Business Leader Of The Year

Overview

The College of Business and Security Management has been honoring business leaders since 1977. Recipients of the award are selected by a committee of UAF College of Business and Security Management students, faculty, advisory board members and former recipients based on merits of leadership, business accomplishments, community involvement and educational support.

This event is unique in that students play a major role in the planning and attendance. In its history, the award has been awarded to three couples, two brothers, and three father and sons!

Ticket sales for this event benefit CBSM student organizations and scholarships. You can always make a donation to the College of Business and Security Management.

Tracy Vanairsdale has been announced the 2024 UAF Business Leader of the Year! Tracy is the president/principal of Bettisworth North Architects and Planners Inc. and manages the Fairbanks office. Vanairsdale received numerous letters of support from employees, colleagues, volunteer partners and past award recipients.

Vanairsdale serves on the board of community organizations such as the UAF Chancellor’s Board of Advisors, Rotary Club of Fairbanks and the Alaska chapters for the Association for Learning Environments and the American Institute of Architects.

She and her husband, Dave, were both born and raised in Fairbanks; Dave is a UAF alumnus who captained the university’s ski team. Vanairsdale attended her first year at UAF before entering the Western Undergraduate Exchange program to study architecture and art at the University of Idaho. They enjoy annual ski trips and spending time with their dog, Copper. 

Tickets for the event will go on sale in August. To reserve tickets in advance, contact Mary Poe at mepoe@alaska.edu or 907-474-6518.