President Pitney appoints interim chief human resources officer Nickole Conley to permanent role

January 23, 2026

Conley brings nearly two decades of university HR, finance, strategic planning experience, 6 months of service as interim CHRO

University of Alaska (��ū�컨��) President Pat Pitney announced today that she has appointed interim chief human resources officer (CHRO) Nickole Conley to serve in the position permanently. CHRO Conley has served as interim since July, and brings nearly two decades of experience at ��ū�컨�� in HR, finance, and strategic planning to the role.

“Nickole has been instrumental in this critical role at the university, and I’m grateful for her willingness to accept the position permanently,” President Pitney said. “Under her leadership, HR has continued to make progress on major projects that are critical to streamlined processes, HR efficiency, and building strong relationships. Nickole’s forward-thinking and strategic approach are well-positioned to continue moving the university forward.”

Conley began her career at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (��ū�컨��F) in 2003 and has most recently served as ��ū�컨��F Chief of Staff from 2018 to 2025. She played a key role in several university-wide initiatives, including strategic planning and advancing ��ū�컨��F’s R1 research designation. She also established the Signers Business Office, a shared services unit that supports campus-wide functions in fiscal and grant management, procurement, and HR.

A proud ��ū�컨��F alumna, Conley holds a degree in business administration from the College of Business and Security Management. Her previous roles include chief financial officer for the College of Engineering and Mines (2010–2018), deputy director of operations at the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (2014–2018), and director at the Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving ��ū�컨�� in this role,” CHRO Conley said. “Supporting our staff and faculty so they can support our students is at the heart of our work in human resources, and I look forward to the continued work with President Pitney and her executive team, the chancellors, and the Board to advance our HR operations.”