Alaska Gov. Bill Walker on Tuesday appointed Sam Cotten to serve as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Cotten, who is currently serving as the interim director of the department, was the only name forwarded to the governor for selection after a joint Board of Fisheries and Board of Game meeting to select suitable candidates for the position.
Cotten competed with four other candidates for the position, but was the only one Board of Fisheries and Board of Game members interviewed.
He is a former legislator and has served on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.
In addition, Walker appointed Chris Hladick as commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development and Ronald Taylor as the Department of Corrections Commissioner, according to a news release from the Governor’s office.
All three appointments will have to be confirmed by the Legislature.
— Rashah McChesney
