Meet the leadership team
Local leadership. Shared optimism.
Our officers and directors bring different experiences to one purpose: helping Anchorage members turn care for young people into useful local action.
A locally led club
Different expertise. One responsibility to Anchorage.
The club operates autonomously, electing its own leaders and shaping programs around the needs of local youth and community.
Officers and directors steward the organization, support members, protect continuity, and keep service moving from good intention to real impact.
Let community needs guide priorities.
Give members clear direction and context.
Use time and funds with care.
Create room for others to contribute.
Current club leadership
Meet the people helping optimism move.
This roster reflects the latest club leadership changes. Individual profile pages may contain older titles.
Andre Giacalone
Andre brings experience across business, nonprofit work, photography, marketing, consulting, and web design. Outside work, he volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America across the northwestern United States, advising youth and helping develop future leaders.
Read Andre's full bioNicole Kringstad
An Optimist since 2016, Nicole serves as both a Club Director and Secretary/Treasurer. She has also held club and district leadership roles and brings experience in fundraising and youth-focused service.
Read full bioDaniel Bowen
A lifelong Alaskan and charter club member, Daniel brings local and federal government experience in ethics, incident management, mass communication, and data reporting.
Read full bioOpen board position
We’re looking for a director.
One Director position is currently open on the Optimist Club of Anchorage board.
Want to help guide local projects, support fellow volunteers, and make a difference for Anchorage youth? We welcome interested club members to reach out and learn more about the position, its responsibilities, and the selection process.
Ask about the director roleHow leadership serves
The board exists to help members do their best work.
Good governance is less about titles and more about clarity, continuity, accountability, and creating room for service to flourish.
Set direction
Keep the mission visible, organize priorities, and make sure local needs guide club activity.
Support members
Help volunteers connect their interests and skills with useful roles, projects, and leadership opportunities.
Protect continuity
Maintain records, finances, governance, and institutional knowledge so the club can keep growing responsibly.
Leadership questions
Curious about how the club is led?
Contact the board with a governance or leadership question.
Send a questionWho currently leads the club?
Andre Giacalone serves as President. Nicole Kringstad is a Director and serves as Secretary/Treasurer, and Daniel Bowen serves as a Director. One additional Director position is open.
Why do some profile pages show different titles?
Individual biography pages may retain titles from an earlier term. The leadership roles displayed on this page reflect the club’s latest updates.
Are director terms staggered?
Yes. Director terms are staggered to help preserve continuity as leadership changes. The currently filled Director positions are listed above, and there is one open Director position.
Can members pursue leadership?
Members can develop and demonstrate leadership through club service. Contact the board to ask about officer, director, committee, or project leadership opportunities.
How can I contact the board?
Email secretary@anchorageoptimists.org with your question or use the site's Contact page. The club is volunteer-run and will respond as soon as possible.
Leadership begins with showing up