(she/her)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Born and raised in rural Alaska, Julia Hnilicka has spent most of her life in her home village of Nenana on Lower Tanana Dene lands. The daughter of a tugboat captain and an educator, she brings a deep, lived understanding of the complex issues facing rural residents. Her professional experience includes remote logistics, economic development, academic and environmental research, Indigenous studies, politics, education, and business management.

After earning a Master’s in Rural Development from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Julia ran for the Alaska State House, an experience that ignited her passion and drive for addressing the many persistent problems facing Alaska’s most valuable asset, our people.

In 2022, Julia was appointed by President Biden to serve as the Alaska State Director for USDA Rural Development. In this job, she oversaw $1.8 billion in federal funds invested across Alaska for a variety of programs, including broadband, housing, electric, and community and business development.

Her life’s mission is to be a positive force in Alaska’s future.