United Way of Anchorage Taps NANA Exec as President and CEO
Photo Credit: United Way of Anchorage
United Way of Anchorage’s board of directors appointed Eric Utraq Billingsley as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. He takes over for Mike Abbott, who led the organization during the interim since Clark Halvorson stepped down as CEO last December.
Billingsley worked for NANA Regional Corporation for fifteen years, most recently as president of NANA Management Services, the food service, security, and facilities management subsidiary of the Kotzebue-based corporation under its NANA NORTH holding company. Billingsley has previously served as a United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator “I’m honored to be a part of the United Way of Anchorage team and give back to the wonderful city and state I grew up in,” says Billingsley. “I’m looking forward to uniting our entire community to bring positive change to Anchorage and all of Alaska. In partnership with the board and our staff, I’m ready to work with caring donors and volunteers to solve our community’s toughest challenges.”
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August 2026
Billingsley has deep roots in Alaska. His mother’s family is from Northwest Alaska, and he carries his great grandfather’s Iñupiat name, Utraq. A graduate of Chugiak High School and UAA, Billingsley grew up in Anchorage while his father served in the Air Force. He has long had a particular interest in youth development and has served as a community board member for Camp Fire Alaska.
“We’re excited to have Eric join our team and lead United Way of Anchorage,” says Natasha Pope, board chair of United Way of Anchorage. “He has the management, finance, and leadership experience and Alaska roots to bring this organization to the next level. I look forward to working with him to strengthen our community and improve the quality of life for everyone in Anchorage.”
