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Tue, Dec 20, 2022: Governor Mike Dunleavy today announced Laura Stidolph has accepted the position of Legislative Director in his office. Stidolph returns to the Dunleavy Administration after serving as Deputy Legislative Director from 2020 to 2021.

“The legislative director’s role during the legislative session can’t be overstated,” said Governor Dunleavy. “Laura has a strong grasp of the legislative process, and over the course of her career, cultivated longstanding relationships with Alaska’s lawmakers and policy leaders. I look forward to many productive sessions with her as my legislative director.”

Ms. Stidolph spent a decade in the Alaska Legislature as an aide in the House for legislators on both sides of the political aisle. The past year and a half she served as GCI’s Government Affairs Manager. Born and raised in Alaska, she lives with her family in Juneau on Douglas Island.

Her first day will be January 2, 2023.

Governor Appoints Heidi Hedberg Health Commissioner

December 19, 2022: Today, Governor Mike Dunleavy named Heidi Hedberg to serve as the permanent commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health. Ms. Hedberg was named acting commissioner last month after former Commissioner Adam Crum moved to the Alaska Department of Revenue.

“After working with Commissioner Hedberg the past four years, she has impressed me with her management skills, and ability to enact public health policies that make Alaskans healthier and safer,” said Governor Dunleavy. “Alaskans can be confident that the department responsible for their health and welfare is in good hands.”

“I am greatly honored to be chosen as Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Health. With oversight of public health, behavioral health, services for seniors and Alaskans experiencing disabilities, public assistance programs, and health care services, this department aids every single Alaskan at every stage of life. Our over 1,500 employees are the backbone of the work we do, and I am thankful for their dedication to serving the people of Alaska. Bringing renewed energy and a unified vision for this new department, I look forward to working across divisions to support operations, improve system efficiencies, and support the Healthy Families initiative which recognizes the importance of prevention and strong families as the foundation for a strong economy,” said Commissioner Heidi Hedberg.

Ms. Hedberg has been with the state since 2009, serving in various capacities within the Division of Public Health, Department of Health, and most recently as the Director for the Division of Public Health. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Alaska Pacific University. She moved to the state in 1995 from Seattle, Washington. Prior to her state service, she worked with various non-profit organizations for twelve years. She also chairs the Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioid Remediation and serves on the Governor’s Council on Homelessness, and State Emergency Response Commission.

Commissioner Hedberg’s name will be forwarded to the Alaska Legislature for a confirmation vote in upcoming the 2023 session.

John Boyle Appointed DNR Commissioner

December 16, 2022: Governor Mike Dunleavy today appointed John Boyle to serve as Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. He replaces acting commissioner Akis Gialopsos.

“Commissioner Boyle will serve both the department and Alaskans with distinction, “said Governor Dunleavy. “His legal training, knowledge of Alaska’s resource industries and commitment to developing our resources to the maximum benefit of all Alaskans, and in the safest possible manner, make him an excellent choice to lead the department during my second term.”

Mr. Boyle moved to Alaska in 2010 after graduating law school to serve a judicial clerkship in Fairbanks. Following the conclusion of the clerkship, he moved to Utqiagvik to work as an Assistant Borough Attorney and later Chief Advisor to the Mayor and Director of the North Slope Borough’s Government and External Affairs department. In 2016 he moved over to BP as their Director of Government Affairs before joining Oil Search (now Santos) as Government Affairs Manager.

He earned a Juris Doctorate from J. Ruben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University and a Bachelor of Science in Management and Finance at Brigham Young University.

Mr. Boyle and his wife Rosie live in Anchorage with their two children. His first day as commissioner will be January 6, 2023.

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