This summer, President and CEO Diane Kaplan marked 25 years with Rasmuson Foundation. We couldn’t have the party we hoped for, but in true Diane fashion we are celebrating with a beloved Foundation song that we rehearsed, not too much, and remixed, just a little. And we couldn’t stop there.
Whatever you are doing today, take a break to enjoy a musical video tribute to our leader. It’s a nod to Diane’s favorite place on Earth, Silver Salmon Creek across Cook Inlet.
Without further ado:
And for all that silliness, real work happens at Silver Salmon Creek. Every August, Diane brings partners, nonprofit leaders and staff to the fish camp there to unplug from technology, connect with each other and immerse in deep conversations in a way that’s hard to do back at home. That’s just how she rolls and always has.
Topping it off, the Rasmuson Foundation board surprised Diane with a special gift. And they tapped into their creative energy to announce it! See if you can decipher the surprise by watching the board’s video:
Diane started at the Foundation in 1995 as the very first employee and for years, she was the only one on staff. Now she leads a team of 26. When she started, the Foundation gave away few hundred thousand dollars in grant awards a year. Now it’s $20 million to $30 million. Learn more about how Diane turned a job that didn’t even exist into one with lasting and far-reaching impact in her annual message to Alaska.
Most of all, join us in thanking Diane for her commitment, vision and energy. She sets a high bar, demands the most of staff, pushes for new initiatives that always go above and beyond the last big thing. She truly lives the Foundation’s mission of promoting a better life for Alaskans.
7 Comments
Posted by steve moore
diane congrats and way to go, cannot wait to hear of the adventure you come up with… i have an idea of who some of your co-conspirators will be!
italian food and wine will certainly be involved…. as will fishing!
rock on!
steve
Posted by Charlene
What a perfect tribute to you for all you have done for Alaska. Thank you.
Posted by Jeff Cook
Congratulations on 25 years, Diane. Well played and well done. You deserve the sabbatical. It has been my pleasure to know you and count you as a friend for many years. And it was a special honor and privilege to serve as a Rasmuson Foundation board member for 7 years and to work closely with you, the staff and the other board members. You and the Rasmuson Foundation are and have been making a positive difference in the lives of so many Alaskans and have helped make our State and communities better because of all you do. Thank you!
Posted by RODGER A PAINTER
Congrats Diane. I love your posts. A fan.
Posted by saralyn tabachnick
Congratulations and Mazel Tov to you, Diane! What a wonderful testimony from your staff and board. I’m so happy they are celebrating your 25 years in such fine fashion. I’m betting you are the person who has been to more places in Alaska than any other, and all in service to Alaskans. Thank you! Here’s to 25 more! PS- If you need any sabbatical tips, I’m happy to help. 🙂
Posted by David Kuiper
Congratulations, Diane! You are a true difference maker for good in our community, state and world! Enjoy your sabbatical!!!
Posted by Melanie Bahnke
Those two videos are an awesome tribute to an awesome woman. Diane, thank you for your 25 years of service to the Rasmuson Foundation and to the state of Alaska. Your work has made an impact in every corner of our state. I’m so glad you are going to be able to take some time off to reflect and rejuvinate. You are a blessing!