DEC commissioner takes job with Weyerhaeuser Co.

JUNEAU -- The state's commissioner of environmental conservation is leaving Monday to accept a position at a Washington state-based forest products company, according to a release from the governor's office.

Ernesta Ballard, 58, who is leaving to become senior vice president of corporate affairs at Weyerhaeuser Co., headquartered in Federal Way, Wash., said the new position fits with her long career in the public and private sectors.

"It has been an honor to serve Governor Murkowski. Together we have demonstrated that development and resource protection are compatible," Ballard said in a press release. "I urge Alaskans to support the natural resource development policies of this remarkable team. Alaska's interest will always be my interest."

Murkowski said he is sorry to lose Ballard to the private sector.

"Ernesta has shown integrity and commitment in fulfilling the regulatory responsibilities of the Department of Environmental Conservation. We wish her well in her new assignment," Murkowski said.

Ballard, who joined the administration in 2002, came from Ketchikan, where she headed a consulting practice specializing in regulatory strategy that emphasized integrated management systems to protect the environment, health and safety.

Ballard served as regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 from 1983-1986. She was appointed in 1997 by President Bill Clinton to serve on the board of governors of the U.S. Postal Service, where she chaired the audit committee.

Ballard has also served on the boards of the University of Washington Medical Center and the Ketchikan General Hospital. She was founding member and current chair of LifeCenter Northwest, an organ procurement organization for Washington, Montana and Alaska. She is past board member and officer of the Alaska Forest Association and a founding member of the Ketchikan Humane Society.

Murkowski has named Deputy Commissioner Kurt Fredriksson as acting commissioner.

"Kurt was instrumental in drafting our recent comments on the report of the U.S. Oceans Commission and he will be a good steward of the department and, most importantly, of the environment," Murkowski said.