Fairbanks, Alaska — The Northern Alaska Environmental Center (NAEC) Board of Directors is announcing a leadership transition that will help guide the organization through its current period of revitalization and renewal.
Effective April 2, 2026, Krystal Lapp will serve as Interim Executive Director of the Northern Alaska Environmental Center. As part of this transition, Krystal will step down from her role as President of the NAEC Board of Directors.
Following this change, Vice President Jeffery Groenke will assume the role of Board President, helping ensure continued leadership and governance oversight for the organization.
“As President, my goal is to build upon the Center’s strong foundation of advocacy, education, and collaboration. I believe our strength lies in uniting people—rural and urban, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, longtime residents and newcomers—around our shared commitment to Alaska’s future. Together, we can ensure that the Northern Alaska Environmental Center remains a steadfast leader in protecting the integrity of this extraordinary region.” – Jeffery Groenke, Board President
Krystal has served as President of the NAEC Board of Directors and has helped guide the organization through the past several months of transition and rebuilding. As Interim Executive Director, she will work closely with the board, contractors, and partner organizations to continue advancing the Northern Center’s conservation mission.
She brings extensive experience in the conservation field, including work in environmental policy, fisheries and subsistence issues, and renewable energy development in Alaska. Her work has focused on habitat conservation, ecosystem stewardship, and collaboration with Tribal governments, conservation organizations, and community leaders across the state.
“Executive Director Lapp has proven her commitment to not just protecting Alaska’s lands, waters and wildlife, but also ensuring the Northern Center continues its membership driven mission and grassroots history, especially in working with Alaska Native Tribes, consortiums and peoples.” – David Leslie, Board Secretary
During this transition period, Krystal will serve as the organization’s sole staff member while coordinating closely with contractors and coalition partners. Her focus will include strengthening partnerships, expanding member engagement, and supporting the Northern Center’s ongoing conservation and advocacy work.
“I care deeply about the future of Alaska’s lands, waters, and wildlife, and about the communities that depend on them. Stepping into this interim role allows me to focus on strengthening the Northern Center’s partnerships and ensuring that our members and supporters continue to have a strong voice in the conservation issues shaping Interior and Northern Alaska.” – Krystal Lapp, Interim Executive Director
Over the past several months, NAEC’s board has worked to strengthen the organization’s internal structure, governance, and operational capacity. This leadership transition reflects the board’s commitment to ensuring the Northern Center remains strong, stable, and mission focused.
For more than fifty years, the Northern Center has served as a place where Alaskans come together to share information, engage in environmental issues, and advocate for the protection of the lands and waters that define this region. As the organization enters this next chapter, NAEC remains grounded in its long-standing commitment to community engagement, thoughtful advocacy, and stewardship of Alaska’s ecosystems.
“Krystal leads by doing the hard work and inspiring others to join her to get important things done. Her tireless advocacy for tribal sovereignty as well as her willingness to dive into the weeds of administrative procedures will guide Northern Center on doing good work that matters.” – Emilia Hernandez, Board Treasurer
Media Contact: Aspen Frick, Communications Contractor (aspenfrick@gmail.com)