Jason Hoke of Glennallen has been appointed by the Secretary of Commerce as the Denali Commission Federal Co-Chair.
Hoke will replace John Torgerson, who has been serving in the role of Interim Federal Co-Chair.
The Denali Commission was created in large part by Sen. Ted Stevens in 1998 and has since been a catalyst for development across the state, including transportation, clinics, and fuel storage in remote communities. In recent years, the commission has begun to assist communities such as Shishmaref and Kivalina, which are losing ground to coastal erosion and are being relocated.
“Jason’s background in economic development makes him well-suited to take on his new role to lead the agency. We look forward to working with him in support of the Denali Commission’s goal of improving life in rural Alaska,” Alaska’s congressional delegation said in a joint statement.
Hoke’s previous work experience in Alaska includes serving as programs director for the Ahtna Inter-Tribal Resource Commission, overseeing energy, resource, and biomass projects for Ahtna and its tribes. He worked as executive director for the Copper Valley Development Association, Inc. and served as tribal administrator for the Cheesh’Na Tribal Council.
