June 27, 2000  NR 17-2000

An Alaska businessman with extensive banking, investment and real estate experience has been named vice president for finance of the University of Alaska statewide system.

University President Mark R. Hamilton announced today that Joseph M. Beedle, who has been president and chief executive officer of Goldbelt, Inc., in Juneau for the past six years, will assume his new position in Fairbanks on August 1, 2000.

"Joe Beedle has a wealth of experience that will serve the university well," Hamilton said. "He's also a graduate of UAF, has been an adjunct faculty member, serves on the Board of Trustees of the University Foundation and is active in alumni affairs. I'm very pleased that he's joining the university as a member of the systemwide management team."

Beedle, whose salary will be $140,000 annually, will administer the university's annual authorized budget of more than $500 million.

At Goldbelt, Beedle led planning efforts and implemented strategic plans that accomplished a 155% increase in the corporation's assets, a 46% increase in equity capital, growth in employment, creation of 18 subsidiary operations and development plans for more than 32,000 acres of real estate.

Prior to joining Goldbelt, Beedle was executive vice president and chief credit officer for Key Bank of Alaska, and had earlier banking experience with First Bank in Ketchikan and the National Bank of Alaska.

As an adjunct professor for the university in Kenai, Anchorage, Kodiak, Ketchikan and Fairbanks, Beedle taught business courses in analyzing financial statements, personal investing and business planning.

Currently, Beedle serves on the boards of the Alaska Committee, the University of Alaska Foundation, and the Small Business Development Center. He¥s a member of the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame selection committee and an associate member of Commonwealth North. He has also been a member of both the UAF and the UAS Chancellor's Advisory Committees, and is active in the Alumni Association.

Beedle received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree with emphasis on finance from UAF in 1975, and also attended the Pacific Coast Banking School for a three-year post graduate banking certification program at the University of Washington Graduate School of Business.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Bob Miller, 907-474-6311