Board of Directors

ric nelson, president

Ric Nelson is currently the Board President of Access Alaska, where he brings over two decades of lived experience, leadership, and advocacy for people with disabilities. Born with cerebral palsy, Ric has built his career on breaking barriers and challenging systems that exclude disabled people from leadership and decision-making.

He currently serves as the Executive Director of Peer Power Alaska, the state’s only self-advocacy nonprofit led by and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ric is also the author of the bestselling memoir Unstoppable: The Ric Nelson Story and the forthcoming book Unchained Leadership: The Disability Revolution You Didn’t See Coming.

Ric holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and an Associate degree in Small Business Management. His leadership and advocacy have been recognized nationally, including being named one of Alaska’s Top 40 Under 40 and receiving the Personal Achievement Award from the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE).

Through his work at Access Alaska, Ric is committed to advancing independence, inclusion, and equity for Alaskans with disabilities, ensuring that community members not only have access to services but also real power in shaping the systems that affect their lives.

Lori Rogers, Vice President

“I am extremely passionate about advocating for people who experience disabilities to have the right to live independently in the community of their choice.  Barriers that hinder access need to be removed.  From upkeep of snow removal on sidewalks to lack of assistive technology.  ALL people should have access to their community and the world around them.”

Lori’s experience has mainly been in the non-profit sector.  Lori operated a Board of Directors consulting business for ten years and had the opportunity to work for many different Boards.  Lori also served as Executive Director for the Hilo Medical Center Foundation for ten years and was key in starting and establishing the first Medical Residency Training Program on Hawaii island.  “Due to lack of Medical Doctors, this program was crucial to the island to help train and retain Physicians.”  Lori currently works for the State of Alaska.

“I have always found fulfilling work through involvement in the community I live in.”  In her free time, Lori enjoys painting as well as fishing and hunting with her family and friends.

Art Delaune, Treasurer

I am the parent of 5 children, 2 of which have been diagnosed with FASD. I have lived in Fairbanks for 50 years and am currently twice retired; once from Lynden Transport after 25 years of service and also from Access Alaska, where I worked for 10 years. Since I retired, I have volunteered as an advocate working to assist individuals with developmental disabilities and have also been working as an advocate for senior citizens.

My work at Access Alaska began in 2007; first as an Information and Referral Specialist and later as the Independent Living Services Supervisor. At Access Alaska I assisted people with disabilities and seniors to live independently in our community. I also am a certified Medicare counselor and certified Community Work Incentive Counselor.

Some of my current volunteer work is: a member of the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education, a board member for Access Alaska, a board member for the Fairbanks Senior Center and a board member for Peer Power.

I am a member of WallBusters, a grassroots advocacy group comprised of people with disabilities that advocate for system change in our Fairbanks community. I am most proud of their successful advocacies to removing barriers in transportation, voting, education and access to public facilities like the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds. They were instrumental in Passing HB16 in 2018; a bill that mandated training police officers to better interact with people experiencing hidden disabilities.

Garrett Dominick, Secretary

Garrett Dominick is a communications strategist, disability advocate, and operations leader who brings both lived experience and bold vision to the heart of Alaska’s independent living movement. Born with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Garrett has spent over a decade turning barriers into blueprints—helping organizations grow with purpose, clarity, and community at the center.

As Board Secretary for Access Alaska, Garrett plays a significant role in guiding strategic planning, strengthening board operations, and driving long-term organizational growth. His leadership ensures that governance reflects the values of equity, transparency, and empowerment, while supporting the board’s effectiveness and mission alignment.

Garrett also serves as Communications Director for Peer Power of Alaska, where he leads statewide branding, public engagement, and event strategy for a disability-led nonprofit focused on pride, equity, and systems change. He is the founder of AK Nordic Outreach, a Soldotna-based LLC marketing consultancy that helps businesses and organizations build inclusive brands, manage websites, develop social media strategy, and connect meaningfully with community resources.

With a career that spans direct support, nonprofit marketing, and policy reform—including roles at Riverquest Group Home and Frontier Community Services—Garrett is known for his emotionally resonant storytelling, collaborative leadership style, and unwavering commitment to disability rights. Whether guiding board operations or amplifying community voices, he brings creativity, strategy, and lived insight to every table he joins.

Laronsia “Ronnie” Reynolds, member

Laronsia “Ronnie” Reynolds is a Florida native, and relocated to Anchorage, AK 1982. Ronnie attended Alaska Pacific University – where received the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Development and Masters in Counseling Psychology. Ronnie’s credentials include being a Licensed Professional Counselor/Supervisor and Chemical Dependence Certification I. Currently Ronnie is working in group practice providing outpatient therapy and clinical contract work for a mental health/developmental disabilities organization. Ronnie’s past experiences include 30+ years in the non-profit sector performing various roles in direct services and management within community health agencies. Ronnie has extensive experience working with children and adults with varying abilities, diagnosis, and challenging behaviors. This includes working successfully with those experiencing symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, transitions, Dementia, serious mental illness, severe emotional disturbances, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Adapting therapeutic treatment strategies and approaches, being open-minded, and flexible has been key in my work.” Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology techniques are the core of Ronnie’s orientation in therapy. “My faith and spirituality are very important and instrumental in allowing me to do the work to help others. I believe there is nothing like doing work you are passionate about…….it makes it enjoyable and more than just a job.”