FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2025
Statement from Board President Krystal Lapp on the Northern Alaska Environmental Center’s Financial Recovery
Fairbanks, Alaska — Over the past several weeks, the Northern Alaska Environmental Center
(NAEC) has been navigating significant financial and organizational challenges. As Board
President, I want to speak directly to our members, partners, and the community to clarify
what has happened, what steps we are taking, and how we are moving forward with integrity
and accountability.
In early September, the Board was made aware that NAEC did not have sufficient funds to meet
payroll obligations. This discovery led to the difficult but necessary decision to furlough staff on
September 15 and to begin a thorough review of the organization’s finances. Through this
process, the Board uncovered several discrepancies and unsubmitted grants that had not been
previously shared with us. While these findings have been difficult, they also created an
opportunity for overdue transparency and reform.
In partnership with Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF), the manager of an Agency Fund
established to benefit NAEC, we have developed a recovery plan that addresses immediate
debts while strengthening long-term governance and transparency. ACF has temporarily
authorized reimbursable access to the principal of the fund through January 2026, giving NAEC
the ability to meet obligations and rebuild lasting systems of accountability.
ACF is also assisting NAEC with bookkeeping, legal review, and the creation of new financial and
governance policies to prevent similar issues in the future. These supports reflect both
accountability and partnership, and they are helping us rebuild on a foundation of transparency
and trust.
Our priority is to rebuild NAEC’s financial and organizational strength while we work towards
resuming operations. We are pursuing steady revenue options, including office rentals and
community fundraising, to ensure a sustainable path forward.
In the spirit of openness, all NAEC Board meetings are open to the public. Agendas and minutes
are available upon request, and we encourage members and community partners to attend and
participate in our rebuilding process.
While this has been a challenging chapter, NAEC remains steadfast in its mission to promote
conservation and sustainable stewardship across Arctic and Interior Alaska. We are moving
forward deliberately, with care, humility, and commitment to the people and places we serve.
We also look forward to gathering with our supporters at Night for the North, our annual
fundraising event on Friday, November 21, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Carol Brown
Ballroom. This event will celebrate our community’s resilience and shared commitment to
Alaska’s environment.
I remain deeply grateful for the support, patience, and encouragement we’ve received from the
community. Though this period has been difficult, I’m confident that by working together—with
transparency, accountability, and heart—NAEC will emerge stronger than ever.
With gratitude,
Krystal Lapp
Board President
Northern Alaska Environmental Center
