Alaska Public Interest Research Group » About Us http://www.akpirg.org Wed, 26 May 2010 18:21:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 The history of AKPIRG http://www.akpirg.org/about-us/the-history-of-akpirg/ http://www.akpirg.org/about-us/the-history-of-akpirg/#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 03:03:41 +0000 admin http://www.akpirg.org/?p=5 In 1974 a small group of Alaskans formed a non-profit to protect consumers from big businesses insistent on taking advantage their customers. In the 35 years since then, the Alaska Public Interest Research Group has battled powerful interests across the state and advanced the interest of all Alaskans on a host of issues.

From consumer protection, identity theft and fraud, to voting rights, ethical government and clean energy, AKPIRG has been pursuing policies that give ordinary Alaskans a voice that can be heard. As a member of the federation of State PIRGs, we work on national policy as well as issues that are uniquely Alaskan.

We power our efforts from the grassroots and rely on a small staff with big goals and a dedicated group of board members and volunteers to fully serve our mission and its goals. Please take a few moments to find out about our latest work and how you can help.

]]> http://www.akpirg.org/about-us/the-history-of-akpirg/feed/ 0 Staff http://www.akpirg.org/about-us/staff/ http://www.akpirg.org/about-us/staff/#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:38:02 +0000 admin http://www.akpirg.org/?p=21 Matt Wallace

Executive Director

Matt Wallace comes to AKPIRG after working with the state Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) and affiliated organizations since 2001.  He has held a variety of professional roles in the public interest movement, from fundraiser and volunteer organizer to legislative advocate.  Most recently, Matt worked with the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG) where he served as Consumer Advocate, developing and implementing state level campaigns on consumer protection policy with the legislature, the media, students, and members of the public.  His achievements there included helping to craft and pass a state law in 2009 designed to slow the rate of foreclosures by requiring mortgage lenders to meet with struggling homeowners, and working to pass a state law to protect consumers from unlawful debt collection practices.  Matt is a graduate of Portland State University, and currently resides in Anchorage with his wife and a very excellent dog.

Ted Madsen

Policy Intern

AKPIRG hired Ted Madsen as a policy intern in July of 2009. Madsen is a lifelong Anchorage citizen who recently graduated with honor from Michigan State University. He graduated with degrees in International Relations and Political Theory. He specialized in Science, Technology and Environmental public policy. While at MSU, Madsen served as a research assistant to the Dean of James Madison College. Additionally, he was the Vice-President of the Board of Directors for The State News, the local student newspaper.

Madsen has served as a campaign manager and volunteer for political campaigns in the Anchorage area. He has interned for Senator Lisa Murkowski in Washington, D.C. In 2005 he served as the Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Anchorage Youth Court. He is passionate about advocating for the needs of everyday Alaskans, and is excited to bring his passion to work on behalf of AKPIRG’s mission.

]]> http://www.akpirg.org/about-us/staff/feed/ 0 Board of Directors http://www.akpirg.org/about-us/board-of-directors/ http://www.akpirg.org/about-us/board-of-directors/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:39:06 +0000 admin http://www.akpirg.org/?p=23

Joe Mehrkens

[No email listed]

Hugh Fleischer

(Email)

David Paperman

[No email listed]

Phil Kaluza

[No email listed]

John Kennish

(Email)

Sharman Haley

[No email listed]

Nelta Edwards

[No email listed]

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