January 11, 2024 Dgheyey Kaq’, Dena’inaq ełnen’aq’ qilan (Anchorage, Alaska, lands of the Dena’ina) - First Alaskans Institute (FAI) is proud to announce Apagzuk/Apagruk Roy Agloinga (Iñupiaq) has accepted the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Apagzuk/Apagruk is the Yup’ik/Iñupiaq spelling of his name and he goes by both, honoring the Yup’ik name he was given and his Iñupiaq identity. Apagzuk was chosen from a diverse field of candidates in a nationwide search. As the President/CEO he will be responsible for leading the organization’s day-to-day operations while working with the board on strategically positioning the organization to serve its vision: progress for the next 10,000+ years….

Apagruk comes to FAI with a background in nonprofit management, philanthropy, rural health, government policy and Iñupiat language preservation. With maternal roots in the Bering Straits region and paternal roots in Spain, the Philippines and New England, he was raised immersed in Iñupiat and Yup’ik cultures.  Most recently, he served as an external affairs and granting program officer for the Rasmuson Foundation.  Prior to Rasmuson, he also held a diverse array of leadership roles within Alaskan municipal, tribal, business and political organizations and has an extensive background in volunteerism and service, most notably in support of arts and language education.

“I'm honored to join First Alaskans Institute in fulfilling the mission we have to inform and advance our peoples. I look forward to the opportunity to continue our partnership across Alaska in doing this important work” said Apagruk.

First Alaskans Board Chair Iġġiaġruk Willie Hensley (Iñupiaq) said, “We are excited to welcome Roy as our new President/CEO. His diverse leadership experience, combined with his passion for serving Alaska Native peoples and communities will be a tremendous asset to FAI as we work to ensure Alaska Natives are informed and engaged in leading the decisions that shape the future.”

Apagruk will be succeeding La quen náay Liz Medicine Crow (Haida/Tlingit) who has served as First Alaskan Institute’s President/CEO for the last twelve years. “We are so excited to welcome Apagzuk to FAI. His love and service to our peoples will be such a great asset in helping FAI reach its next of level of commitment to our Native peoples and all of Alaska. I will leave FAI with a full heart and gratitude to our Team and Trustee’s knowing that he is stepping into this role. Welcome home, Apagruk!” said La quen náay.

First Alaskans Institute is a statewide Alaska Native nonprofit advancing Alaska Native voices in decision-making roles at all levels, cultivating leadership from birth to Ancestor. FAI is driven by its mission: True to identity, heritage, and values, Alaska Natives are informed and engaged in leading the decisions that shape the future. FAI is guided by core values of Integrity, Respect, Native Knowledge, and Responsibility. Apagruk is joining twelve dedicated team members and eight Trustees who work to achieve the shared vision of the organization.