Senior Program Officer, Strategic Initiatives
Chris Perez brings more than 30 years of experience in philanthropy and community investment to the Alaska Community Foundation. He is a member of the Special Initiatives team supporting the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), where he is excited to work to strengthen community-based health systems and improve health outcomes across Alaska.
Immediately prior to joining ACF, Chris advised foundations and nonprofits through his consulting practice, helping align their capital with community impact. He spent 17 years with Rasmuson Foundation, most recently serving as vice president of programs, where he oversaw core grantmaking and the program-related investment portfolio. Earlier, he was a senior program officer at the F. B. Heron Foundation, managing grants and impact investments supporting rural communities nationwide, and held roles in corporate affairs and philanthropy at Pfizer Inc.
Chris has held leadership and advisory roles with several organizations, including 11 years on the board of Spruce Root, and currently serves on its Senior Loan Advisory Committee and the Seacoast Trust Investment Committee. He also represents Alaska on the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Advisory Council, providing guidance on housing and community lending needs across the bank’s 13-state district.
Originally from the New York City metro area, Chris has called Alaska home for 18 years. Outside of work, he and his family can often be found on Alaska’s dog mushing trails with their seven sprint sled dogs.