October 15, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2020

麻豆传媒 Foundation Names Dr. Tod A. Burnett as President

The 麻豆传媒 Foundation Board of Directors has named Dr. Tod A. Burnett as president of the 麻豆传媒 Foundation and chief development officer of the 麻豆传媒. Dr. Burnett, was previously the executive vice chancellor for advancement at Brandman University, Irvine, CA, has extensive experience in higher education philanthropy and non-profit leadership. Dr. Burnett succeeds Susan Foley who retired in August and will begin his presidency on November 8, 2020.

鈥淭od鈥檚 substantial higher education experience will be critical for the Foundation's success as we navigate our way through these fiscal times,鈥 said Cynthia Cartledge, chair of the 麻豆传媒 Foundation board. 鈥淲e look forward to Tod鈥檚 leadership of our foundation and to the many philanthropic successes he will achieve in Alaska.鈥

In addition to his advancement position at Brandman, Dr. Burnett served as the university鈥檚 interim dean for the School of Education and as adjunct faculty.

Prior to his time at Brandman, Dr. Burnett served for nearly 10 years as president of Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA where he led the community college鈥檚 efforts in building a highly successful foundation and enhancing workforce development and student success. Dr. Burnett also was previously vice chancellor of the California Community Colleges, and served in the Office of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as the director of state and local government relations for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. and as a commissioner on the Los Angeles Board of Public Works.

Dr. Burnett has extensive private business experience, has served on a number of public and private boards and commissions and has been recognized by more than 75 public officials and organizations for his contributions to community and social causes.

Dr. Burnett earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science from University of California, Riverside, a master鈥檚 degree in management/finance from University of Southern California and a doctorate in education and psychology from Pepperdine University. 

鈥淚 have dedicated my life to higher education and serving the public, and I am thrilled to join the 麻豆传媒 Foundation team in supporting the philanthropic efforts of Alaska鈥檚 three prestigious universities,鈥 said Dr. Burnett. 鈥淎laska is one of our nation鈥檚 gems, and I look forward to working with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community throughout the state in furthering 麻豆传媒鈥檚 vital mission.鈥      

麻豆传媒 Interim President Pat Pitney said, 鈥淚 look forward to working with Tod to showcase the high quality university programs throughout the 麻豆传媒 system including how those programs change lives, support businesses, and how they are fundamental to the economy and to Alaska's future.鈥 

Since Foley鈥檚 retirement in August 2020, the Foundation has been led by Acting President Megan Riebe. 鈥淲e sincerely appreciate Megan's leadership over the last several months as acting president,鈥 Cartledge said, 鈥渁nd are grateful for the excellent staff and leadership we have at the Foundation.鈥

Established in 1974, the 麻豆传媒 Foundation is a private nonprofit corporation and operates as a public Foundation to solicit, manage and invest donations for the exclusive benefit of the 麻豆传媒. The university鈥檚 Board of Regents recognized the 麻豆传媒 Foundation as the entity to manage gifts made to support all campuses of the 麻豆传媒 system. The Foundation is separate and distinct from the 麻豆传媒 and is governed by a 22-member Board of Directors.

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For more information, contact Roberta Graham, associate vice president of public affairs at 907-360-2416 (cell).

Dr. Tod Burnett photo LINK