Alaska News

Appointments to boards and commissions announced

March 21, 2013, Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell today announced appointments to the Advisory Council on Libraries, Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission, Citizens' Advisory Commission on Federal Areas in Alaska, Marine Transportation Advisory Board, and Prince William Sound Oil Spill Recovery Institute Advisory Board.

Advisory Council on Libraries

Governor Parnell reappointed Margaret Holm and Arthur Walters to the Advisory Council on Libraries. The council advises the State Library on the Library and Services and Technology Act, and the development and evaluation of library services in Alaska.

Holm, of Kodiak, is the library director for Kodiak College. She is also a member of the Kodiak Public Library Association. Holm obtained her master's degree in library and information studies from the University of British Columbia. She is reappointed as a library trustee representing a rural area.

Walters, of Seward, is a licensed foster care parent. He is a former cub master/outreach coordinator for Seward Cub Scout Pack and a former volunteer on disability awareness training for Seward Elementary School. Walters also served as a peer counselor for children with National Camps for the Blind, and was a member of the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education. He studied psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Walters is reappointed to the disabled representative seat.

Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission

Governor Parnell appointed Michael West to the Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission. The commission recommends goals and priorities for seismic hazard mitigation to the public and private sectors.

ADVERTISEMENT

West, of Fairbanks, is a seismologist for the State of Alaska and a research associate professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). He formerly was a post-doctoral fellow with New Mexico State University. West holds a Ph.D. with distinction and a Master of Science from Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University. West is appointed to the seat designated for a state seismologist or representative of UAF.

Citizens' Advisory Commission on Federal Areas in Alaska

Governor Parnell reappointed Charles Lean and appointed Kathleen Liska to the Citizens' Advisory Commission on Federal Areas in Alaska. The commission considers, researches, and holds hearings on the consistency of federal law and congressional intent with the management, operation, planning, development, and additions to federal management areas in the state.

Lean, of Nome, has more than 30 years of experience as a fisheries biologist in western Alaska. He currently works for the Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation as a director for the fisheries research and development program. Lean currently serves on the Nome Volunteer Ambulance Department of the Nome Emergency Planning Commission, and is a member of the Port Commission. He has received numerous awards including the U.S. National Park Service Star Award and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries Meritorious Service Award. He holds a bachelor's degree in wildlife management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Lean is reappointed to a public seat.

Liska, of Anchorage, currently runs operations for Increase Alaska. She writes a bi-weekly newsletter, The Alaska Statesman, which informs the public of current topics that impact Alaska. Formerly, she has helped coordinate events for the Federation of Community Councils and for Wind Walkers International. She has also been a volunteer for the Downtown Soup Kitchen. A third generation Alaskan, Liska has a family history of politics and enjoys actively staying involved in Alaska issues by providing research, events, and networking opportunities through multiple platforms. She is appointed to a public seat.

Marine Transportation Advisory Board

Governor Parnell reappointed Ronald Bressette, Gerry Hope, Joshua Howes and Daniel Kelly to the Marine Transportation Advisory Board. The board issues reports and recommendations and, in cooperation with the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, prepares and submits to the department and the governor for review a strategic plan that includes the mission, core values, objectives, initiatives, and performance goals of the Alaska Marine Highway System.

Bressette, of Juneau, is currently an Alaska Branch Agent for the International Order of Masters, Mates & Pilots. He was the former chairperson for the Masters, Mates & Pilots Negotiation Committee. Bressette is a United States Coast Guard Master and First Class Marine Pilot. He has worked on all levels of the Alaska Marine Highway System. Bressette holds a bachelor's in resources management from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry. Bressette is reappointed to the board as a union member.

Hope, of Sitka, is a transportation manager for the Sitka Tribe and past president of Sitka Camp, Alaska Native Brotherhood. He is a current member and past president of Sitka Tribal Council and the Sitka Chamber of Commerce. Hope is reappointed to represent Central Southeast Alaska.

Howes, of Anchorage, is president of Premier Alaska Tours and formerly worked for Holland America. He is a member of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he previously served as chair. He graduated magna cum laude with a Master of Science in global supply chain management from the University of Alaska Anchorage and holds a bachelor's in international business from Alaska Pacific University. Howes is reappointed to an at-large seat.

Kelly, of Ketchikan, is general manager for Alaska Marine Trucking. He is a current board member for SEAPRO and a former member of Ketchikan Gymnastics Club, Holy Name School and Girl Scouts of America. Kelly has an associate degree from Lincoln Island Community College. Kelly is reappointed to represent the business community.

Prince William Sound Oil Spill Recovery Institute Advisory Board

Governor Parnell appointed Andrew Craig to the Prince William Sound Oil Spill Recovery Institute Advisory Board. The board identifies and develops the best available techniques, equipment, and materials for dealing with oil spills in the Arctic and subarctic marine environment, and to complement federal and state damage assessment efforts and determine, document, assess, and understand the long-range effects of Arctic or subarctic oil spills.

Craig, of Cordova, has been a commercial fisherman since 1999. He is also a member of Salvage Master for Alaska Marine Response LLC, specializing in pollution control and marine casualty response. He currently serves as a board member for Cordova District Fisherman United. Craig was a former field environment coordinator for a remote oil exploration project in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. He holds a bachelor's degree in natural resources-fisheries from Cornell University. Craig is appointed to represent a fishing organization.

###

Governor's office press release

ADVERTISEMENT