Governor Dunleavy appoints Cathy Muñoz Commissioner Designee of Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Governor Mike Dunleavy appointed Department of Labor and Workforce Development Acting Commissioner Cathy Muñoz as the Commissioner Designee of the Department.

"Cathy has been working diligently at the Department of Labor since the month I took office," said Governor Dunleavy.

Muñoz's appointment as Commissioner is subject to legislative confirmation.

Muñoz joined the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in December 2018 as Deputy Commissioner. She was named Acting Commissioner in January of 2023.

She previously represented Juneau for four terms as a member of the Alaska House of Representatives, and three terms on the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly. In the Legislature, she served as chairwoman of the Community and Regional Affairs Committee and was a member of the House Finance Committee. Workforce development has been a key priority throughout Muñoz’s public service career. She advocated for the University of Alaska vocational training programs and also sponsored a provision in state law allowing for tax credit contributions to vocational education programs.

Muñoz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California. She serves on numerous boards and commissions including the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Juneau Parks Foundation and the Advisory Board of the University of Alaska Southeast.

"As I've seen her lead the department as Acting Commissioner, it has become clear that she is the right person to continue to lead the department as an appointed and confirmed commissioner."

Commissioner-designee Muñoz resides in Juneau with her husband Juan.