FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Nanooks Department of Athletics has announced Marisa Sharrah as their next Associate Athletic Director for External Relations.

"The opportunity to join the Alaska Nanooks team means a great deal to me, not only as a proud alumna but as someone whose connections with the University have woven through the fabric of my life for over two decades." Said Sharrah on her recent hiring, "I'm passionate about the growth and success of our region and recognize the significant role of the University in making the Interior a great place to live and work, and I know the athletics program plays a crucial part in deepening the bond between campus and community." 

Sharrah joins the Nanooks after spending the past two and a half years as the Development Program Manager at the Greater Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation. There she administered all fundraising programs for the Foundation, including annual giving, major gifts, employee giving and special events. She also identified and engaged with ideal individual and corporate donors to understand their intentions and match those with the needs of the hospital while also stewarding donors and sponsors. Sharrah would plan and execute large fundraisers, coordinate volunteer recruitment and management, advertising and marketing and would use fundraising software to manage the portfolios of donors, tracking the progress of financial goals and prepping regular reports to the Board of Trustees.

Before joining the Greater Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation, Sharrah served as the President and CEO of the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce from July 2016 to January 2021. While there, she directed the strategic planning and annual program of work to advance the mission of the Chamber while also overseeing the daily operations and performance of full-time staff. She managed communications and cultivated relationships with internal constituents while establishing external marketing and advertising goals.

Sharrah also spent time as a Community Relations Manager for Flint Hills Resources of Alaska from August 2008 to July 2016 and before then was a Public Affairs Assistant and Training Specialist. 

Past work, Sharrah's presence is felt throughout the community with her involvement at the Fairbanks Community Food Bank, the UAF Chancellor's Board of Advisors, Alaska Nanooks Hockey Transition and Steering Committee, Stand for Alaska Coalition, Arctic Winter Games, Go Red for Women Fairbanks and the Fairbanks Women's Hockey Association. 

"We're thrilled to announce Marisa as Associate Athletic Director for External Relations, as she brings a wealth of knowledge to the athletics team." Added Director of Athletics, Brock Anundson, "Her professional experience all-around, along with her connection to the Fairbanks community and state of Alaska will be a tremendous asset for the Alaska Nanooks athletics department. As a proven leader, Marisa has shown that her dedication and vision for the future will provide a successful path for the Alaska Nanooks for years to come. Our coaches, staff and I are excited to get to work with her in the success that lies ahead. A special thanks to Carl McAloose for his leadership, as he passes the torch to Marisa."

Sharrah's first day with the department is Monday, June 5.

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