairbanks animal shelter.
Vanairsdale is one of three women who lead architecture firms in Alaska, and the only one heading a design shop of more than ten employees. Bettisworth North’s forty staff members work from offices in Fairbanks and Anchorage.
“It’s a real honor to lead a team of talented Alaska professionals so dedicated to delivering design excellence,” Vanairsdale says. “Together we will discover even more opportunities to listen, learn, collaborate, and create what our clients envision.”
Vanairsdale succeeds past president Roy Rountree, who is transitioning to a supporting leadership role with the company. “Passing the reins to someone as qualified and capable as Tracy is a real privilege,” says Rountree. “As she builds upon the firm’s four-plus decades of strong leadership, we are going to see Bettisworth North continue offering new ways to problem-solve with innovative design and unique services and support that help our clients reach their business goals.”
The leadership transition is only the third since the firm was founded in 1976, the outcome of legacy planning initiated by Bettisworth North’s principals during the company’s early years. This long-term business strategy is founded on the continuous transfer of knowledge, experience, and expertise to enhance the firm’s flexibility, adaptability, and stability.
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