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Bell Appointed Labor Assistant Commissioner With Launch Of High-Priority ‘Jobs’ Initiative

Dec. 06, 2004
No. 05-37

JUNEAU -- Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Greg O’Claray has appointed Guy Bell of Juneau as assistant commissioner with responsibilities including a major ‘Jobs’ initiative that will be the department’s highest priority over the next 24 months.

Governor Frank H. Murkowski will join state, community and organized labor officials in Anchorage on Thursday, December 16, for the formal launch of “Jobs Are Alaska’s Future, Alaskans’ Future, Jobs.

Governor Murkowski praised Bell’s appointment saying, “Guy Bell understands that private sector investment is a key to creating jobs.

"When Nancy and I came back to Alaska to serve as your governor I promised to use the power of my office to create private-sector investments.

“Linking private-sector investment with public-sector opportunity builds a prosperous future for Alaska and Alaskans."

“Our highest priority at the department of labor for the next two years is creating jobs,” O’Claray said. “We’re turning the department of labor into Alaska’s biggest hiring hall.”

The commissioner added, “Every year, about 10,000 young Alaskans are ready to enter the workforce. But in the past the state was only able to make available about 4,000 new jobs each year.

“Our mission today is a good job for every qualified Alaskan.”

The December 16 ‘Jobs’ rollout will be held at the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development Gambell Job Center, 400 Gambell Street in Anchorage.

Bell has served as the labor department’s director of administrative services since August 2003. He began his career with the state in 1982 as a budget analyst and deputy director in the governor’s Office of Management and Budget.

Bell served as director of administrative services in the Department of Commerce and Economic Development from 1989-1997 and as director of retirement and benefits in the Department of Administration from 1997-2003.

Bell graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He subsequently earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau.

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News Media Contacts:
Guy Bell, Assistant Commissioner, 907.465.2700 or
Joe Holbert, Special Assistant/Communications, 907-465-5673

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