Mayor Suzanne LaFrance today announced the appointments of two key executives, strengthening the Municipality of Anchorage’s leadership in public communications and child care and early education initiatives.

Nora Morse will join the administration as Communications Director starting Jan. 20. Morse brings to the position more than 11 years of experience in public communications, campaign management, and government affairs in Alaska. Most recently, Morse served as Communications Director for NEA-Alaska.

Her appointment marks a return to the Municipality, where she previously served as a Press Assistant to former Mayor Ethan Berkowitz and as Deputy Communications Director for the Anchorage Police Department.  

Christina Hulquist has been appointed Executive Director of the Anchorage Child Care and Early Education (ACCEE) Fund. Hulquist, who began in the role on Dec. 29, has more than two decades of experience in early childhood systems, including government administration, program development, and direct child care operations. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership, deep knowledge of statewide early childhood strategy, and ability to guide complex initiatives.

Hulquist will work alongside Interim Executive Director Austin Quinn-Davidson, who is continuing through April to ensure a seamless leadership transition for the fund. Quinn-Davidson played a key role in establishing the ACCEE Fund and guiding its early implementation.

“I am proud to welcome Nora and Christina to the team. Their combined decades of experience and dedication to Anchorage will help us move our community forward,” said Mayor LaFrance. “I also want to thank Austin Quinn-Davidson for her instrumental efforts in getting the ACCEE Fund off the ground."

The ACCEE Fund was approved by voters in 2023, dedicating the Municipality’s cannabis tax dollars to local child care solutions. This fund provides about $5 million each year to support early childhood education and child care access.

The nine-member ACCEE Fund Board advises the Mayor and Assembly and presents an annual proposed budget. Per the fund’s charter, the Executive Director is appointed by the Board in consultation with the Mayor.