A Leadership Transition at the Anchorage Park Foundation
A message from APF Board Chair, Bill Bittner
Celebrating Beth’s Leadership
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to share an important milestone in the history of Anchorage Park Foundation. After 22 years of visionary leadership, our Founding Executive Director, Beth Nordlund, will retire on March 31, 2027. As Anchorage Park Foundation’s first staff member, Beth has played a defining role in turning a shared vision for stronger parks and trails into a thriving organization.
Through her leadership, Anchorage Park Foundation has helped strengthen neighborhoods through parks, empowered young people, built lasting partnerships, and brought people together around the places that make Anchorage a special community. She leaves the Foundation stronger than ever, with an experienced staff, engaged Board, strong financial footing, and deep community support.
Welcoming Michelle LeBeau as APF’s Next Executive Director
The Board has approached this transition with thoughtful planning and great care. Following a deliberate succession planning process, we unanimously selected Deputy Director Michelle LeBeau to serve as the Foundation’s next Executive Director beginning April 1, 2027. Since joining the Foundation in 2019, Michelle has worked alongside Beth to expand fundraising, strengthen partnerships, advance strategic initiatives, and grow the organization’s impact.
With more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a deep commitment to Anchorage and its parks, Michelle is well prepared to build on the strong momentum Beth has created and lead the organization through its next chapter. Her appointment provides continuity while creating new opportunities for the Foundation to grow its impact.
Join Us in Celebrating
Over the coming months, we look forward to celebrating Beth’s significant contributions and sharing our excitement for the future. We invite our partners, volunteers, donors, and community members to join us in celebrating Beth through stories, special events, and a community celebration leading up to her retirement. Your continued partnership and support will help carry the momentum Beth has created into the Foundation’s next chapter.
Thank you for being an essential part of Anchorage Park Foundation and for helping shape its future.
Bill Bittner, Board Chair
Anchorage Park Foundation