Business Leader of the Year

Overview

Tracy Vanairsdale has been announced the 2024 ÎÞÂëÂÒÂ× Business Leader of the Year! Tracy is the president/principal of Bettisworth North Architects and Planners Inc. and manages the Fairbanks office. Vanairsdale received numerous letters of support from employees, colleagues, volunteer partners and past award recipients.

 
 

 
The College of Business and Security Management has been honoring business leaders since 1977. Recipients of the award are selected by a committee of ÎÞÂëÂÒÂ× College of Business and Security Management students, faculty, advisory board members and former recipients based on merits of leadership, business accomplishments, community involvement and educational support.

 

Student Involvement

This event is unique because students play a major role in the planning and attendance. Student committees include: Co-chairs, Decorations, Door Prizes, Raffle Ticket Sales, Marketing, and Volunteer Management.

Meet our BLOY Co-Chairs

Marcelo Ketzler-Lopez
Marcelo Ketzler-Lopez

Marcelo is a standout student in Business Administration and Accounting. He is a member of student organizations Great Alaskan Accounting People (GAAP) and Native Alaskan Business Leaders (NABL), as well as a student assistant for the CBSM dean's office. In 2024, he traveled with NABL to Las Vegas where they won first place in a pitch contest at American Indigenous Business Leader's (AIBL) National Business and Leadership Student Conference. Marcelo was also hired as an intern for KPMG in Anchorage and selected as a mentee for AIBL's 2024 Mentor Program.

Ivana Lorena Smith
Ivana Lorena Smith

Ivana has been a top student in Homeland Security and Emergency Management as well as Cadet 1st sergeant, Color Guard Captain and Cadet Club president. She is a previous BLOY volunteer and was an emcee for the 2024 ÎÞÂëÂÒÂ× Arctic Innovation Competition, a national idea contest hosted by CBSM. Ivana was also inducted into a prestigious honor society, Order of Sword and Shield this spring. After graduating with her bachelor's degree, she is planning to continue through graduate school in the MBA program.

  Fun Fact
In its history, the award has been awarded to three couples, two brothers, and three father and sons!

 

Ticket sales for this event benefit CBSM student organizations and scholarships. You can always make a donation to the College of Business and Security Management.

For questions about tickets, contact Mary Poe at 907-474-6518 or mepoe@alaska.edu. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Tammy Tragis-McCook at 907-474-7042 or tjtragismccook@alaska.edu.