The director of Anchorage’s Maintenance and Operations Department has tendered his resignation, Must Read Alaska learned on Wednesday.
Saxton Shearer has served as the department head since July of 2021. He has been with the municipality since 2020.
“I have enjoyed my time as M&O Director and thank Mayor Bronson for his confidence in me,” Shearer said. “I have been afforded an opportunity in the private sector that will allow me to continue pursuing my passion for project management that I could not pass up. I will miss the incredible staff at M&O and am confident in their ability to continue serving the people of Anchorage.”
“Saxton has been a steady and tremendous asset to our team. His work on the Hiland Avalanche stands out as a highlight during his time with us. I wish him nothing but the best in his career going forward,” Bronson said.
A number of department heads have seen turnovers during Mayor Dave Bronson’s time in office. It started in August of 2022, when the director of the Health Department, Joe Gerace, was forced to resign after his professional resume didn’t add up.
In February, the city’s Human Resources director, Niki Tshibaka, resigned.
Bronson accepted the resignation of Solid Waste Services Director Dan Zipay in April.
Chief Fiscal Officer Grant Yutrzenka submitted his resignation last week.
Deputy Chief of Staff Brice Wilbanks resigned in January.
Amy Demboski was fired as city manager in December.
Adam Trombley resigned as chief of staff in April. Sami Graham had served in the position, but had resigned early on.
City Attorney Patrick Bergt resigned last year, and Blair Christianson, appointed to fill his position interim, followed in January.
Just last week, the library deputy director Judy Eledge resigned after being hounded by the media for her political views.
