Fight Alzheimer’s Into 2026 and Beyond
Fight Alzheimer’s Into 2026 and Beyond
Don’t miss your chance to make a generous gift to our 2026 Annual Fund Drive to help fund essential care and support and advance critical Alzheimer’s research.
Give MonthlyAbout Alzheimer's Association, Alaska Chapter
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.
Connecting with the Chapter
Alaska Chapter Mailing AddressPO Box 141027
Anchorage, AK
Alaska Chapter Board
| Sherri Roberds, Board Chair, Consultant, Financial Policy - ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc. |
I have lost my mother, grandfather and great-grandmother to Alzheimer’s. My mother’s biggest fear was that my sister or I would also get this horrible disease. My passion is advocacy. I cannot fund or find the cure myself, but I know that working with our elected officials and raising awareness can get the funding that will lead to a cure. I hope that every Alaskan with dementia and their caregivers have access to resources and know they are not alone. |
Anchorage |
| Debra Adams, Community Educator and Advocate | I am a career Educator - both teacher and school counselor. My involvement in the Alzheimer's Association began after I lost my husband of 26 years to Alzheimer's. My hope is to raise awareness about the disease and establish public policy that supports families and those suffering from the disease. As our population in the US ages, the prevalence of Alzheimer's and other dementias increases. I believe we are at epidemic stages and need to focus our attention on awareness, prevention, treatments AND a cure. |
Cordova |
| Steffi Kim, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Alaska Anchorage - Volunteer Board Member | Dr. Steffi M. Kim is a trained clinical community psychologist with a focus on rural and Indigenous mental health. She is an assistant professor in the University of Alaska, Anchorage Psychology Department, and the Director of the Alaska Native Community-Engaged Aging Research Lab. In her research, she explores aging well, brain health, social connectedness, as well as dementia and dementia caregiving-related topics within Alaska Native communities. She is currently working on establishing a statewide Alaska Native collaborative involving Alaska Native caregivers, community partners, and organizations to address the challenges of caregiving in rural communities, specifically establishing culturally tailored and appropriate resources for those communities. |
Anchorage |
| Linzey White, Community Volunteer and Advocate | I have lived all over the state of Alaska, from rural villages to larger cities. My career has spanned many fields, and I now manage the Kenai, Homer, and Kodiak Public Assistance office. I’m a proud mother and remain closely connected to my family, including a parent living with Alzheimer’s. |
Kenai |
| Cathy Hernandez, PA-C | Cathy is married and has two teenage sons. She has been a Physician Assistant working in cardiothoracic surgery since 2002. She enjoys helping patients during their hospitalization as well as educating them for their future. Cathy was first touched by Alzheimer's when her mother was diagnosed in 2001. She has participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's every year since then. She joined the Alaska Board to participate in increasing awareness and educating Alaskans. |
Anchorage |
| Josh Lonn, Vice President - Product Management at GCI |
Josh is a business unit leader with extensive experience in product development and product management. This includes program leadership across the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and Portugal. Josh was the founding community board chair of the Alaska Chapter. |
Anchorage |
| Sara Hondel, Executive Administrative Assistant, Soldotna Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center | As Tourism & Education Manager for the Soldotna Chamber, I support local businesses and build community connections. In my spare time, I’m passionate about raising awareness of Alzheimer's disease, which impacted my family. I advocate for education on dementia, engage with officials, and help with events to combat stigma and increase understanding of this devastating illness. | Kenai |
| Lorraine Thomas, Elder Services Coordinator - Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Inc. | Lorraine Thomas, born and raised in Akutan, Alaska and many other parts of Alaska. I have 5 grown children. I was a Community Health Practitioner for 20 years. I now am working as an Elder Service Coordinator for Aleutian Pribilof Island Association. I love to cook, take walks, or just relax at home. | Anchorage |
| Janece W. Richard, PsyD, LPC, Behavioral Health - A Listening Ear LLC | I am a licensed professional counselor who has a passion for working with individuals to help with providing support and promoting change. Change is necessary for the ever changing times and different needs. As we recognize a need, we can then move to implementing the steps to make the change possible. Let's move away from saying "no" and move into a mindset of "let's figure out how". |
Anchorage |
| Maureen Townsend, FPQP - Client Support - Edward Jones | As a board member with the Alzheimer’s Association in Alaska, I'm dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s. With a strong commitment to advocacy, community outreach, and public awareness, I work to elevate the voices of patients, caregivers, and families. | Kenai |
Alaska Chapter leadership and staff
Our chapter is led by a team of staff and volunteers dedicated to making life better for individuals living with dementia, their caregivers, family members and future generations.
Administrative
Jim Wilgus, Executive Director
jwilgus@alz.org
206.245.6431
Alison Lambert, Operations Manager
allambert@alz.org
206.501.3798
Advocacy and Public Policy
Arielle Wiggin
arwiggin@alz.org
907.313.2944
Walk to End Alzheimer's & Do What You Love to End Alz
Erica Grissmerson
emgrissmerson
509.552.7026
Education & Programs
Michelle Larson
mllarson@alz.org
208.666.2996
Local PR contact
Nicci Noteboom
nanoteboom@alz.org
206.954.5066
Join our team
Help join the fight against Alzheimer’s. Make a difference by volunteering at the Alaska Chapter, working with us at the Alzheimer's Association in Alaska or joining our team nationwide. Explore volunteer opportunities and career opportunities with the Alzheimer's Association.
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