Jane Atuk, Board Secretary

is a long-time Alaskan who has worked extensively throughout the state. She is an early childhood special educator and consultant on family and community issues. She brings a solid understanding of the challenges facing the Alaska Native community as well as its profound strengths. Jane is a leader at First Covenant Church in Anchorage, which has a diverse congregation and includes a strong Alaska Native presence.

Jim Bell

is a community leader in Anchorage with roots in the Yup’ik, Athabascan, and Alutiiq communities. He has been active in the Alaska Catholic Native Ministry and Saint Anthony’s LOMs. He has served on the AFACT Board since 2016, with two terms of being Vice President. He formerly worked for the Interior Alaska tribal organization, Tanana Chiefs Conference, where he was in charge of fire management over a large area, bigger than most states. Here, he gained an in-depth understanding of the specific needs of rural Alaska Native communities throughout Interior Alaska. 

Gail Clinch, Board Vice President

is an Air Force veteran and retired from many years of service at the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services where she worked in Child Protection Services, Adult Protection Services, and with Medicaid issues. She has a keen understanding of our healthcare system and its impacts on our communities. Gail and her husband Richard are active in Trinity Lutheran Church in Palmer Alaska. 

Rebecca Gramm, Board President

is a retired Senior Technology Executive with over 25 years experience in transforming Alaska health care through the innovative use of technology. She currently serves on several non-profit boards in Anchorage. Her unique blend of business acumen, technical expertise, and administrative experience give her a personal understanding of non-profit business trends and needs. Rebecca is active in social justice ministry at First Covenant Church of Anchorage.

Pat Hayward, Board Treasurer

has been an active participant in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, one of Anchorage’s most diverse and low-income parishes. She has been active in the music and social justice ministries. She has also taught Catholic religious education and has been active on environmental issues. Pat brings a “hands-on, due diligence” approach to her work on the board and as Treasurer. 

Joseph Schroeder

is a long-time business leader in Alaska and active member of the Palmer and Wasilla communities, where he can be found advocating for a greater quality of life for all residents. Recently retired and an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church LOM, Joe brings a sharp marketing acumen, strong attention to detail, and experience in organizational development and people management.

Sister Frances Vista, D.C

works for the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau and is the director of Catholic Native Ministry where she ministers to and organizes in the Alaska Native Community for the Archdiocese. The Catholic Native Ministry’s mission is to empower Native leadership in roles of worship, evangelization, peace, and justice, as well as cultural preservation. Sister Frances is a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, an Apostolic Community, and has an extensive background in social work and organizing.