Michele Brown

Senior Fellow

Michele Brown joined Rasmuson Foundation in April 2021 as our senior fellow focused on homelessness. Through innovative strategies and partnerships, she is helping our community ensure everyone has a home.

Michele comes with a rich background in nonprofit and government work. She retired as president of United Way of Anchorage in 2020 after 17 years of service. Under her watch, the United Way launched the statewide helpline Alaska 2-1-1 and a cold weather shelter system serving families. It enrolled more Alaskans in health insurance under the Affordable Care Act and increased permanent supportive housing with the Home for Good pilot program serving those who have been chronically homeless. Before the United Way, Brown served seven years as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation under Gov. Tony Knowles. She also served as an assistant attorney general under multiple state administrations. She was the first state attorney at the Exxon Valdez oil spill and later advised the state on response efforts. She spent 2½ years with the U.S. Embassy in Moscow developing programs to improve life in Russia.

Michele has a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and humanities from University of California Berkeley and a law degree from University of California Davis.

Among other recognitions, she has been honored with the University of Alaska Anchorage Meritorious Service Award in 2018 and the Congregation Beth Sholom Shining Lights Award in 2015