Atwood Foundation Keeps Executive Director in the Family

The new Executive Director of the Atwood Foundation succeeds her father in the role. The board of the Anchorage-based philanthropic fund supporting journalism, arts, and culture chose Sara Perman to lead the organization now that her father, Ira Perman, is retiring.

Sara Perman has been an integral part of the Atwood Foundation for the past five years, working on grant management while fostering strong relationships with grantees. After thorough succession planning and an extensive search process, the board selected her as the best individual to continue the Atwood Foundation’s growth and work in the Anchorage community.

Perman brings eight years of experience in public affairs, having served most recently as the State Government Relations Manager for the University of Alaska. She is a lifelong Anchorage resident with an extensive background in arts and journalism. From her early days with Alaska Dance Theater to playing first-chair violin in the Alaska Youth Orchestra, Perman’s passion for the arts has always been evident. She also received two Alaska Press Club awards for her radio storytelling.