OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 9, 2005
Contact:
Becky Hultberg, cell (907) 321-6665 or Sherry Hill (DHSS), cell (907) 321-2838, or (907) 465-1618
Governor appoints Jackson DHSS Commissioner
Gilbertson’s replacement appointed to ensure smooth transition
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(Anchorage) ─ Governor Frank H. Murkowski announced today 
that he has appointed Karleen Jackson Health and Social Services Commissioner, effective October 1.
Jackson has served as DHSS Deputy Commissioner since February 2003.
“Karleen has played an integral part in the leadership of the department during this administration, and I am pleased that Karleen will continue to carry out the health and social services initiatives my administration has put in place,” Murkowski said. “She has been in Alaska for almost 40 years, has a strong background in the field of social services, and possesses the skill and talent to serve the people of this state well.”
Prior to working for DHSS, Jackson served as executive director of Catholic Social Services in Anchorage for five years and had worked for the organization since 1991 in various social services positions.
Jackson earned a Ph.D in Human Services and a Master of Arts in Human Development from the Fielding Institute, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alaska Pacific University.
“This is a tremendous responsibility, but I am honored to serve and excited about the work the department is doing to promote and protect the health and well-being of Alaskans,” said Jackson. “During the past two and a half years a solid foundation of positive change has been implemented in the department under the leadership of Joel Gilbertson and an incredible management team. I look forward to continuing to work with that management team to build upon the critical initiatives necessary to help Alaskans achieve the greatest possible level of health and well-being.”
DHSS Commissioner Joel Gilbertson, who recently resigned, will leave state service Sept. 30 to accept a position with Providence Health System ─ Alaska Region.
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Editors: A photo of Jackson can be found at http://www.gov.state.ak.us/photos/KarleenJackson.jpg
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