At the Alaska Community Foundation, we’re lucky to have volunteer leaders from across Alaska who give their time, heart, and wisdom to help guide our work. As 2024 came to a close, two longtime board members—Kim Reitmeier and Jim Palmer—wrapped up their final terms after nine years of dedicated service.
Their steady leadership, thoughtful stewardship, and deep commitment have left a lasting mark on ACF and the communities we serve. We’re incredibly grateful for all they’ve done.
From all of us at ACF: thank you, Kim and Jim. Because of your vision and commitment, the Alaska Community Foundation is stronger, more trusted, and more deeply rooted in the communities we serve.
Kim Reitmeier
- Board Member, 2016–2024
- Affiliate Committee, 2016–2018
- Program & Grants Committee, 2016–2021
- External Relations & Development Committee, 2022–2024
- Executive Committee, 2024
- Board Secretary, 2024
Kim Reitmeier concluded nine years of distinguished service to the ACF Board. Her leadership has been guided by deep values—community empowerment, Indigenous advocacy, and a strong sense of service.
As a Sugpiaq and shareholder of Koniag, Inc. and Ouzinkie Native Corporation, and a member of the Sunaq Tribe of Kodiak, Kim brought a personal and powerful perspective to our work. During her 14 years as President of the ANCSA Regional Association (ARA), she championed Alaska Native self-determination, led efforts to expand Get Out the Native Vote, and helped secure COVID-19 relief for Alaska Native corporations through a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision.
Former Board member Carol Gore reflected: “The idea that ACF was about Alaskans mattered to Kim. She always reminded us that those of us on the board were representatives of those not in the room.” Board Chair Gabe Kompkoff added:
“She has keen knowledge of Alaska Native issues, is a systems thinker, and knows how you get things done in a complicated organization.”
In 2024, Kim concluded her presidency at ARA to join Rural Health Solutions, continuing her lifelong commitment to Alaskan communities. Thank you, Kim, for your leadership and heart.
Jim Palmer
- Board Member, 2003–2004 & 2016–2024
- Audit Committee, 2016–2024
- Program & Grants Committee, 2016–2020
- External Relations & Development Committee, 2020–2021
- Executive Committee Chair, 2020–2021
Jim Palmer’s dedication, commitment, and values are evident whether as U.S. Senator Murkowski’s Chief of Staff, in private practice as a consultant, or in his nine years as a board member of The Alaska Community Foundation. Jim has always worked on behalf of Alaskans.
Carol Gore noted his leadership style, “He was fearless. He took on the hard issues and wasn’t afraid to have a different opinion. He was very interested in getting it right.”
Palmer played an important role in guiding the Foundation’s vision and growth. As Senior Vice President of External Affairs at British Petroleum, he was a driving force behind establishing the BP Energy Center — a facility providing low-cost meeting spaces to Alaskan nonprofit and community organizations. During his tenure as ACF Board Chair, he facilitated the donation of the BP Energy Center to the foundation, ensuring its continued service to the community.
Through his unwavering dedication and strategic vision, Jim Palmer has left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit Alaska’s communities.
Gabe Kompkoff, who joined the ACF board in 2016 with Palmer, shared, “A big part of our focus was on organizational health and building trust with the community. During our term, the Foundation’s assets more than doubled, their service helped our story resonate and our impact grow.”