Key Fil-Am leader in Kodiak, Alaska passes away

Jesse Vizcocho was the first Filipino American to be appointed as a council member for the City of Kodiak, where he served two terms. He was elected Deputy Mayor of Kodiak in 2000. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON, DC –  One of the Filipino American community’s outstanding leaders, Jesse Vizcocho, the first Filipino city council member in Kodiak, Alaska, passed away on March 11, 2023.

Born in the Philippines on Dec. 25, 1960, Vizcocho immigrated to Kodiak, Alaska in 1991 and later moved to Anchorage in 2003.

In 1997, he became the first Filipino American to be appointed as a council member for the City of Kodiak, where he served two terms. He was elected Deputy Mayor of Kodiak in 2000.

He was President of the Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of Alaska and recently became the Vice President for Internal Affairs and a Member of the Board of Governors for the Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC).

For 30 years, Vizcocho served as a volunteer and leader of many civic, social and religious organizations. He was Community Volunteer Leader for the American Red Cross of Alaska and Government Affairs Director for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).

Alaska U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski stated: “I was so saddened to hear of Jesse Vizcocho’s passing, and send my deep condolences to his friends and family. This is a loss to the Filipino American community in Alaska that I know is being felt deeply by all who knew him. NaFFAA plays an important role in advocating for and giving a voice to the Filipino American community in Alaska – Jesse was a leader in those efforts. I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to know Jesse and learn from him about how we can all work together to make Alaska a more welcoming and vibrant place for everyone who calls our state home.”

NaFFAA National Chair, Brendan Flores, described Vizcocho as “an outstanding leader who wants nothing but to serve and empower those around him, especially our Filipino Americans. He was one of the biggest inspirations behind our Fil-Am Vote Program and was a good advocate for our Run For Office Program.”

Lou Vargas, Pacific Northwest Region President, added, “During NaFFAA National’s and Region’s visit to Alaska, Jesse  introduced us to several elected officials he worked with and ensured our Filipino Americans have a seat at the table where decisions regarding our communities are made.”

NaFFAA National President Mariela Fletcher added, “Jesse was the type of leader who was very committed to his role. His passion for civic engagement was unmatched. He lived a life full of meaningful service.”

Any donations to the Vizcoco family could be sent to Teresita Vizcocho at P.O Box 241304 Anchorage AS 99524.

NaFFAA National and the Pacific Northwest Region will celebrate Jesse’s life at a Memorial via Zoom with his family to be led by PNW Region President at a soon to be determined date.