Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom announced the appointment of Kelly Howell as her new chief of staff, replacing Josh Applebee, who previously served as the chief of staff to former Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer and for the past six months in that position of Dahlstrom.
Howell, who had been serving as Dahlstrom’s Special Assistant since January 2023, brings state government experience and a deep understanding of government operations, the press announcement said.
“I have had the privilege of getting to know and work with Kelly over the years. She has served the state in a variety of roles, and I have confidence in her ability to manage the day-to-day operations of our office while simultaneously advancing the Administration’s policy goals,” Dahlstrom said.
A lifelong Alaskan, Kelly Howell was born in Fairbanks and raised in Fairbanks, Nome, and Anchorage. With a career spanning over two decades in public service, she embarked on her government service with the Department of Health and Social Services in 1996. Howell joined the Department of Public Safety, where she held various positions, including Administrative Services director and legislative liaison/special assistant to the commissioner.
Howell is a graduate of East Anchorage High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Justice and Psychology from the University of Alaska, Anchorage.
