Governor Announces New Board Appointments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 23, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Sean Parnell today announced appointments to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors, Emerging Energy Technology Fund Advisory Committee, Alaska Workforce Investment Board, and Alaska Boating Safety Advisory Council.

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors

Governor Parnell reappointed Franklin Roppel and Clay Porter to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors. The corporation manages a variety of programs designed to improve the quality of all housing throughout Alaska, including programs related to weatherization and energy efficiency, seniors, military families, and teachers.

Roppel, of Wrangell, retired after 20 years as general manager of Alaska Pulp Corporation. Prior to his work with Alaska Pulp Corporation, he served as the first president of Sealaska Timber Corp. He is also the former sawmill manager of Ketchikan Pulp Company where he worked from 1959 to 1980. Roppel previously served on the Alaska Housing Authority and Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) Board from 1974 to 1986. He is reappointed to the seat reserved for an expert in senior or low-income housing.

Porter, of Anchorage, has more than 30 years of experience in architectural design and construction, and is the co-founder of the Cold Climate Housing Research Center. He is also the current president of NCP Architects and Planners and NCP Design/Build Ltd. A former president of the Alaska Homebuilders Association, Porter holds a master’s degree in architecture from the Catholic University of America and a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Auburn University. He is currently vice-chair of the board, and is reappointed to a seat reserved for someone with expertise in energy efficient home building and weatherization.

Emerging Energy Technology Fund Advisory Committee

Governor Parnell appointed Lori Stender to the Emerging Energy Technology Fund Advisory Committee. The committee, created by the Legislature, makes grants from the Emerging Energy Technology Fund for demonstration projects of technologies that have a reasonable expectation of being commercially viable within five years, the objective being to test emerging technologies or methods of conserving energy or improving existing technologies.

Stender, of Eagle River, is the project manager for the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA). She is a colonel for the U.S. Air Force Reserves and previously served as inspections divisions chief for the U.S. Air Force inspector general in Washington D.C., and as deputy director of operations for the Alaskan Command. Stender holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in security management from Webster University. She is appointed to a seat reserved for a representative of AIDEA.

Alaska Workforce Investment Board

Governor Parnell appointed Rodney Brown to the Alaska Workforce Investment Board. The board works to develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive state human resource investment system, and to promote an integrated system of employment education and training programs so that all Alaskans have the skills and opportunities necessary to earn a living wage, and to meet the future business needs of the state.

Brown, of Fairbanks, is the business manager for Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 375. He formerly worked as a welder foreman for Norcon Inc. Brown is appointed to a labor seat.

Alaska Boating Safety Advisory Council

Governor Parnell appointed Gina Poths to the Alaska Boating Safety Advisory Council. The council supports boating safety in Alaska by recommending educational materials, reviewing proposed boating regulations, considering Alaska’s diverse regional boating safety needs, and promoting boating safety education programs throughout the state.

Poths, of Anchorage, is a communications clerk for the Anchorage Police Department. She is also co-founder and executive director for Personal Watercraft Club of Alaska. Poths is a member of the Alaska Outdoor Council, Alaska Outdoor Access Alliance, and a volunteer for Challenge Alaska Summer Splash. She earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational education with specialization in criminology from Wayland Baptist University. Poths is appointed to a public seat