Special Olympics Alaska Welcomes New President and CEO
Special Olympics Alaska
The board of Special Olympics Alaska (SOAK) chose the interim chief executive, Sarah Arts, as the organization’s new CEO and President.
Arts began as a college intern with SOAK in 2006 and has worked her way through many roles, including school program manager, director of Sports & Programs, and vice president/COO. In her previous position, Arts was responsible for human resources, staff management, budget, and supporting the president and CEO with fund development.
The board believes Arts’ many roles within SOAK and experience as interim CEO for the last few months have primed her for success. “Sarah has a proven record of success in Special Olympics Alaska and clearly understands all facets of the organization,” says board chair Katherine Burrill. “Sarah is a true servant leader who focuses first and foremost on our athletes and advancing the mission of Special Olympics.”
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August 2026
Arts earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UAA and an Executive MBA with an emphasis in strategic leadership from Alaska Pacific University. She enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, and volunteering.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the athletes and families of Special Olympics Alaska as the president/CEO,” says Arts. “I want to express my gratitude to the board of directors for their trust in me to lead this organization into the future. Together we will be able to deliver our mission statewide, promote inclusion and build a brighter future for people with intellectual disabilities throughout our great state of Alaska.”
