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Governor Parnell Announces Board Appointments(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) JUNEAU, Alaska, Jan. 14 -- Gov. Sean Parnell, R-Alaska, has issued the following news release: Governor Sean Parnell today announced appointments to the Alaska Workforce Investment Board, State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee, and Statewide Independent Living Council. Alaska Workforce Investment Board Governor Parnell appointed Bruce Bustamante to the Alaska Workforce Investment Board. The board works to develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive state human resource investment system. The board also promotes an efficient, effective, and integrated system of employment education and training programs and services so that all Alaskans have the skills and opportunities necessary to earn a living wage, and to meet the future business needs of the state. Bustamante, of Anchorage, is the vice president of community and public affairs for Princess Cruises. He previously served as the president and chief executive officer of the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau. Bustamante is a member of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Northwest Canada Cruiseship Association, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. He received a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), where he is a member of the College of Fellows and Alumni Association. Bustamante is appointed to a private sector seat. State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee Governor Parnell appointed Kelly Behen to the State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee. The committee promotes employment of people with disabilities by creating statewide interest in the rehabilitation and employment of people with disabilities. Behen, of Homer, is a fitness technician with Curves of Homer, and an election board official with the State of Alaska and Kenai Peninsula Borough. She is co-founder of the Depression Bi-Polar Support Alliance of Homer. Behen has been a peer support worker, an administrative clerk, and chair of the Kenai Peninsula Housing Initiatives Board of Directors. She received an associate degree in human services from UAF and is working toward a bachelor's degree in social work. Behen is appointed to the committee as a representative from the Statewide Independent Living Council. Statewide Independent Living Council Governor Parnell reappointed Joan O'Keefe and Jessica Holden to the Statewide Independent Living Council. The council develops and submits the state plan for independent living for specific disability populations, and monitors, reviews, and evaluates the plan's implementation. The council also coordinates activities with the Governor's Committee on Employment and Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities, and councils that address the needs of specific disability populations. O'Keefe, of Juneau, is the executive director of Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) Inc., a role she took on in 2001. An active member of the non-profit community, O'Keefe is a member of the United Way of Southeast Alaska Board of Directors, Foraker Group Operations Board, Juneau Coordinated Transportation Coalition, and the State Rehabilitation Council. Her volunteer work has also included involvement in the City and Borough of Juneau Recreation Advisory Board, and the Community Schools Advisory Board. O'Keefe previously served on the council as an advocate, and now is appointed to a seat reserved for an independent living center. Holden, of Anchorage, is a consultant for Information Insights, an Alaska firm specializing in public policy research and management consulting. After graduating cum laude from Pacific Lutheran University with a bachelor's degree in communication and conflict management, Holden spent a year working as a staff member at her alma mater. Holden has also worked as the transportation and environmental coordinator for the Tacoma-Peirce County Chamber of Commerce. Active in the Anchorage community, she volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, serves on the non-profit Spirit of Youth Board of Directors, and has volunteered with Teachers Without Borders. Holden is reappointed to a seat reserved for an advocate for those with special needs. TNS 30FurigayJane-140115-4600725 30FurigayJane (c) 2014 Targeted News Service |