The position became an early flashpoint in the relationship between the Assembly and prior administration.
If confirmed by the Assembly, Kim Waller will take over the role in September, according to a news release from the administration on Monday.
The Chief Equity Officer oversees the city’s Office of Equity and Justice, which “develops, supports, and implements policies and practices that improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in our Municipal government,” according to the department’s website. The position was created in 2020, but drew attention in the early days of Dave Bronson’s administration when the former mayor abruptly fired Clifford Armstrong III, the first appointee to serve in the role. The terminationbetween Bronson and the Assembly, which argued the mayor could not fire Armstrong without a majority of Assembly members concurring.
Waller was raised in North Pole and Anchorage before attending college at New York University. After spending the early part of her career in Alaska media, she moved back to New York City for 16 years working in television and radio, according to the LaFrance administration. Soon after coming back to Alaska in 2018, she worked for the Foraker Group, an organization that helps nonprofits around the state.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Anchorage Mayor LaFrance announces 6 new executive hiresLaFrance announced a deputy chief of staff, policy advisor, constituent relations and external affairs directors and two special assistants.
Read more »
Anchorage Mayor LaFrance announces 6 more executive appointments to her officeLaFrance’s appointments include former Municipal Clerk Barbara Jones as deputy chief of staff, and former Anchorage Downtown Partnership executive director Amanda Moser as external affairs director.
Read more »
Suzanne LaFrance sworn in as Anchorage mayorDuring an inauguration address in Town Square Park on Monday, Mayor Suzanne LaFrance said she’s focused on building “good government,” transparency and accountability.
Read more »
Suzanne LaFrance sworn in as Anchorage’s first elected female mayorFormer Anchorage Assembly Chair Suzanne LaFrance is officially the first elected female mayor of Anchorage. She was sworn in Monday in Town Square Park in front of residents and supporters.
Read more »
Suzanne LaFrance sworn in as Anchorage’s first elected female mayorFormer Anchorage Assembly Chair Suzanne LaFrance is officially the first elected female mayor of Anchorage. She was sworn in Monday in Town Square Park in front of residents and supporters.After being sworn in, LaFrance expressed her confidence in Anchorage’s future.
Read more »
Suzanne LaFrance sworn in as first woman elected Anchorage mayor“Today's about this special place we call home and what we're going to do together to fix it up and make it the place we all know it can be,' LaFrance said.
Read more »