Leila Kimbrell has been named the new executive director of the Resource Development Council.
“Leila is a proven leader and ideal for this role,” said Lori Nelson, RDC board president and manager of public affairs at Hilcorp Alaska. “She understands policy and politics and how they impact resource development in Alaska. Leila is also well versed in Alaska’s incredible resource potential, and the benefits it offers not only to RDC’s members, but all Alaskans. We look forward to her leadership and advocacy.”
Kimbrell served as Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s state director, a job she held for more than four years. She worked as an attorney in private practice for a variety of clients before joining Murkowski’s team in 2017. She is a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage, and holds a law degree from Willamette University’s College of Law.
Her career has provided her many opportunities to work on issues touching every industry RDC represents. She has advised clients on environmental and compliance issues, such as the Clean Water Act, and laws unique to Alaska, such as ANILCA. Kimbrell has also participated in numerous public meetings and hearings at all levels of government, on both sides of the table.
Kimbrell has worked on high-profile issues like ANWR, Willow, the Ambler project, fisheries management, and timber, including fighting the repeal of the Roadless Rule Exemption for the Tongass National Forest.
Kimbrell is a lifelong Alaskan, born and raised in the Soldotna area. Her experience with resource development spans generations, with her father and uncle having worked in Cook Inlet’s oil industry.
She will assume her new role at RDC on Jan. 24, 2022, replacing Marleanna Hall, who has left the organization in November after several years.
RDC is an Alaskan trade association with members in fishing, forestry, mining, oil and gas, and tourism, as well as the 12 regional Native corporations, labor, individuals, and others supporting the responsible development of Alaska’s natural resources. More information is available at akrdc.org.
