President Obama Appoints Juneau Resident Dave Benton to Arctic Research Commission

President Obama yesterday made public his decision to appoint David Benton to the Arctic Research Commission. Making him the third Alaskan seated there.

Benton, who is currently a self-employed marine resource consultant, was formerly the Executive Director of the Marine Conservation Alliance from 2004 to 2010.

Benton has also served on the North Pacific Research Baord as well as the North Pacific Management Council. He also served as the Deputy Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game from 1994 until 2000.

Benton joins Fran Ulmer, the former Chancellor of the University of Alaska, who chairs the council, and Mary C. Pete, who is the director of the Kuskokwim Campus at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The Arctic Research Commission was established by the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984. The commission's duties include the establishment of national policies, priorities and goals for a federal program plan with respect to the arctic. The council works with various other entities such as the National Science and Technology Council and the National Science Foundation as the lead agency responsible for implementing Arctic research policy.

Alaska's junior Senator, Mark Begich  welcomed today's announcemnt.

“Dave Benton brings years of experience in both the public and private sectors, and as chair of the North Pacific Research Board,” said Begich, who recommended Benton to the White House. “We look to the Arctic Research Commission to guide the scientific efforts needed to understand the change underway in the Arctic and ensure future development is compatible with its ecosystems and the subsistence needs of its residents. Dave brings a wide and varied perspective as we look to address research needs in the rapidly changing Arctic.”

Benton fills the seat held by Michele Longo Eder of Newport, Oregon. Seats on the council are for four years.