FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2003
DHSS Commissioner names department senior managers
Two deputy commissioners, special assistant, directors of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities, Public Health, Supt. of Alaska Psychiatric Institute
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(Juneau, AK) – Commissioner Joel Gilbertson announced today the appointments of Bob Labbe and Karleen Jackson as Deputy Commissioners, Bill Hogan as Director of the Division of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities (DMHDD), Douglas Bruce as Director of the Division of Public Health (DPH), Ron Adler as Superintendent of Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API), and Rebecca Parker as Special Assistant, to fill senior management positions within the Department of Health and Social Services.
“These talented individuals are proven leaders in Alaska’s health and social service system,” Gilbertson said. “Each brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and accountability to the new administration. I am grateful that they are willing to serve Alaska within this Department.”
Bob Labbe has served as acting Deputy Commissioner since January 1, 2003. Labbe served as DHSS Director of the Division of Medical Assistance since 1995. A recognized national expert in Medicaid financing, Labbe has over 35 years in public service in Alaska, Texas and Oregon. A graduate of the University of San Francisco, he has a Master’s Degree from the University of New Mexico.
Karleen Jackson was named Deputy Commissioner, effective February 14. Jackson currently serves as the Executive Director of Catholic Social Services in Anchorage, and holds a Ph. D. in human services from the Fielding Institute. She has worked for Catholic Social Services for over ten years, and previously for Trinity Presbyterian Church. Jackson has a Master’s Degree from the Fielding Institute and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources and Education from Alaska Pacific University.
Douglas Bruce was named Director of the Division of Public Health, effective April 1. Since 1996, Bruce has served as Chief Executive Officer of Providence Health System in Alaska. He has over 25 years senior management experience in hospital administration. Bruce has a BA degree and an MBA from Michigan State University, and done post-graduate work in health care administration at George Washington University.
Bill Hogan was named Director of the Division of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities, effective April 1. Since 1998, Hogan has been Chief Executive Officer of Life Quest, a community mental health center located in Wasilla, Alaska. He is a certified social worker, and a licensed clinical social worker. Hogan has a BA in Sociology from State University of New York, a Master of Science in Social Work from West Virginia University, and Ph. D. from Virginia Commonwealth University. He has also served as treasurer of the Alaska Mental Health Board, board member of the Alaska Community Mental Health Services Association, and Executive Director of the New York State chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.
Ron Adler was named Superintendent of Alaska Psychiatric Institute, effective March 17. Since 1998, Adler served as Executive Director of Gateway Center for Human Services in Ketchikan, a combined mental health and substance abuse treatment program. He is President of the Alaska Community Mental Health Services Association, and was Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Arizona Mental Health Center in Tucson, AZ.
Rebecca Parker was named Special Assistant to the DHSS Commissioner, effective March 15. Since 1997, Ms. Parker has served as President of the Providence Alaska Foundation and Director of Public Affairs for Providence Health System Alaska. She was also Executive Director of Commonwealth North, and worked at several positions in the Public Affairs Department of ARCO Alaska, Inc. She has a BA Degree from Oregon State University. Ms. Parker will be based in Anchorage.
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For more information, please contact
Sherry Hill, Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Communications
(907) 465-1611Or
Ross Soboleff
Public Information Officer III
(907) 465-1611
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