Estey to join museum as development director

Submitted by Kerynn Fisher
Phone: (907) 474-6941
04/16/07

Julie Estey, currently serving as executive director of the Yukon Quest International, Ltd. (Alaska), will join the University of Alaska Museum of the North in mid-June as the museum’s development director.

"Julie will be a wonderful addition to the museum family," says museum director Aldona Jonaitis. "Her experience with the Yukon Quest and her understanding of the community, the visitor industry and the fundraising climate in Alaska make her the perfect person for the job."

Because the museum receives less than 30 percent of its funding from the state, private funding sources are increasingly important to the museum’s operations. As development director, Estey will oversee the museum’s donor relations, corporate partner and membership programs; serve as the liaison for the Museum Advisory Council; and manage the museum’s annual fundraising events, the Chocolate Bash and Family Fun Fest. Funds raised through these programs support the museum’s exhibits and research and education programs.

In addition to her experience with the Yukon Quest, Estey brings experience as a corporate management consultant for Accenture Consulting and director of kayaking for the largest kayaking and bike outfitter on the East Coast. An avid dog musher, she hopes to continue her relationship with the Yukon Quest as a competitor in the 2008 race. Working for the university system allows for a schedule more conducive to training and competing in the long-distance sled dog race.

Estey succeeds Emily Drygas, who recently accepted the position of senior development officer for the University of Alaska Fairbanks. To ensure a smooth transition for the Yukon Quest, Estey will begin a gradual transition to the museum in the coming weeks, but will not begin full-time duties until mid-June.

CONTACT: Kerynn Fisher, communications coordinator, University of Alaska Museum of the North, at (907) 474-6941 or (907) 378-2559. Julie Estey, executive director, Yukon Quest International, Ltd. (Alaska), at (907)452-7954.