Get to know your city councilman
Meet John
Early Days
John Ringstad is a 3rd generation Alaskan who was born and raised in Fairbanks. Growing up in a large family and spending summers working on the family mine, he learned the importance of hard work and investing in what you care about. He has spent his lifetime fighting for the rights of Alaskans and supporting the local economy.
He attended Monroe and then went on to graduate from the University of Alaska, (now UAF), with a BA in Business administration in 1975. After graduating, he followed in his grandmother’s (Fairbanks City Mayor Sylvia Ringstad) footsteps by pursuing change at a government level.
Political Experience
Staff memeber for three sessions: ‘81-’82 Two years for Rep. Bettisworth and ‘88 for Senator Tim Kelly Labor and Commerce Committee
Elected to serve the Fairbanks community as a member of the House of Representatives ‘83-’87
Chairman, House Resources Committee ‘83-’84
Member, House Labor and Commerce Committee ‘83-’84
Chairman, House Finance Committee ‘85-’86
Chair, Special Committee on Foreign Trade ‘85-’86
Chair, University Budget Subcommittee and the Department of Environmental Conservation Subcommittee ‘85-’86
During this time he focused on resource development, state budget, private land ownership, and collaborating with local business owners to create legislation.
Work History
His work history includes:
Appointment to Seat F for the Fairbanks City Council fall of 2022, the seat he is currently running for re-election.
Contract lobbyist for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District 2012 to present.
Government and Public relations for BP Alaska for 31 years
Staff to Alaska State Legislators
Bank of the North manager
Real Estate Broker
Driving trucks for H&S Warehouse
Outside of politics, John is an active member of the community supporting organizations such as:
The Chamber of Commerce: Chair and member of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Natural Resource Committee, member of the Executive Committee
Rotary Club of Fairbanks
Go Red for Women
Fairbanks Neighborhood Housing Services
UAF Alumni Association Board of Directors
ACCA
HIPOW Co-Chair
United Way Board of Directors and Chair of the Fundraising Drive
Personal Life
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, which includes his wife (Ann), three children (Emilie, Madelyn, Jonathan), and five grandchildren (Kierra, Brayden, Addison, Lucille, and Jonathan Jr.).
He teaches hunter education classes and loves to camp, hunt, fish, golf, and travel.