Former Kenai City Manager Paul Ostrander has been appointed to the Rasmuson Foundation Board of Directors, filling a seat vacated by former Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Mike Navarre.

A Wednesday release from the foundation says that Ostrander is appointed for a three-year term, bringing a background in public administration and private enterprise. He also formerly served as Navarre’s chief of staff during Navarre’s time as borough mayor.

“Paul is an exceptional addition to our board,” says Adam Gibbons, board chair, in the release. “His leadership and commitment to serving Alaska communities will strengthen our efforts to address key issues across the state. He brings a valued set of experiences to the board, and we look forward to collaborating with him.”

Navarre served on the board for seven years, the release says.

The Rasmuson Foundation in 2023 awarded $1.1 million in grant funding on the Kenai Peninsula, per another release published in August.

Previous Clarion reporting says that they provided a $450,000 award to the City of Soldotna for the Soldotna Field House, $200,000 to Love INC of the Kenai Peninsula for improvements to the Nikiski Shelter of Hope and $120,000 to Kenai Peninsula Housing Initiatives for a housing development for independent seniors. They also provided bridge loan funding to the construction of the new Triumvirate Theatre and awarded funds to the Kenai Art Center for remodel of their gallery space.

For more information, find “Rasmuson Foundation” on Facebook.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.