William H. Harry McDonald has been named chair of the the Alaska Pacific University Board of Trustees. McDonald, who is Chief Executive Officer of Carlile Transportation Systems, is the frst APU graudate to serve as chair.  He received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Alaska Methodist University (now APU) in 1970. 

"I'm very proud of how APU has grown into Alaska's premiere private university, said McDonald. "I look forward to leading the effort to continually improve the quality of education we offer each student."

One of the first projects McDonald will lead in his new role is the search for a new president.  APU President Dr. Doug North will retire in June 2010 and the search for his replacement is already underway.

The 30 members of APU's Board of Trustees oversee the university's operations and serve as its ultimate fiduciaries through budget oversight, fund raising, strategic planning, and monitoring the univeristy's mission and bylaws.  McDonald was first elected to the board in 2002 and has served on the executive and finance committees before taking over as chair.