Executive Team

Alison Kear
Chief Executive Officer
Alison has called Alaska home for more than 30 years, moving here in 1994. Soon after, she began her work with Covenant House Alaska (CHA), supporting at-risk youth with dedication and compassion.
Every young person deserves someone in their corner, believing in them until they can believe in themselves.
In 2010, during the height of the recession, Alison led a successful capital campaign to fund the construction of a new building and youth center for CHA. The effort drew support from across the country and showcased her courage, conviction, and leadership. Two years later, in 2012, she was named Executive Director, bringing nearly two decades of experience with the organization to the role.
Alison’s education includes studies in Florida and Texas, as well as a Master’s degree from Alaska Pacific University, earned in 2012. Beyond her work at CHA, she has given her time and energy to Special Olympics Alaska, Soroptimist International of Cook Inlet, the Alzheimer’s Association, breast cancer fundraising, and YWCA Alaska.
She is known for her ability to connect with people and motivate those around her, often with a 30-second dance party to celebrate good news. When she is not at work, Alison enjoys spending time with her best friend, a devoted Goldendoodle named Charlie.

Kirsten Kolb
Chief Operating Officer
Kirsten holds master’s degrees in Health Administration and Public Relations, combining strong communication skills with systems thinking to achieve mission-driven results. She also served ten years in the military before beginning her career in healthcare.
Health and hope are closely linked, and our work makes both possible.
Today, she brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the healthcare sector, including her work with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, where she guided strategic planning, performance measurement, and the development of statewide networks.

Laura Davis
Chief Finance Officer
Laura Davis first joined Covenant House Alaska (CHA) in the late 1990s as an on-call Youth Worker while completing her degree at the University of Alaska Anchorage. That early, hands-on experience gave her a lasting connection to the organization’s mission and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the youth CHA serves.
I’ve stood at the shelter door to welcome youth in, and now I work to make sure we’ll always be here to open it.
In the years that followed, Laura built a career in senior-level financial roles across government and nonprofit sectors, gaining more than two decades of experience in managing budgets, finance, and accounting. She developed a strong track record in building effective teams, using data to guide strategic initiatives, and ensuring the long-term financial stability of mission-driven organizations.
Laura returned to CHA in 2024 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing both her professional expertise and her personal commitment to the role. Her work focuses on safeguarding CHA’s resources while positioning the organization for growth and sustainability.
Outside of work, Laura coaches a 10U girls hockey team (Go Comets!), enjoys time with her two adult children, and hikes the Chugach Range with friends.

Heidi Huppert
Chief Program Officer
Heidi was raised in Anchorage, attended West High School, and studied social work at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She began her career with Covenant House Alaska (CHA) more than 20 years ago as a Peer Outreach Worker, witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by young people living on the streets without appropriate interventions.
I’ve seen how much difference a safe place can make, and I want everyone to feel that here.
Her devotion to CHA’s mission comes from her own lived experience, which she channels into advocacy, education, and support for both youth and staff. She founded the Homeless to Heroes group within CHA to provide a community of support for staff who have experienced homelessness themselves.
Over the years, Heidi has become a respected Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Anti-Trafficking educator, working closely with survivors of trafficking and with law enforcement. She has contributed to numerous works on “Leading with Lived Experience” and best practices for working with youth experiencing homelessness.
Outside of work, Heidi enjoys creating art in her studio, often with one of her giant dogs curled at her feet. She also loves to travel light, backpack in tow, seeking adventures around the world with little to no itinerary.

Joseph Hemphill
Chief Development & External Affairs Officer
Joseph Hemphill’s connection to Covenant House Alaska (CHA) began more than 20 years ago, when he worked for two years at the original CHA shelter on 6th Street. That experience sparked his lifelong passion to end youth homelessness.
I want every supporter to know the real impact of their generosity, because it’s written in the lives of the youth we see and serve everyday.
Before returning to CHA as Chief Development Officer in 2017, Joe spent nearly two decades in executive leadership roles in the healthcare industry, focusing on sales development and marketing. His experience includes work with the international pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, as well as serving as a healthcare business development consultant and consumer protection advocate.
Originally from Arkansas, Joe earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Communications from Loyola University New Orleans and studied at La Iberoamericana in Mexico City. He speaks fluent Spanish and brings a global perspective to his work. Joe has trekked through Central American jungles and Maya ruins, volunteered on a farm in Hawaii and at an animal shelter in Mexico, and taught English to children in Mexico City.
In his free time, Joe enjoys traveling, playing board games, exploring Alaska, and spending time with his children. He brings a “never say no” approach to life and is always happy to meet with donors to share how their gifts help youth at CHA grow into the best version of themselves.

Jason Hahn
Chief Grants & Strategy Officer
Jason first started working at Covenant House Alaska in 2000 as an on-call worker, and has worked in various programs as capacities over the years, including Chief Program Officer and Chief Operating Officer. He has extensive experience in developing innovative new programs that address youth homelessness. Over the last 15 years, Jason also has volunteered and served on the Board of the Alaska Health Project South Sudan, where he has helped implement clean water and agriculture projects.
I’ve seen the power of relationships to create lasting change in young people, and that is the heart of what we do.
A lifelong Alaskan, Jason graduated from UAA with a B.S. and M.P.H. When not hiking, biking and snowboarding in Alaska, he loves to travel and experience the world, and has visited over 50 countries, with his favorite ones having the finest sand beaches and spiciest dishes.





