TJ Presley joined ARA as Director of Government Affairs in July 2023, bringing more than a decade of public service and dedication to Alaska issues to the organization. He served in the Alaska Legislature for ten years, starting out as an intern with the University of Alaska Anchorage Legislative Internship program.
Throughout his legislative career, TJ served in both chambers and for several legislators in leadership positions, including as an aide to Senate Minority Leader Berta Gardner and Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon. TJ also served as an advisor at the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas; as the Deputy Director of the Alaska Redistricting Board; and as Campaign Manager for Bill Walker’s 2022 gubernatorial campaign. In addition, he worked as a strategic advisor to the Alaska Federation of Natives Navigator Program and as a congressional affairs liaison for the US Department of Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
TJ holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and an MBA in Finance from Alaska Pacific University.
Based in Washington, D.C., TJ is responsible for leading ARA’s policy efforts and engaging with and educating federal policymakers about issues that affect the 12 Alaska Native regional corporations.