New Executive Director for AKPIRG

The board of the Alaska Public Interest Research Group (AKPIRG) selected Julia Hnilicka as the next Executive Director of the consumer protection nonprofit. Effective June 5, Hnilicka succeeds Veri di Suvero, who has led the group for seven years.

Raised in Nenana as the daughter of a tugboat captain and an educator, Hnilicka’s career spans the federal government, tribal partnerships, and statewide coalitions. Most recently, she worked for the Biden administration as the Alaska State Director for the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office.

“I have complete confidence that Julia—a dedicated, aligned, and tenacious leader—is ready to lead AKPIRG into an exciting new phase of our work, and I’m especially grateful to have her joining our team at a time when there is such a huge need for our advocacy,” says AKPIRG Board Chair Sydney Scout.

Hnilicka says, “I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to step into leadership at AKPIRG. It is a passionate, community-led organization, working for the betterment of all Alaskans. The values at AKPIRG align with my own, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their trust in this awesome responsibility.”