Maybe you have seen them on the street picking up trash, responding to distubances throughout the DID, or at one of the many events that take place throughout Downtown. Here you can learn more about the staff members of Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. who work every day to make Downotwn clean, safe and vital:
Christopher Schutte
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Chris Schutte has worked at Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. since December, 2004. He came to ADP after working for former Governor Tony Knowles - first as the legislative liaison on the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education, as Deputy Research Director on the 2004 Knowles for U.S. Senate campaign. Chris also worked as communications director for the Hablamos Juntos project at the University of Southern California’s Tomás Rivera Policy Institute. Chris holds political science degrees from Claremont Graduate University and the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he served on the Board of Directors for the UAA Alumni Association.
Charlie Keenhold
CLEAN and SAFE OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Charlie Keenhold, B.A. in Human Relations from Golden Gate University, California. Charlie joined ADP in June 2005, after retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force. Charlie served over 30 years with the Air Force and has demonstrated management and supervisory experience, strong experience in strategic planning, finance & budgeting, project management, & human resources management. Charlie enjoys working cooperatively in diverse environments within the community, law enforcement, and other regulatory agencies. Charlie is actively involved in the community and one of his favorite pastimes is to work with youth, as an assistant football coach for the 2006 Alaska State Football Champions, South Anchorage High School.
Cheri Spink
MARKETING and DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Cheri Spink, Master of Community and Adult Education from Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage, began event planning at the age of 17. Cheri was hired by Anchorage Downtown Partnership the summer of 2004 following eight years as a Community School Coordinator with the Anchorage School District. Her experience includes community development projects, sponsorship development, marketing, program planning, fundraising, volunteer recruitment and event planning.
Kris Natwick
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Kris Natwick, B.A. in Art and Elementary Education from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. Before being hired by ADP, Kris worked as a Community School Coordinator with the Anchorage School District, an Elementary teacher in Anchorage and Minnesota, and as a director of an Anchorage Latchkey program. Other experiences include serving on the Executive Committee of the Alaska Community Education Association Board and working as a Dean for the Global Language Villages program in China.
Ruth Quinlan
OFFICE MANAGER
Ruth Quinlan, B.A. in Sociology from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Ruth became the Office Manager at ADP in May 2004 after holding the same position for the ELCA Bishop of Alaska. Office Managing was a career change after years in social service management for local agencies such as Alaska Children’s Services and Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC). Arriving in Alaska in 1992 through a volunteer program Ruth has dedicated her time in Alaska to non-profit organizations focused on improving the community.
Bill Pfunder
SECURITY SUPERVISOR
Bill was born and raised in Eagle River, Alaska. He is a 1996 graduate of Chugiak High School. He joined ADP May 2001 as a Community Service Patrol EMT. He chose to become a Security Ambassador in March 2006. He brings a wealth of knowledge in community relations, and likes to be in the “mix of things.” Bill is current as a certified EMT, and also held credentials in Search and Rescue.
Jeff Robinson
MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR
Jeff was born at Hunter AFB, in Savannah, Georgia. He is a 1982 Graduate from Richland Center High School, in Richland Center, Wisconsin. Jeff has spent over 30 years in Alaska both as an Air Force dependent and an active duty Air Force Member. Jeff joined ADP in May 2007, after retiring as a Technical Sergeant from the United States Air Force. Jeff served over 20 years with the Air Force and has demonstrated management and supervisory experience in the maintenance career field and he is a perfect match for his role with the Anchorage Downtown Partnership. He is active in the local community with several professional organizations. Jeff is an avid sportsman and enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.
Dominique Williams
MAINTENANCE AMBASSADOR
Dominique was born in Anchorage on Valentines’ Day 1990. He joined the Maintenance Ambassador team in May 2008 and has become very visible throughout town. We are constantly receiving feedback that Dominique is “one of the most professional and polite young man folks have ever met.” Dominique is in the process of obtaining his GED and State of Alaska Drivers’ License. He looks forward to and extended stay with ADP. In his spare time, Dominique enjoys playing football, working out and spending quality time with his family.
Patrick Harden
MAINTENANCE AMBASSADOR
Patrick (Pat) was born in Corona, California in 1955. Pat is a United States Army Veteran and has severed his country, completing tours overseas in both Viet Nam and Korea. Pat loves to travel, but really loves to cook. Pat is a culinary artist and has shared some of his favorite recipes with some of the local restaurants. Pat came to ADP in May 2008, and has brought a lot of experience and knowledge to the Maintenance Ambassadors. Pat came to Alaska in December 2003. He fell in love with the State, and hopes to continue living here as long as the work and his health hold out.
John Lasko
MAINTENANCE AMBASSADOR
John was born April 20th 1957 in Valparaiso, Indiana. John came to work with ADP in August 2008. John came to the State of Alaska on a Fly Fishing Trip and never left. He brings a wealth of experience and job knowledge to the Partnership and he really enjoys getting out and meeting new people every day. Needless to say, when John is not at work he can be found fishing or enjoying leisure time with his family and friends.
Tyson Simpson
MAINTENANCE / OFFICE AMBASSADOR
Tyson was born September 16, 1986, in Las Vegas Nevada. After spending some time in Oregon, Tyson and his family moved to Alaska in 1986. He is a graduate of Chugiak High School, class of 2005. He came to work with the Partnership in July 2005. Tyson lives on his own with his two cats; Chrissy and Spaz. Tyson knows just about all there is to know about the Transformers. If you doubt this—ask him! Tyson enjoys comic books, cartoons, computer games, and movies.
