With over 25 years of progressive leadership experience, TJ Alinen is a proven senior executive in human resources and organizational management, whose expertise spans publicly traded companies, financial institutions, government entities, and complex business operations. Known for his integrity, collaborative mindset, and strategic influence, TJ has successfully navigated change, led transformations, and built high-performing HR functions that align with enterprise goals and evolving workforce needs.
As Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Northrim Bank, TJ serves on the senior leadership team of Alaska’s only publicly traded financial institution. With assets exceeding $3 billion, Northrim Bank relies on TJ’s vision to guide all HR and corporate training functions. He leads a team of professionals dedicated to creating best-in-class systems across talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and leadership development. Under his guidance, the bank launched the Northrim Management Academy and a commercial banker development program that enhance leadership capacity and support long-term succession planning.
Prior to Northrim, TJ served as Vice President of Human Resources for Calista Corporation, one of Alaska’s largest Alaska Native Corporations. With over 3,500 employees across 15+ states and $750M+ in annual revenue, Calista’s operations demanded both agility and cultural alignment. TJ oversaw a wide spectrum of HR functions while leading high-impact initiatives, including a systemwide HR overhaul, the implementation of a new HRIS system, and a major health plan redesign that reduced costs by over $1 million. He also contributed to M&A strategy by serving on the executive due diligence committee.
TJ’s tenure at Nuvision Credit Union (formerly Denali Federal Credit Union) solidified his reputation as a transformational leader. Over six years, he oversaw HR for a multi-state financial cooperative and played a key role in the merger that created a $1.5B institution. His leadership contributed to a sustained 10% reduction in turnover and the implementation of critical systems like ADP Workforce Now.
His early career with the City of Sierra Vista laid a strong foundation in both HR and finance. Over a decade, TJ advanced from Payroll/Benefits Coordinator to HR Analyst II, where he managed compensation planning, employee benefit programs, and large-scale onboarding and classification projects. This municipal experience honed his financial acumen, budgeting skills, and policy-writing abilities—capabilities that have consistently supported his success in the private sector.
A hallmark of TJ’s leadership is his dedication to executive compensation and governance. He has developed and presented executive compensation programs to boards of directors, integrating complex components such as stock options, deferred compensation, profit-sharing, and employment agreements. His ability to translate regulatory requirements and market data into board-level strategy reflects his high-level business acumen and communication finesse.
TJ’s thought leadership extends beyond the workplace. He has spoken at numerous HR conferences on topics such as employee retention and organizational culture, earning recognition for his practical insights and engaging delivery. As a long-standing member of SHRM, a certified SPHR and SHRM-SCP, and former Professional Development Director for the Alaska State SHRM Council, he has mentored countless HR professionals throughout his career.
A committed Rotarian, TJ actively supports the Anchorage Rotary Club and previously served as Club President and Treasurer for the Sierra Vista South Rotary Club. His civic involvement reflects his values of service, community, and ethical leadership. He also volunteers with the Z.J. Loussac Public Library, helping connect people to resources that support economic empowerment.
TJ holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University. He is a lifelong learner with advanced proficiency in HR technology platforms such as ADP Workforce Now, Deltek Talent, and Microsoft Office Suite. Whether navigating M&A, driving digital transformation, or developing the next generation of leaders, he brings unmatched depth of experience and insight.
Away from the boardroom, TJ enjoys traveling and restoring classic cars. He’s the proud owner of a Maine Coon cat and an English Bulldog, and a devoted family man. His personal and professional life reflect the same core principles: dedication, resilience, humility, and a drive to lift others up.
Character:
TJ leads with authenticity and heart, driven by a deep respect for people and their potential. His values-based leadership style fosters trust, accountability, and unity among cross-functional teams.
Knowledge:
With 25+ years in HR, compensation, and finance, TJ brings a wealth of experience in both operational and strategic capacities. His ability to connect the dots across industries and business models makes him a go-to advisor for executive teams and boards.
Strategic:
TJ has successfully led multi-million-dollar HR initiatives and complex organizational restructures. His strategic mindset enables him to anticipate market shifts, navigate risk, and align people strategy with business performance.
Communication:
An engaging public speaker and boardroom communicator, TJ excels at breaking down complex issues for diverse audiences. His presentations and reports are data-driven, persuasive, and always aligned with organizational goals.
