Gov. Mike Dunleavy, the interim leader of the Alaska Department of Health, has been appointed the agency’s permanent commissioner.
He made Monday’s prepared statement announcing the appointment of Heidi Hedberg. Heidi has previously served in various roles within the state division of public health. Hedberg’s appointment will be confirmed by the Alaska Legislature.
Dunleavy stated in a prepared statement that she had worked with Commissioner Hedberg for the past four-years and was impressed by her management skills and her ability to enact policies that improve public health and make Alaskans safer and healthier. “Alaskans can feel confident that the department responsible to their welfare and health is in good hands.”
After Dunleavy divided the Department of Health and Social Services, the Department of Health was created July 1. Adam Crum, who was the commissioner of merged agency, remained in that position until Dunleavy appointed him Commissioner of the Department of Revenue on November.
Hedberg was appointed acting health commissioner.
Monday’s prepared statement by her stated that she was humbled to have been selected for the job.
When asked why she was not appointed acting commissioner, she replied by email that she wanted to take time to assess if it was the right job for her and be able to manage her personal and professional lives. I’m a wife, mom, and I love my family as much as my work.
Hedberg, as commissioner, will be paid $141,160.50. This figure was set by Alaska’s state compens commission. According to an Oct. 31 report her salary as division director was $129,129.
The Department of Health employs 1,442 people full-time and has a budget of $950 million, which is second among state agencies. The proposed budget for the Department of Health, which includes federal funding, is $3.1 billion in Fiscal Year 2024. This is the largest budget among state agencies, and only a third to all state operating budget spending.
This story first appeared in Alaska Beacon. It is republished with permission.
