Cathy Muñoz has been acting commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. On Wednesday, Gov. Mike Dunleavy made it official.
Muñoz is now the commissioner designee of the Department.
“Cathy has been working diligently at the Department of Labor since the month I took office,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “As I’ve seen her lead the department as Acting Commissioner, it has become clear that she is the right person to continue to lead the department as an appointed and confirmed commissioner.”
Muñoz’s appointment as Commissioner is subject to legislative confirmation. She has good relations throughout the Legislature, known for fairness, intelligence, and courtesy.
Muñoz joined the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in December 2018 as Deputy Commissioner under Commissioner Tamika Ledbetter, who left last year to pursue other work. Muñoz was named acting commissioner in January, 2023.
She represented Juneau for four terms as a member of the Alaska House of Representatives, and three terms on the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly.
Workforce development has been a key priority throughout Muñoz’s public service career.
In the Legislature, she served as chairwoman of the Community and Regional Affairs Committee and was a member of the House Finance Committee. She advocated for the University of Alaska vocational training programs and also sponsored a provision in state law allowing for tax credit contributions to vocational education programs.
Muñoz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, Calif. She serves on numerous boards and commissions including the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Juneau Parks Foundation and the Advisory Board of the University of Alaska Southeast.
Commissioner-designee Muñoz resides in Juneau.
