Christopher Ryan Natynski, J.D.

Chris Natynski is an experienced advancement professional currently serving as the Executive Director of Advancement at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), a position he began in 2024. 

In his role at UAS, Chris has demonstrated a talent for building strong relationships, both within the advancement team and across the university’s leadership, faculty, and alumni. He has spearheaded a revitalization of the university's alumni relations strategy, shifting the focus from traditional events to more impactful communications, such as a new online publication and social media outreach targeting recent alumni. His commitment to enhancing data services and fostering leadership development has resulted in a more efficient and collaborative advancement department.

Before his tenure at UAS, Chris served in senior advancement roles at several prestigious institutions. As Senior Director of Development at the University of Connecticut Foundation, he led a team within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), managing a portfolio of prospects and collaborating closely with the Dean and department heads to meet fundraising needs. He has also had a significant impact at the University of Colorado Boulder, where as Director of Development for the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA), he cultivated relationships that contributed to over $4.5 million in major and planned gifts.

Chris’s extensive experience in fundraising includes previous positions with the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) where he made remarkable strides in donor relations, increasing funds raised by over 148% in his final year. He built strong relationships with alumni and donors, secured major gifts, and played a key role in supporting the Dean and faculty on strategic development efforts.

Before transitioning into higher education advancement, Chris practiced law for five years, working as an Associate Attorney at Klein Law Office in Madison, Wisconsin. During this time, he managed a diverse client portfolio, offering legal services in areas such as estate planning, business contracts, and bankruptcy.

Beyond his professional roles, Chris is dedicated to volunteerism. He has served on the Board of Directors for Holistic Homestead in Black Hawk, Colorado, and has volunteered extensively with organizations like the Ronald McDonald House in Madison, Wisconsin. He has also mentored fundraising professionals and provided pro bono legal services in estate planning.

Chris holds a Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science & Legal Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His commitment to professional development is evident through continued education, including training in donor development, confronting bias, and planned giving.

With a career marked by leadership, relationship-building, and a strong passion for philanthropy, Chris Natynski continues to make significant contributions to the institutions he serves and the communities he is a part of.

Based in Juneau, Alaska, Chris resides with his wife and their 5-year-old daughter.