DEED appoints Karen Morrison Appointed as Deputy Commissioner

The State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Morrison as the new Deputy Commissioner, effective July 1, 2024. In a press release, DEED says that Morrison brings a wealth of knowledge and a robust background in educational finance and administration to her new role.

Morrison currently serves as the Director of Finance and Support Services for DEED. In this role, she oversees the School Finance, School Facilities, and Child Nutrition Programs, providing critical support to schools and districts across Alaska in areas such as education funding, budgeting, and school operations management.

Morrison earned her Master of Science in School Business Leadership from Wilkes University and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting from the University of Alaska Southeast. Her master’s degree encompassed a diverse range of subjects including public relations and school communications, financial planning and management, human resources in education, and leadership for school business, building a strong foundation for her professional career in educational administration and finance.

Her previous experience includes over a decade of service as Director of Finance for the Petersburg School District, where she managed all financial transactions and supported significant improvements in operational systems and processes. Additionally, she has contributed to the education sector as an adjunct professor at the University of Alaska Southeast, sharing her expertise in Educational Finance and District Operations with aspiring superintendents.

She also serves as the President of the Alaska Association of School Business Officials and contributing to the Education Funding Work Group Committee.

“Karen Morrison’s outstanding track record in school business leadership and her deep commitment to improving educational services make her the ideal choice for Deputy Commissioner,” said DEED Commissioner Deena Bishop. “Her strategic vision and proven leadership skills will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission to provide high-quality education for all students across the state.”