Posted on November 10, 2007

2008 Rasmuson Foundation Sabbatical Winners Announced

In recognition of their service to Alaskans, the Anchorage-based Rasmuson Foundation has rewarded five nonprofit leaders in the state with an extended paid leave through the Rasmuson Foundation Sabbatical Program.

The program is designed to provide CEOs of health and human service organizations in the state time away from the office to be used for personal growth and renewal. The awardees are Cook Inlet Tribal Council president and CEO Gloria O'Neill; LeeShore Center executive director Cheri Smith; Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association executive director Trevor Storrs; Kenai Peninsula Food Bank executive director Linda Swarner; and Child Care Connection CEO Candace Winkler.

"These nonprofit executives work long hours in stressful environments," said Rasmuson Foundation president Diane Kaplan. "Because of this, Alaska is at risk of losing these talented nonprofit leaders. Sabbaticals offer a chance to relax, to plan for the future of their organization, to spend quality time with loved ones."