Former mayoral candidate leaves governor’s inner circle

JUNEAU — Former Anchorage assemblywoman and mayoral candidate Amy Demboski has left her position as deputy chief of staff to Gov. Mike Dunleavy in favor of a job with the Alaska Department of Commerce.

According to an email sent Friday by the department, Demboski will work as an assistant commissioner.

“She brings her extensive experience from both the Anchorage Assembly and our governor’s office,” the email states.

Demboski did not respond to an email seeking an interview about the change but wrote on her personal Facebook page about the switch.

“This is an amazing and exciting opportunity, which will focus my time, and leverage my experience in both the private and public sectors, on a major piece of the Governor’s agenda — ensuring Alaska is open for business,” she wrote.

Dunleavy press secretary Matt Shuckerow said Monday that Demboski will replace Shawn Williams, who has been named to the department’s “new industry team” as associate director. Demboski’s position as one of the governor’s two deputy chiefs of staff will not be filled immediately, Shuckerow said.

The remaining deputy is Jeremy Price, formerly of the group Americans for Prosperity.

Demboski served on the Anchorage Assembly starting in 2013 but resigned her seat in December to join the governor’s administration. She unsuccessfully ran for Anchorage mayor in 2015.