Legislature(2021 - 2022)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/20/2021 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s) | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
March 20, 2021
1:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Mia Costello, Chair
Senator Roger Holland, Vice Chair
Senator Joshua Revak (via Teams)
Senator Gary Stevens (via Teams)
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson (via Teams)
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board
Rebecca Dean - Fairbanks
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Christopher Dean - Fairbanks
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers & Land Surveyors
Fred Wallis - Healy
Jeffrey Garness - Anchorage
Arpad "Bruce" Magyar - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
Board of Dental Examiners
Kelly Lucas - Wasilla
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Fishermen's Fund Advisory & Appeals Council
Marilyn Charles - Emmonak
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Board of Nursing
Lena Lafferty - Anchorage
Catherine Hample - Wasilla
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
Marijuana Control Board
Casey Dschaak - Dillingham
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Bethel Belisle - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Board of Social Work Examiners
Brandon Ercanbrack - Kotzebue
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Board of Psychologists & Psychological Associate Examiners
Sherri Scott - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Board of Examiners in Optometry
Pamela Steffes - Sitka
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Occupational Safety and Health Review Board
John Stallone - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Alaska Labor Relations Agency
Justin Mack - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record.
WITNESS REGISTER
REBECCA DEAN, Appointee
State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the State Physical
Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board.
FRED WALLIS, Appointee
Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers & Land Surveyors
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Healy, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the Board of
Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors.
MARILYN CHARLES, Appointee
Fishermen's Fund Advisory & Appeals Council
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Emmonak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the
Fishermen's Fund Advisory & Appeals Council.
CATHERINE HAMPLE, Appointee
Board of Nursing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the Board of
Nursing.
KELLY LUCAS, Appointee
Board of Dental Examiners
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Dental Examiners.
BRANDON ERCANBRACK, Appointee
Board of Social Work Examiners
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Kotzebue, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the Board of
Social Work Examiners
BETHEL BELISLE, Appointee
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for appointment to the Board of
Certified Direct-Entry Midwives.
CASEY DSCHAAK, Appointee
Marijuana Control Board
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Marijuana
Control Board.
LENA LAFFERTY, Appointee
Board of Nursing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Nursing.
CHRISTOPHER DEAN, Appointee
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska
Workers' Compensation Board.
JOELLE HALL, President
Alaska AFL-CIO
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Christopher Dean to the labor seat on the Alaska Workers'
Compensation Board.
SHERRI SCOTT, Appointee
Board of Psychologists & Psychological Associate Examiners
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Psychologists & Psychological Associate Examiners.
PAMELA STEFFES, Appointee
Board of Examiners in Optometry
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the Board of
Examiners in Optometry.
JUSTIN MACK, Appointee
Alaska Labor Relations Agency
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska Labor
Relations Agency.
JOHN STALLONE, Appointee
Occupational Safety Health Review Board
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Occupational
Safety Health Review Board.
JEFFREY GARNESS, Appointee
Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers & Land Surveyors
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors.
ARPAD "BRUCE" MAGYAR, Appointee
Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers & Land Surveyors
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:30:14 PM
CHAIR MIA COSTELLO called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Stevens (via Teams), Gray-Jackson (via
Teams), Holland, and Chair Costello. Senator Revak (via Teams)
joined the committee soon thereafter.
^Confirmation Hearing(s)
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board
Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers & Land Surveyors
Board of Dental Examiners
Fishermen's Fund Advisory & Appeals Council
Board of Nursing
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Marijuana Control Board
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Board of Social Work Examiners
Board of Psychologists & Psychological Associate Examiners
Board of Examiners in Optometry
Occupational Safety and Health Review Board
Alaska Labor Relations Agency
1:31:15 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO announced the consideration of Governor
Appointees to boards and commissioners. She explained the
process.
She asked Rebecca Dean to introduce herself, provide a brief
history, and her interest in serving on the State Physical
Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board.
1:32:47 PM
REBECCA DEAN, Appointee, State Physical Therapy & Occupational
Therapy Board, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development (DCCED), Fairbanks, Alaska, stated that she has
spent 33 years as a senior healthcare executive. She listed her
credentials and related her interest in serving on this board to
contribute experience, knowledge and wisdom to effectively
ensure diligence in licensing, current standards, and access to
healthcare for communities statewide. She brings a combination
of work and board experience and has a strong sense of
responsibility. Her belief is that individuals with a successful
career have a responsibility to give back to the industry and
communities that led to their career path. Her background and
experience will help the board serve the public interest and
protect the public.
CHAIR COSTELLO commented on her qualifications.
1:37:06 PM
SENATOR HOLLAND commended Ms. Dean on her career and interest in
making the board better.
1:37:39 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Rebecca Dean to the State Physical Therapy & Occupational
Therapy Board; finding none, she closed public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO invited Fred Wallis to introduce himself, tell
the committee about himself, and his interest in serving on the
Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land
Surveyors.
CHAIR COSTELLO recognized that Senator Revak had joined the
committee (via Teams).
1:38:19 PM
FRED WALLIS, Appointee, Board of Registration for Architects,
Engineers, and Land Surveyors, Department of Commerce, Community
and Economic Development (DCCED) Healy, Alaska, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED), stated
that he is vice-president of engineering for Usibelli Coal Mine
and has worked there for 24 years. He graduated from the mining
program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and has
professional engineering status in Canada and Alaska. He said he
looks forward to serving another term on the board. He
anticipates increased mining activity and therefore the need for
more engineers. He emphasized that his number one priority is to
maintain public safety.
CHAIR COSTELLO shared her passion to grow engineers, architects,
and land surveyors in Alaska.
1:39:51 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Fred Wallis to the Board of Registration for Architects,
Engineers, and Land Surveyor; finding none, she closed public
testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO invited Marilyn Charles to introduce herself and
testify on her candidacy to the Fishermen's Fund Advisory &
Appeals Council.
1:40:12 PM
MARILYN CHARLES, Appointee, Fishermen's Fund Advisory & Appeals
Council, Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD),
Emmonak, Alaska, stated that she grew up in the fishing
community of Emmonak but it wasn't until her first term on the
board that she learned about the value of helping fishermen
understand what the fishermen's fund can provide if they are
injured while fishing. She has enjoyed serving and learned a lot
the last three years and she looks forward to learning more if
reappointed.
SENATOR STEVENS asked how many cases she deals with each year.
MS. CHARLES replied she had only reviewed denied claims since
she started serving and the number of those cases ranges from 5
to 20 cases a day when the board is meeting.
SENATOR STEVENS thanked her for being willing to serve on the
board that is so important to injured fishermen.
1:43:12 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Marilyn Charles to the Fishermen's Fund Advisory & Appeals
Council; finding none, she closed public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Catherine Hample to introduce herself,
provide a brief background, and her interest in serving on the
Board of Nursing.
1:44:13 PM
CATHERINE HAMPLE, Appointee, Board of Nursing, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED), Wasilla,
Alaska, stated that she started as a certified nurse's assistant
(CNA) and now she is an RN with three master's degrees and has
fulfilled the requirements for her doctorate in healthcare
administration. She works fulltime as a correctional nurse
manager at the Goose Creek Correctional Center and teaches part
time at Charter College. She said this will be her second term
serving to ensure that the citizens of Alaska receive safe
nursing and that the programs that nurses and certified nursing
assistants go through are appropriate.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked how the board addressed the demands on
medical professionals during the pandemic.
MS. HAMPLE replied the board proactively tried to reduce the
time it took for nurses coming to Alaska to get their temporary
licenses. She offered her belief that the Nurse Licensure
Compact (NLC) that provides a multistate license would be very
helpful to bring nurses to Alaska. Nurses currently face the
cost of additional licensure when they come to Alaska to help
with a temporary situation such as COVID-19.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked what she sees as the responsibilities
to serve on the Board of Nursing.
MS. HAMPLE clarified that she has been serving since 2019 and is
the chair of education for nursing schools. She said her
continued review of cases and review of the educational programs
are responsibilities she will continue to fulfill.
1:48:06 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Catherine Hample to the Board of Nursing; finding none, she
closed public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Kelly Lucas to introduce himself, provide a
brief background, and tell the committee about his interest in
serving on the Board of Dental Examiners.
1:48:33 PM
KELLY LUCAS, Appointee, Board of Dental Examiners, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED), Wasilla,
Alaska, stated that he has practiced dentistry in Alaska for 35
years. He has served as a public health service officer and
while in the Alaska Army National Guard he served as a dental
officer and as the Dental Surgeon General for the State of
Alaska. During his time in the Guard, he also worked in private
practice throughout the state. He said his broad professional
experience brings perspective and he looks forward to a second
term.
CHAIR COSTELLO noted that his resume says he invented jaw logic.
She asked him to share what that is.
DR. LUCAS replied it is a system of design software for things
like full-mouth reconstruction and appliances for sleep apnea
and bruxism.
SENATOR HOLLAND wished him luck on his invention and thanked him
for his service.
1:52:33 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Kelly Lucas to the Board of Dental Examiners; finding none, she
closed public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO invited Brandon Ercanbrack to introduce himself
and tell the committee about his interest in serving on the
Board of Social Work Examiners.
1:52:59 PM
BRANDON ERCANBRACK, Appointee, Board of Social Work Examiners,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
(DCCED), Kotzebue, Alaska, stated that he is a licensed clinical
social worker who has been practicing about 10 years. He advised
that he was nominated for reappointment and has enjoyed serving.
He related that during the pandemic, he saw social workers help
people in ways he had not imagined and he feels it is important
to continue to make improvements in the field to help Alaskans.
CHAIR COSTELLO noted his considerable experience in the field
and thanked him for his service.
1:54:42 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Brandon Ercanbrack to the Board of Social Work Examiners;
finding none, she closed public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO invited Bethel Belisle to introduce herself and
tell the committee about her interest in serving on the Board of
Certified Direct-Entry Midwives.
1:55:12 PM
BETHEL BELISLE, Appointee, Board of Certified Direct-Entry
Midwives, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development (DCCED), Anchorage, Alaska, stated that she became a
certified direct-entry midwife through apprenticeship and
received her Alaska license in 1999. She is a preceptor both in
Alaska and nationally and holds the national designation of
Certified Professional Midwife. She said she owns and operates
Haven Midwifery and Birth Center in Anchorage. She serves on
several committees focused on perinatal quality control and is
active in the Midwives Association of Alaska. She said her
interest in serving is to see that Alaska women continue to have
safe options for childbearing, to bring midwifery back to the
villages, to see an increase in the number of Native birth
workers, and to promote excellence in all areas of midwifery and
the board.
CHAIR COSTELLO noted that her resume says she is a support group
leader for postpartum depression and anxiety. She asked if she
had seen more depression and anxiety in the last year and how
she hopes to address this as a board member.
MS. BELISLE answered that about one in seven women nationally
experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders during the year
that they have a child. In Alaska, one in four women typically
experience these disorders but now one in two women experience
some sort of mood or anxiety disorder during their childbearing
year. She said midwives typically spend more one-on-one time
with these mothers and families and they work to piece together
the care they need. She said part of the board's goal is to
ensure that women have access to quality care and sometimes the
touchpoint is the midwives that serve them.
1:58:41 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Bethel Belisle to the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives;
finding none, she closed public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO invited Casey Dschaak to introduce himself and
tell the committee about his interest in serving on the
Marijuana Control Board.
1:59:12 PM
CASEY DSCHAAK, Appointee, Marijuana Control Board, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED),
Dillingham, Alaska, related his work experience after leaving
the Army that included work as a local government specialist in
Bristol Bay. He worked with many local communities and got to
know municipalities and tribal governments in the region. He
related that he has served on the board for a year and has
enjoyed the work in this developing industry, particularly to
ensure public trust. He shared that he will likely step away
from the board by the end of the year to start a PhD program in
Wyoming, but he believes the board would be served best if he
were to remain until a replacement is found.
CHAIR COSTELLO said she recognizes that board members sometimes
are unable to serve the entire term and he would be considered
if he were willing to serve.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON thanked him for the notification and
congratulated him on furthering his education. She asked him to
restate when he would leave the board.
MR. DSCHAAK replied he would like to serve until a replacement
is found for the rural seat and he believes he could stay
through the end of the year, but his studies begin August 23,
2021
2:03:44 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Casey Dschaak to the Marijuana Control Board; finding none, she
closed public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO invited Lena M. Lafferty to introduce herself,
provide a brief background, and tell the committee about her
interest in serving on the Board of Nursing.
2:04:13 PM
LENA LAFFERTY, Appointee, Board of Nursing, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED), Anchorage,
Alaska, stated that she has been serving on the Board of Nursing
since July 2020 and she believes it has made giant strides
instreaming the regulations for the profession while ensuring
safe nursing practices. She related that she became a licensed
registered nurse (RN) in 2006 and is currently working at
Providence Medical Center as an operating room nurse. Before
becoming a nurse, she served in the US Navy as a hospital
corpsman. She said she is honored to be considered for this
position and is committed to the Board of Nursing mission and
will actively promote and protect the public through the safe
and effective practice of nursing as defined by law.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked her to share her 10-year experience as a
corpsman at the US Navy hospital.
MS. LAFFERTY replied it was a great experience. She related that
the primary difference between a corpsman and a nurse is that
she could not push IV drugs as a corpsman. She added that she
thoroughly enjoys nursing and her goal is to work with nurses to
improve the profession through more evidence-based practices,
which will result in better nurses to serve Alaskans.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON thanked her for being willing to serve.
[Teleconference audio lost]
SENATOR HOLLAND thanked her for her service and asked if her
spouse continued in the military.
MS. LAFFERTY answered yes and he retired in 2009.
SENATOR HOLLAND asked if the board streamlined processes to
address identified problems or complications related to COVID-
19.
MS. LAFFERTY replied it was a little of both.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked how long she and her family had lived
in Alaska.
MS. LAFFERTY replied 15 years.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked what she sees as the biggest
challenge facing the Board of Nursing.
MS. LAFFERTY replied that she would not identify it as a
challenge, but it would help the people of Alaska if the
legislature approved the Nursing Compact. That would make it
possible for licensed nurses to come to Alaska and immediately
start taking care of patients.
2:14:52 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Lena Lafferty to the Board of Nursing; finding none, she closed
public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Christopher Dean to introduce himself,
provide a brief background, and tell the committee about his
interest in serving on the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board.
2:15:25 PM
CHRISTOPHER DEAN, Appointee, Alaska Workers' Compensation Board,
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD),
Fairbanks, Alaska, stated that he moved to Alaska in 1987 and
ultimately established his career in Fairbanks. He said his
background is in healthcare and he currently serves as the
Practice Manager for Foundation Health Orthopedics and Sports
medicine at Foundation Health Partners. He also provides direct
healthcare, safety advocacy, and safety education to athletes in
the community and oversees a sports medicine outreach program.
He noted his appointment as a non-perm Juvenile Justice Officer
I at the Fairbanks Youth Facility from 2008 through 2015 and
membership in the Alaska State Employees Association during that
time. He said that his passion for service is a primary reason
he applied to serve on the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
and he looks forward to serving the state in this capacity.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON pointed out that this appointment is to a
labor position and suggested that since he is in management that
he consider applying for the manager position on the board that
is coming open and leave this position for someone who
represents labor.
MR. DEAN said he understands the point and he would defer to the
legislature to decide whether he is right for the position. He
added that he would look for other opportunities to serve the
state if he is not confirmed.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON thanked him for his testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Christopher Dean to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board.
2:19:32 PM
JOELLE HALL, President, Alaska AFL-CIO, Anchorage, Alaska,
stated that she was testifying in opposition to Christopher
Dean's confirmation to serve in the labor seat on the Alaska
Workers' Compensation Board because his qualifications violate
the spirit of the law. She said the basis of workers' comp is
that employees will have their injuries addressed and reviewed
through a system that involves a balanced board. While Mr. Dean
served in a bargaining unit years ago, today he holds a manager
position at the Tanana Valley Clinic. The seat he is seeking is
designated as a labor representative as outlined in AS
23.30.005. She said Mr. Dean's current employment as management
and lack of meaningful current labor connections should
disqualify him from holding a labor seat. She suggested that Mr.
Dean is well qualified for one of the management positions that
will be open later this year. She said his desire to serve is
commendable but this board is designated in a specific way and a
labor member is needed in the seat designated to represent
labor.
2:21:59 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO found no further testimony and closed public
testimony on the appointment of Christopher Dean for the Alaska
Workers' Compensation Board.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Sheri Scott to introduce herself and tell
the committee about her interest in serving on the Board of
Psychologists & Psychological Associate Examiners
2:22:34 PM
SHERRI SCOTT, Appointee, Board of Psychologists & Psychological
Associate Examiners, Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development (DCCED), Anchorage, Alaska, stated that she
was nominated in January 2021 and she offers 30 years of
behavioral health service in Alaska. She has advanced education,
specialized training, and knowledge in the field. She
highlighted that she has been predominantly employed in clinical
supervisory roles but has concurrently maintained direct care
services in Anchorage and has trained many counselors. Her
interest in serving on the board is to maintain high-quality
professionals in the field and to ensure that high quality
behavioral health services are available in the state. She said
she has special aptitude in the areas of quality assurance
oversight and ethics and is passionate about high quality,
evidence-based, and cutting-edge behavioral health services.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked what she sees as the biggest challenge
facing this board in 2021.
DR. SCOTT replied that she is aware of ongoing needs awaiting
resolution. She foresees many practitioners moving into private
practice, and she recognizes that telepsychology has changed
day-to-day business practices. Further, there are burgeoning
mental health disorders and significant stress among youth and
families due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She said she recognizes
that the learning curve to serve on the board will be steep, but
she is committed to work hard to address these issues.
2:25:58 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of Dr.
Scott to the Board of Psychologists & Psychological Associate
Examiners; finding none, she closed public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Pamela Steffes to introduce herself,
provide a brief background, and tell the committee about her
interest in serving on the Board of Examiners in Optometry.
2:26:21 PM
PAMELA STEFFES, Appointee, Board of Examiners in Optometry,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
(DCCED), Sitka, Alaska, stated that she is standing for
reappointment to the Board of Examiners in Optometry. She
informed the committee that the committee was reviewing
documents she submitted for her 2020 confirmation hearing and
the copy of her Alaska optometry license is outdated. It
currently expires in December 2022. She related that she had
worked for SEARCH for about 22 years, serving patients
throughout Southeast. As a hospital-based optometrist, she said
she would provide a unique perspective for the board. She likes
that the board works to ensure public safety while governing the
practice of optometry, particularly with the recent expanded
scope. She said she looks forward to continuing to serve.
2:27:42 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Pamela Steffes to the Board of Examiners in Optometry; finding
none, she closed public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Justin Mack to introduce himself, provide a
brief background, and tell the committee about his interest in
serving on the Alaska Labor Relations Agency.
2:28:09 PM
JUSTIN MACK, Appointee, Alaska Labor Relations Agency,
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD),
Anchorage, Alaska, stated that he was born and raised in Alaska
and he serves as a captain for the Anchorage Fire Department.
Prior work experience includes fishing in the Bering Sea and
work on the North Slope. He has worked on the Alaska Workers'
Compensation Board for the past three years and looks forward to
this appointment.
2:29:21 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Justin Mack to the Alaska Labor Relations Agency; finding none,
she closed public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked John Stallone to introduce himself, provide
a brief background, and tell the committee about his interest in
serving on the Occupational Safety Health Review Board.
2:29:47 PM
JOHN STALLONE, Appointee, Occupational Safety Health Review
Board, Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD),
Anchorage, Alaska, stated that he is a 5th generation Alaskan.
He related that his 22-year career in safety started while he
served in the US Air Force and the Alaska Air National Guard. He
described specific work experience leading to his current
position as safety coordinator for the Water and Sewer
Department for the North Slope Borough. Over the course of his
career, he has held positions working both towards compliance
and as a compliance officer. He has an intricate knowledge of
how things work and said he would like to be part of the three-
body system that includes this board working toward worker
safety.
CHAIR COSTELLO stated that she is always impressed with the
quality and passion of Alaskans applying for positions on the
more than 200 boards. She expressed appreciation for his
service.
SENATOR HOLLAND thanked all the nominees and echoed the previous
comments.
2:34:17 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
John Stallone for the Occupational Safety Health Review Board;
finding none, she closed public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Jeff Garness to introduce himself, provide
a brief background, and tell the committee about his interest in
serving on the Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers,
and Land Surveyor.
2:34:56 PM
JEFFREY GARNESS, Appointee, Board of Registration for
Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyor, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED), Anchorage,
Alaska, stated that he has lived in Alaska for 52 years and
earned his engineering degrees from UA. He is a licensed civil
and environmental engineer in private practice for over 30
years. He related that he has served on numerous boards in the
past and on this board for the last year awaiting confirmation.
He opined that his business and board experience would help him
to serve effectively on the AELS Board. Engineering is his
passion and the future for his children so he has great interest
in ensuring the integrity of the profession. He said he is
ready, willing, and able to serve.
2:37:24 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Jeffrey Garness to the Board of Registration for Architects,
Engineers, and Land Surveyors; finding none, she closed public
testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Arpad "Bruce" Magyar to introduce himself,
provide a brief background, and tell the committee about his
interest in serving on the Board of Registration for Architects,
Engineers, and Land Surveyors.
2:37:57 PM
ARPAD "BRUCE" MAGYAR, Appointee, Board of Registration for
Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED), Anchorage,
Alaska, stated that he brings public and private sector
experience to this appointment as a public member of the State
AELS Board. He recounted his expansive work experience and
posited that he would bring a unique perspective to the board.
CHAIR COSTELLO expressed appreciation that, through his
testimony, the committee was able to get to know him a bit
better.
2:42:23 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Arpad "Bruce" Magyar, Board of Registration for Architects,
Engineers, and Land Surveyors; finding none, she closed public
testimony.
2:42:36 PM
SENATOR HOLLAND stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the
Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee reviewed the
following and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a
joint session for consideration:
State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy
Board
- Rebecca Dean - Fairbanks
Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers & Land Surveyors
Fred Wallis - Healy
Jeffrey Garness - Anchorage
Arpad "Bruce" Magyar - Anchorage
Fishermen's Fund Advisory & Appeals Council
Marilyn Charles - Emmonak
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Bethel Belisle - Anchorage
Marijuana Control Board
Casey Dschaak - Dillingham
Board of Social Work Examiners
Brandon Ercanbrack - Kotzebue
Board of Nursing
Lena Lafferty - Anchorage
Catherine Hample - Wasilla
[Board of Dental Examiners
Kelly Lucas] - Wasilla
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Christopher Dean - Fairbanks
Board of Psychologists & Psychological Associate Examiners
Sherri Scott - Anchorage
Board of Examiners in Optometry
Pamela Steffes - Sitka
Alaska Labor Relations Agency
Justin Mack - Anchorage
Occupational Safety and Health Review Board
John Stallone - Anchorage
Signing the reports regarding appointments to boards and
commissions in no way reflects individual members' approval or
disapproval of the appointees; the nominations are merely
forwarded to the full legislature for confirmation or rejection.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no objection and the names were forwarded
to the full body for consideration.
2:44:50 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Costello adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 2:44 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SLAC GOV Appointee Rebecca Dean Personal Statement Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE PTOT REBECCA DEAN |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Rebecca Dean Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE PTOT REBECCA DEAN |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Rebecca Dean CV Summary Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE PTOT REBECCA DEAN |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Rebecca Dean Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE PTOT REBECCA DEAN |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Kayla Green Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE KAYLA GREEN MHB AND MFTB |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Kayla Green Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE KAYLA GREEN MHB AND MFTB |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Fred Wallis Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE FRED WALLIS AELS |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Bradley Heaston Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE BRADLEY HEASTON BDE |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Bradley Heaston Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
|
| SLAC GOV Appointee Kelly Lucas Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE KELLY LUCAS BDE |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Marilyn Charles Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE MARILYN CHARLES FFAAC |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Lena Lafferty Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE LENA LAFFERTY NB |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Casey Dschaak Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE CASEY DSCHAAK MCB |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Bethel Belisle Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE BETHEL BELISLE BCDEM |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Bethel Belisle Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE BETHEL BELISLE BCDEM |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Brandon Ercanbrack Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE BRANDON ERCANBRACK SWEB |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Brandon Ercanbrack Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE BRANDON ERCANBRACK SWEB |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Sherri Scott Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE SHERRI SCOTT PPAE |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Sherri Scott Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE SHERRI SCOTT PPAE |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Christopher Dean Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE CHRISTOPHER DEAN WCB |
| Letter of Opposition to Christopher Dean Appointment from Trenton English.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE CHRISTOPHER DEAN WCB |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Pamela Steffes Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE PAMELA STEFFES OB |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Pamela Steffes Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE PAMELA STEFFES OB |
| SLAC GOV Appointee John Stallone Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE JOHN STALLONE OSHRB |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Catherine Hample Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE CATHERINE HAMPLE NB |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Justin Mack Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE JUSTIN MACK LRA |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Christina Hansen Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE CHRISTINA HANSEN BDE |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Gregory Johnson Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE GREGORY JOHNSON BDE |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Jeffrey Garness Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE JEFFREY GARNESS AELS |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Arpad Magyar Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE ARPAD MAGYAR AELS |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Arpad Magyar Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/20/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE ARPAD MAGYAR AELS |