 Jim Nordlund Steps Down After 7 Years at the Helm June 10, 2002
"Chris is an outstanding public servant with many awards to her credit, including recognition for distinguished service to state government by the National Governors' Association," Livey said. "I know that as public assistance director, she will continue to implement welfare reform, reducing caseloads, saving money, and helping families move toward self-sufficiency." Ashenbrenner, 52, is a 19-year Health and Social Services veteran, who has worked in the medical assistance and public assistance divisions of the department since 1983. She has served in various roles at public assistance, including as deputy director, chief of policy and program development, and southeast regional manager. She began her career with the division as a clerk and worked on the front lines as an eligibility technician, providing direct service to customers. "I'm looking forward to leading an agency that does such important and meaningful work," said Ashenbrenner. "Public Assistance staff are some of the most dedicated people in state government. I am privileged to be given the opportunity to help them provide services to needy Alaskans, continuing the success of welfare reform and strengthening the safety net for people in need of assistance." Ashenbrenner has received several awards for her distinguished career in public service, including being named Outstanding State Employee of 1992 by the Alaska Legislature. She follows in the footsteps of Jim Nordlund, who led the agency through its successful effort to reform the state's welfare system. "Jim was at the helm of a remarkable transformation in the Division of Public Assistance," Livey said. "He was key to Alaska's welfare reform success, in which the caseload was reduced by 40 percent, millions of dollars were saved in reduced welfare benefits, and thousands of families were assisted off welfare, into employment and toward self sufficiency." Other achievements during Nordlund's tenure as Public Assistance director that Ashenbrenner will continue to pursue include:
"I am grateful for the leadership of Gov. Tony Knowles and Lt. Gov. Fran Ulmer and for all the hard work of the employees of the Division of Public Assistance," Nordlund said. "We have been able to help thousands of Alaskan families help themselves out of poverty into self-sufficiency and the dignity that employment brings. With a strong economy and a reformed welfare program that is tough but fair, we have made Alaska a better place to live for families who previously had little hope. I am very proud of our accomplishments." Before being appointed Director of Public Assistance, Nordlund served in the State House of Representatives representing west Anchorage. His last day of service with the public assistance agency is June 14. In her new job as Director, Ashenbrenner will earn approximately $77,500 annually.
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