Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom appointed Carol Beecher as the new director of the Division of Elections. Beecher’s first day was Wednesday.
“After considering several candidates from across the state, I am pleased Carol has agreed to accept the position of director for the Division of Elections,” Dahlstrom said. “Her professionalism and extensive experience will ensure that Alaska is ready for the 2024 election cycle and beyond. I have every confidence that she is the right person for the job, and she will exceed all expectations.”
Beecher grew up in a logging camp on Zarembo Island in Southeast Alaska. She began her state service in 2005, working for Lt. Gov. Loren Leman. From there, she was intern in John Coghill’s office and then worked as a special assistant at the Department of Administration, and as the scheduler for Gov. Sarah Palin.
She became deputy director of the Child Support division in 2011 and has served there as a director since 2014. Beecher graduated from Wrangell High School and has a bachelor’s degree in Justice and a master’s degree in Public Administration, Policy Analysis from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She lives in Anchorage, has four grown children, and enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren and family.
I have loved being the director of the child support division and the wonderful staff who work so diligently for Alaska’s families,” Beecher said. “Being selected to work in the Division of Elections is an honor and I am proud to serve in this new role. The Division is dedicated to ensuring secure, accurate and fair elections for all Alaskans and I am confident that this will continue under the Lt. Governor’s leadership. Over the next few months, I will be meeting with staff in the various regions and will continue their efforts to ensure that Alaskans can trust Alaska’s election process.”
