Alaska Native Heritage Center Hires Development and Communications Director

Jul 26, 2022 | Right Moves, Tourism

Kelsey Ciugun Wallace

The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) is bringing back a former employee, Kelsey Ciugun Wallace, as Director of Development and Communications. In that role, Wallace develops and implements all internal and external corporate communications, fundraising, donor stewardship, marketing, and public relations strategies. As a member of the ANHC leadership team, Wallace is responsible for raising funds to support ANHC’s financial goals and building relationships with individuals and organizations to secure philanthropic support.

Wallace is Yup’ik, originally from Bethel (which ANHC calls by its Central Yup’ik name, Mamterilleq). She obtained her undergraduate degree from UAF in rural development with a concentration in indigenous organizational management and a minor in the Central Yup’ik language (known indigenously as Yugtun). Wallace started her professional career at ANHC and then spent nearly a decade working in the communications sector. Most recently, she was the communications director for Native Peoples Action.

“We are thrilled to have Kelsey back at ANHC as our new development and communications director,” says ANHC President and CEO Emily Edenshaw. “Kelsey brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, creativity, and passion that will help ANHC grow in new and exciting ways in benefit to our community, state, and nation.”

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Alaska Business Magazine August 2026 cover

August 2026

“I am incredibly honored and energized to return ‘home’ to the Alaska Native Heritage Center,” Wallace says. “I look forward to working alongside our staff, board, and community to further advance the mission and vision of the center, a true place of home for many. Together we are perpetuating thriving peoples, cultures, languages, and art for generations to come.”

Outside of work and volunteer opportunities, Wallace is most often found making a big pot of moose soup to share among family and friends or making time for movement and wellness with her two children.

Alaska Business Magazine August 2026 cover
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