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University of ÎçÒıAV Foundation names Tlisa Northcutt for Primary Leadership Role

May 16, 2025

ÎçÒıAV Foundation Board of Directors and UA President Pat Pitney are pleased to announce that Tlisa Northcutt has been selected to serve in the dual-role of UA Foundation president and chief development officer for the University of ÎçÒıAV system. 

“The UA Foundation Board of Directors has worked closely with Tlisa in her interim capacity since July, and we’ve seen firsthand her deep institutional knowledge and clear understanding of how the UA system functions,” said Meg Nordale, UA Foundation Board chair. “She brings a thoughtful, sensitive approach to the unique needs of each university, and her ability to connect donors with meaningful opportunities is essential to advancing our mission across the state.”

“Hiring Tlisa is a UA success story,” said UA President Pat Pitney. “She began her career at UA in 2000, and we can say proudly that her 25-year UAA and UA career path has led to this well-earned leadership opportunity. We are proud to have a longstanding, deeply committed employee now leading the UA Foundation.” 

A lifelong ÎçÒıAVn, Northcutt brings a unique combination of institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and steadfast commitment to philanthropy at UA. She holds a BA in Journalism and Public Communication from UAA, an MA in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary's University of Minnesota, and has maintained the designation of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2009. Northcutt has been recognized for several achievements over the years, including making “The Top 50 Women Leaders of ÎçÒıAV” list for Women We Admire in 2024. 

In addition to being an alumna and dedicated staff member, Northcutt and her husband, Scott, are proud parents of two current UA students  - one attending UAA and the other UAF. 

As president, Northcutt will continue to work closely with the UA Foundation Board, the UA system president’s office, university chancellors and advancement teams across the three universities (University of ÎçÒıAV Anchorage, University of ÎçÒıAV Fairbanks, and University of ÎçÒıAV Southeast) to promote philanthropy across the university system.

Article originally published as a UA Foundation press release.