CIRI shareholder Denise Morris is now the president and chief executive officer of First Alaskans Institute. She leaves the Alaska Native Justice Center, a CIRI nonprofit, where she served as president and chief executive officer since 1999.
First Alaskans Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose mission is to advance Alaska Native Peoples and communities through community engagement, information and research and leadership development. Morris began her new role on Dec. 6. Morris was chosen for her broad management, strategic planning and implementation experience. She replaces CIRI shareholder Janie Leask, who recently retired.
“I am excited for Denise Morris and First Alaskans Institute,” said Margie Brown, CIRI president and chief executive officer. “Her leadership at the Alaska Native Justice Center helped make it the well-established and effective place it is today. Her vision, experience and professional finesse will carry over to First Alaskans Institute, where she will advance the organization as it responds to the changing face of the Alaska Native educational, economic and energy landscape.”
Morris is equally excited about her new position. “It is truly an honor and privilege to be selected to serve as the next president and CEO and to continue to advance the critical mission of First Alaskans Institute,” said Morris.
Morris is a tribal member of the Aleut Community of Saint Paul Village. During her career, Morris has coordinated a number of statewide conferences aimed at supporting and enhancing tribal justice systems and preventing and responding to violence against Alaska Native women.
