Julie Kitka Takes Leadership Role at Denali Commission
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced the appointment of Julie Kitka as the new Federal Co-Chair of the Denali Commission. Her state government counterpart will be Micaela Fowler from Alaska.
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Denali Commission have a longstanding collaborative history aimed at bolstering economic growth, enhancing regional climate resilience, and broadening economic opportunities across Alaska, with a special focus on the state’s Tribal nations.
Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth remarked, “I congratulate Julie Kitka on her appointment in this critically important role and look forward to working closely with her to support a bright future of economic growth for the region.” She emphasized the EDA’s commitment to the Commission’s goals of job training, addressing crucial infrastructure needs, and supporting economic services in Alaska’s rural areas.
Established by Congress in 1998, the Denali Commission functions as an independent federal agency focused on delivering vital utilities, infrastructure, and economic aid across Alaska. This initiative underscores Congress’s commitment to inter-agency cooperation for addressing the unique challenges of Alaska’s remote communities. The Denali Commission Strategic Plan FY2023-2027 outlines the agency’s investment priorities for the next five years.
Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed confidence in Kitka’s capabilities, noting, “Alaskans know what Julie Kitka can deliver when she’s taking the lead.” She highlighted Kitka’s 33-year tenure as President of the Alaska Federation of Natives, where she adeptly balanced diverse tribal and corporate interests while advocating for Alaskan Natives at multiple government levels.
Senator Dan Sullivan praised Kitka as a generational leader for Alaska Native communities. “Julie Kitka has been a generational leader advancing the interests and improving the lives of Alaska Native people,” he stated, acknowledging her significant contributions during her presidency at the Alaska Federation of Natives.
U.S. Representative Mary Sattler Peltola also commended Kitka, illustrating her legacy by saying, “Julie Kitka is someone my granddaughters will learn about as one of our Alaska Native ancestors. So many of the inroads that we have made, both here in Alaska and back in DC, are because of Julie.”
