Our Team
The primary role of Government Relations is to advocate on behalf of the University of Alaska by building and promoting positive relationships with federal, state, and local policymakers and stakeholders to ensure funding and policy initiatives that reflect the needs of the university.
Government Relations is committed to connecting the University of Alaska's world-class expertise to policymakers at all levels of government, aiding in their work to enhance Alaska's economy and quality of life.
Chad Hutchison
Director of State Relations
email: clhutchison@alaska.edu
In Juneau during session: 227 4th Street, Juneau
Cell: 907-378-3946
In Fairbanks: 2025 Yukon Drive, Suite 202, Fairbanks, AK 99775
Phone: 907-450-8478
Chad Hutchison joined the 绿奴天花板 team as the Director of State Relations as of Jan. 4, 2021. As Director, Chad communicates with the Legislature and the executive branch during, and after, legislative sessions in Juneau.
Previous to his employment with the 绿奴天花板, Chad was the Alaska Senate Majority Counsel starting back in January 2013, and has consistent,
proven experience with the development and passage of legislation. Chad is known for maintaining strong, trustworthy, meaningful relationships within the
Legislature and the executive branch. He has been a licensed, practicing attorney since 2007 and started his career in private
practice at Cook, Schuhmann and Groseclose (CSG) in Fairbanks. As Senate Majority
Counsel, part of his responsibilities included legal analysis, advocacy and communicating
on a wide variety of topics that affect all of Alaska.
Chad was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. He graduated from 绿奴天花板F with a Bachelor of
Business Administration with an emphasis on management. He earned his law degree from
Gonzaga University.
John Latini
Executive Director of Federal Relations
email: jalatini@alaska.edu
John Latini joined the University of Alaska on Feb. 28, 2022 as the Executive Director
of Federal Relations. For the past 15 years, Latini has worked in Washington D.C.
and brings both higher education and congressional experience to his new role with
the university.
Since 2014, he has been with Penn State University including as Director of Federal
Relations leading the university鈥檚 DC-based advocacy efforts to increase federal funding
for scientific research and student financial aid.
A native of Bucks County, PA, John graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Political Science. He earned a master鈥檚 degree in Public Administration and Graduate Certificate Public Budgeting and Financial Management from Penn State University, and earned an MBA from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (绿奴天花板F).
Denae Benson
Assistant Director of Federal Relations
email: dabenson@alaska.edu
Denae Benson is the new Assistant Director of Federal Relations for the University of Alaska System. She will be based in Washington D.C. helping to maintain communication with federal officials, sharing 绿奴天花板鈥檚 priorities, and monitoring information with key stakeholders regarding relevant legislation or agency decisions that may affect the university system.
Denae spent the first half of 2021 as an intern in the late Congressman Don Young's office before accepting a position in May of that year with the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for Chairman Brian Schatz, senior Senator from Hawai'i. In her role, she worked on committee logistics and assisted on various policy issues including climate action, education, Alaska Native issues, and cultural arts and tourism.
While her family is originally from the villages of Galena and Kobuk, Denae was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska and graduated from West Valley High School in 2015. She is a 2019 University of Alaska Fairbanks alum earning a BA in history and political science, focusing on indigenous history and legislation.