Our Leadership

Ian Laing

executive director

Ian’s career has been dedicated to making Alaska a better place for all. Born and raised in Homer Alaska, he has served in various roles for the state legislature, Governor’s administration and as a private consultant. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and has been the Institute of the North’s Executive Director since 2018. Ian currently serves on the board of the Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP), and formerly on the boards of Alaska Common Ground and the ACLU Alaska. He is a founding member of the civic action group, Our Alaska. In his freetime, he enjoys the doors, reading and woodworking.

Wendy Battino

arctic program manager

Wendy seeks to support people and organizations to thrive by engaging people in conversations to further their goals. Her work began and grew here, in Alaska, working in all regions and fostering valuable and thoughtful partnerships. Wendy co-founded and served as Executive Director for the Re-Inventing Schools Coalition (RISC), and later THRIVE NATION, giving Wendy state, national, and global experience, and the opportunity to develop diverse workforces. She blends her knowledge as an Author, Teacher, Coach, Archaeologist, Founder, Executive Director, and Adventurer into her work. Wendy embarks on and lead others in Arctic explorations by dog team and snowshoe.