Joe Balash
Joe Balash is the former acting Alaska Commissioner of Natural Resources. He was appointed by Governor Sean Parnell on September 25, 2013, filling the vacancy left by former officeholder Daniel S. Sullivan's resignation. Balash was the deputy commissioner at the time of his appointment, and he served in an interim capacity until he was replaced by Mark Myers in December 2014.[1]
Alaska commissioners of natural resources serve unfixed terms at the pleasure of the sitting governor.[2] On September 11, 2013, Sullivan announced he was stepping down from the commissioner's post. In his resignation letter to Gov. Parnell, Sullivan cited vague plans "to explore new opportunities and challenges in the next phase of my life."[3] Sullivan's decision underlined preexisting speculation that the nonpartisan commissioner was preparing to launch a campaign for the 2014 Republican nomination to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Begich.[4] Sullivan's resignation became effective September 24, 2013, and Balash was appointed to take over the position the following day.
After Balash left office in December 2014, he became the chief of staff for Sullivan, who won election to the U.S. Senate during the 2014 elections.[5]
Biography
Balash was raised in an Air Force family. He attended Ben Eileson High School in Fairbanks, Alaska. Balash graduated with his bachelor's degree in political science and government from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.[1]
Balash previously served in the governor's office as special assistant on energy and natural resource development. Prior to that, he worked on the joint Legislative Budget and Audit Committee. He also served as Chief of Staff to the Senate President.
Education
- Ben Eileson High School
- B.A. in political science and government - Pacific University
Political career
Acting Alaska Commissioner of Natural Resources (2013-2014)
Balash was appointed acting commissioner by Governor Sean Parnell on September 25, 2013, immediately following the resignation of Daniel S. Sullivan. He was replaced in December 2014 by Mark Myers.[6]
Appointments
2013
Balash was appointed Acting Alaska Commissioner of Natural Resources on September 25, 2013, by Governor Sean Parnell.
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Balash is married and has two daughters.[1]
Recent news
This section links to a Google news search for the term "Joe + Balash + Alaska + Natural + Resources"
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Alaska Department of Natural Resources, "Acting Commissioner Joe Balash," accessed September 27, 2013
- ↑ Alaska Legal Resource Center, "Alaska Statutes 39.05.030," accessed June 5, 2011
- ↑ Department of Natural Resources, Commissioners Officce, "Letter of resignation to Governor Sean Parnell," sent September 11, 2013
- ↑ Alaska Dispatch, "Natural Resources Commissioner Dan Sullivan to resign; will he run?" September 12, 2013
- ↑ Juneau Empire, "Sen. Sullivan announces chief of staff, spokesman," December 9, 2014
- ↑ Alaska Journal of Commerce, "Walker brings back several Palin officials," December 4, 2014
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Daniel S. Sullivan |
Alaska Commissioner of Natural Resources 2013-2014 |
Succeeded by Mark Myers |
