The Walker-Mallott transition team on Sunday wrapped up a successful three-day conference, preparing the way for the new administration.

A comprehensive summary of the groups’ findings will be compiled within the next two weeks. One of the recurring themes throughout the weekend was the diversity of the participants, the number of participants, and an appreciation of the inclusive and transparent process.

The transition team was comprised of 246 Alaskans from 43 different Alaskan communities. Among the participants were educators, Alaska Native leaders, doctors, mayors, fishermen, scientists, business owners, natural resource specialists, former commissioners and economic analysts.

During breaks and plenary sessions, transition team members expressed excitement for the new administration and appreciation for the transition process.  The 17 groups were each tasked with developing five issues to be addressed in each assigned area.  Jeff Cook, co-chair of the healthcare subcommittee observed:

“We’re going to potentially save millions of dollars if these ideas are implemented. In the Dept. of Health & Social Services, you have a lot of good people working, but you don’t have the leadership or the morale. People in the department want to do the right thing, and if we can get the right leadership, you can do more with the human and capital resources.”

Education committee co-chair, and former candidate for lt. governor, Bob Williams reflected on his experience as a teacher and transition team member:

“Many times, teachers and educators are seeing things done to them, and the idea that this administration is involving practicing classroom teachers in the process, with a variety of different stakeholders really resonates and is really powerful.”

Liz Medicine Crow, chair of the intergovernmental affairs subcommittee noted the potential of increased partnership between the state and tribes:

“In the past, some administrations have passed administrative orders to recognize tribes in Alaska but they would be rescinded by the next administration. We need to go to a place of deep respect. Think about the potential and partnership we could have in health care, education and law enforcement.”

The transition team conference closed Sunday on a high note, with heartfelt comments from transition team co-chairs, Ana Hoffman and Rick Halford, as well as Governor-elect Bill Walker and Lt. Governor-elect Byron Mallott.

The room of nearly 300 people was punctuated with the sound of iPhones snapping photos, laughter, applause and the occasional standing ovation.

“Through inclusiveness, we achieved cohesiveness,” Hoffman reminded the crowd.

Rick Halford observed in his closing remarks: “It’s a rebirth of hope for what we want to see out of our government. It’s a lot less cynicism and a lot more hope, and for that I thank Byron and Bill.”

Lt. Governor-elect Byron Mallott moved the audience when he recalled his candidacy which intially opposed his eventual running mate, Bill Walker.  He concluded that Walker “is the real deal” as he enthusiastically introduced “Governor Bill Walker” to thunderous applause.

Walker closed out the conference with his remarks:

“It’s never really sunk in I’m going to be governor until now. Thank you. You have made me governor. You have worked hard and come together this weekend and fulfilled our dream of what this would be about.”

Walker thanked the transition team members for their service to the new administration and encouraged the subcommittees to continue their work and initiate similar dialogues in their communities.

The conference concluded with a group photo to commemorate the historic and diverse gathering.

  Alaska, conference, governor, meeting, transition team, walker