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News

August 23, 2024

Calista Education and Culture, Inc. Appoints Denise Brown-Chythlook as Executive Director

Calista Education and Culture, Inc. (CECI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Denise Brown-Chythlook as Executive Director. With a deep commitment to advancing educational and cultural initiatives, Denise brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to the role.

“Under Denise’s guidance, Calista Education and Culture will continue to grow and make a lasting impact,” says Johnnie Evan, CECI Board Chair. “She has a passion for education and knows that we encourage a strong cultural foundation to learning.”

Denise will assume the role immediately and will focus on strengthening partnerships, raising the CECI’s profile throughout the state, expanding scholarship programs, broadening the visibility of CECI’s culture preservation efforts, and ensuring CECI’s sustainability.

Denise brings 20 years of leadership experience in arts and culture education, in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Throughout her career she has specialized in outreach and increasing the visibility of organizations while ensuring long-term sustainability. She has a bachelor’s in psychology and communications and is pursuing an Executive MBA in Strategic Leadership. Denise and her husband, Gary Chythlook, and their three children have lived in Anchorage since 2003.

“Culture defines us, connects us, and nourishes us. It is the foundation of who we are,” says Denise. “I am honored to collaborate with the Board and staff by furthering CECI’s inspiring purpose of empowering Shareholders with education and promoting self-determination and cultural pride.”