Palmer High grad makes history in the municipality of Anchorage

The Anchorage Assembly unanimously confirmed Junior Aumavae as the Municipality of Anchorage’s Chief Equity Officer earlier this month.

Mayor Dave Bronson appointed Aumavae to the position in October of 2021. With the confirmation, Aumavae became the highest serving government official of Polynesian descent in Anchorage history.

Aumavae is a 2004 graduate of Palmer High School, and a former football standout.

“I want to congratulate Junior and his family on this historic occasion,” Bronson said in a press release issued by the municipality . “Junior has been expertly serving as the Chief Equity Officer for the last five months, and his contributions to our team and the Municipality cannot be overstated. He is a tremendous force for good, has a positive impact everywhere he goes, and knows how to build meaningful relationships that translate into real outcomes. I look forward to Junior’s work advancing equity, inclusion, and justice for the people of Anchorage.”

Aumavue attended Western Washington University and Minnesota State, and starred for both football programs. Aumavae also played professionally in the Arena Football League, and spent the offseason, training camp and preseason with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys in 2010 and New York Jets in 2013.

“I want to thank Mayor Bronson for having the confidence to appoint me, the Assembly for confirming me, and community members for coming out to support me. Most importantly though, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the opportunity He has given me to serve the people of Anchorage,” Aumavae said.. “I am honored to serve as the Chief Equity Officer for the Municipality and am here to help the people of Anchorage however I can.”