Board of Directors Officers

Tom is a Research Geologist and avid mining historian based in Fairbanks, Alaska. He obtained BS and MS Degrees in Geology from the University of Alaska in Fairbanks in 1973 and 1981, respectively. After completing a 25-year career with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources geological survey division, he retired from State Service and formed Pacific Rim Geological Consulting, Inc. in 1997. Since then, Tom and his staff have worked for several clients on a diverse group of geological projects throughout Alaska, Yukon, Canada, and the Russian Federation. In 1997, Tom and others formed the Alaska Mining Hall of Fame Foundation (AMHF), a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to honoring Alaska’s mining pioneers. Since that time, 120 miners, geologists, government administrators, and others contributing to Alaska’s mining industry have been inducted into the organization. The AMHF has a website that features biographical sketches of the AMHF inductees. Induction ceremonies have been held in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Nome. Tom currently serves as the President of the Alaska Mining Hall of Fame Foundation.

Sue grew up in northeast Ohio and obtained her BFA at the Philadelphia College of Art in 1985. Her career has taken her through agencies and graphic studios from Philadelphia, Atlanta, Washington DC, and ultimately to Fairbanks, where she has made her home since 2000. Sue took ownership of 5th Avenue Design & Graphics in 2006. She is a sitting member of the Fairbanks City Council, is a board member of the Downtown Association of Fairbanks and the Alaska Design Forum. Sue also serves with the FAST Enhancement Committee and FNSB Working Group for the Downtown Plan. All of this allows her to champion the growth of business and cultural activities in the City of Fairbanks. Love of her adopted city is at the heart of her civic involvement. When Sue’s not cheerleading her city or working on her graphics, she’s an avid curler, crafter, reader, cook, and Euchre player. She makes her home in a 100-year-old log cabin with her 2 dogs and cat.

Dave has had a long career in utility management. Now retired, he worked at Doyon Utilities as a Contract Compliance Officer, was Executive Director of the Fairbanks Private Industry Council and prior to that he was the Fort Wainwright Post Commander. He is versed in Capital Projects administration through his experience in the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dave holds a Master of Arts, Business Administration from the Webster University, St. Louis, MO, a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration from Rollins College, Winter Park, FL, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Among his affiliations Dave is the Chief of Staff-North, Dept. of Alaska, Military Order of the Purple Heart and CFO, Chapter 675, Military Order of the Purple Heart. Dave has been a strong supporter of local military events for many years.

Jeremiah Cotter was born and raised in Fairbanks North Star Borough. He is a heavy equipment operator by trade and has worked for the City of Fairbanks for nearly two decades. Mr. Cotter currently serves as the Director of the City of Fairbanks Public Works division and participates in numerous commissions and boards. He is happy to be helping make Fairbanks a fun and exciting place to live and visit. 

Karen Lane is a lifelong resident of Fairbanks Northstar Borough and has worked with local non-profits and municipalities in North Pole and Fairbanks. A small business owner, Karen has extensive experience in non-profits and event planning. She has worked with Explore Fairbanks, Festival Fairbanks, and the Tanana Valley Fair Association. She has participated in various committees, such as the 50th Anniversary of the Alaska Highway 1992 and the Arctic Winter Games Host Society 2014. 

Karen most recently served as the General Manager for the Arctic Winter Games 2024, an Olympic-style event for athletes living above the 55th parallel featuring games specific to indigenous peoples and traditional sports for young adults. AWG 2024 was held in Matanuska-Susitna Borough and hosted eight delegations from the circumpolar north.  Karen loves the challenge of organizing and implementing economic development while bringing people together.

Sean Rice, aka Ipiiliq to his Inupiaq family, was born in Kotzebue. Retired from the City of Fairbanks Public Works division as a laborer, Sean is proudly serving as a Counselor and Case Manager at Tanana Chiefs Conference’s Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation program.

Sean was the owner/operator of New Life Hard Surface Cleaning and Restoration, and S&T, LLC, a construction company specializing in paving, drainage, sewers, and residential landscaping.

Sean possesses wide-ranging experience in community engagement with enthusiasm for education, cultural growth, and youth programs. As a board member for Midnight Sun Intertribal Powwow, and a long-serving member of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, Sean recognizes the importance of a diverse education. “Our activities, our athletics, our music, all these are important to the children, and why a lot of them are staying in school and continuing on with what they are doing in school.” An enthusiastic community member, Sean also volunteers for the NAACP, Juneteenth, Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Committee. 

Olivia Rodriguez is a third-generation Alaskan, proud downtown homeowner, and owner of Golden Heart Consulting. In 2024, she was honored with the Community Spirit Award, also ​known as the “Golden Heart of the Golden Heart City,” by the ​Fairbanks North Star Borough—an acknowledgment of her ​dedication to our vibrant city.

Olivia earned a degree in Advertising from the University of Idaho. After ​gaining valuable experience working with national and local ​advertising agencies, she opened her business in 2022. She serves on the Board of Directors for  ​Festival Fairbanks and the Downtown Association of Fairbanks while collaborating with various organizations to drive ​local development and enrich our community.

Her vision is to see our community thrive with a vibrant ​downtown, strong local businesses, and a connected, engaged ​population. She believes that together, we can make a difference. “Whether you’re a ​lifelong resident or new to our city, your voice and involvement are ​crucial. Let’s build a community we’re all proud to call home.”

Festival Fairbanks was formed in 1980 and was officially recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non‐profit community service organization on June 7th, 1983. For the Silver Anniversary of Statehood, the central project was the sculpture of the “Unknown First Family” by artist Malcolm Alexander. The concept was brought forward by Women in Construction and the committee believed a major sculpture would be a historical landmark and a lasting tribute to our land and our people. Through the work of Festival Fairbanks ‘84, the City Council supported the creation of the Golden Heart Plaza

in the original townsite of Fairbanks, along the Chena River, featuring the “Unknown First Family” sculpture in a central fountain. After six years of hard work, the dedication ceremonies were held on July 25th, 1986. The "Unknown First Family" copyright is held by Festival Fairbanks, Inc. and serves as the corporation's logo. It is estimated that the sculpture is photographed by visitors more than 400,000 times per year. 

Julie worked with Dr. Wm. R. Wood, Festival Fairbanks founder, and Michelle Thompson-Roberts, long-time director, at Festival Fairbanks from 1995 to 1998. After a nine-year hiatus for family and education, she was rehired in 2009. Graduating Summa Cum Laude from the  University of Alaska in Applied Accounting, Julie has been an office manager and bookkeeper for more than twenty-five years. Since returning to Festival Fairbanks, she has provided oversight of all aspects of the corporation, including office management, program development, employee supervision, and grant writing. Julie has completed certifications in numerous health, safety, and diversity training courses. Her commission and committee work includes the Chena River Front Commission, Clay Street Cemetery Commission, City of Fairbanks Landscape Review Board, FMATS Art Selection Advisory Committee, Wayfinding Committee, Airport Way Improvement Committee, Arctic Winter Games Bid Committee, Asphalt Art Initiative Committee, Downtown Plan Implementation Group, and Honor Flight Alaska Board of Directors. She volunteers at Fairbanks Shakespeare Theater, and Fairbanks Drama Association and serves as the managing director for the Palace Theatre.