The primary role of Government Relations is to advocate on behalf of the University of Alaska by building and promoting positive relationships with federal, state, and local policymakers and stakeholders to ensure funding and policy initiatives that reflect the needs of the university.
Government Relations is committed to connecting the University of Alaska's world-class expertise to policymakers at all levels of government, aiding in their work to enhance Alaska's economy and quality of life.
Chad Hutchison
Director of State Relations
email: clhutchison@alaska.edu
In Juneau during session: 227 4th Street, Juneau
Phone: 907-463-3086
In Anchorage: 1815 Bragaw Street, Suite 209B, Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone: 907-786-1689
Chad Hutchison will join the UA team as the Director of State Relations as of Jan. 4. Chad has been the Alaska Senate Majority Counsel since January 2013, and has consistent,
proven experience with the development and passage of legislation. Chad is known for maintaining strong, trustworthy, meaningful relationships within the
Legislature and the executive branch. He has been a licensed, practicing attorney since 2007 and started his career in private
practice at Cook, Schuhmann and Groseclose (CSG) in Fairbanks. As Senate Majority
Counsel, part of his responsibilities included legal analysis, advocacy and communicating
on a wide variety of topics that affect all of Alaska.
Chad was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. He graduated from UAF with a Bachelor of
Business Administration with an emphasis on management. He earned his law degree from
Gonzaga University.
Dustin Bryant
Director of Federal Relations
email: dustin.bryant@alaska.edu
Dustin Bryant is the Director of Federal Relations based in Washington, D.C. In this
role, Dustin serves as UA’s principal federal liaison, working to advance the university’s
strategic priorities within Congress, the Executive, and federal agencies. He advocates
for research, education, and training programs, and for higher-education policies
that will benefit the university, our students and Alaska. Prior to joining UA, he
served as Assistant Director of Federal Relations for the Texas A&M's University System
representing A&M’s eleven campuses and seven state agencies in DC. Previously, Dustin
was DC Representative for the Texas A&M Research Foundation and spent several years
with lobbying firm Meyers & Associates. He started his career with Congressman Rubén
Hinojosa of Texas. He received his B.S. in Agriculture from Texas A&M in 2004.
Weston Eiler
Government Relations Manager
еmail: weiler@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-463-3086
Weston Eiler helps direct UA’s state government relations. Weston joined the university’s team after working for the Alaska State Legislature for nine years. His background includes overseeing the Capital Budget for the Senate Finance Committee and managing legislation for the Labor & Commerce Committee. Prior to working in government and higher education, Weston directed small-ship cruises in Alaska and the North Pacific. A lifelong Alaskan, Weston is an alumni of Willamette University.