September 12, 2014, Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell today announced he is seeking applications for the appointed position of adjutant general of the State of Alaska and commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The appointment will fill the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Major General Thomas Katkus. The adjutant general (TAG) serves as the commander of the Alaska National Guard and oversees the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Applicants for the TAG will be vetted through a panel appointed by Governor Parnell. The panel will include Maj. Gen. Michael McGuire, adjutant general for Arizona; Cindy Sims, deputy chief of staff for Governor Parnell; Dianne Blumer, Labor and Workforce Development commissioner; and Randy Ruaro, Governor Parnell’s special counsel.

In appointing General McGuire to the panel, Governor Parnell is following a suggested course of action by the National Guard Bureau, which recommended the general because of his leadership experience helping the Arizona National Guard meet challenges in its command structure.

“Maj. Gen. McGuire understands what it takes to change the command structure,” Governor Parnell said. “He will play an important role in helping me select a permanent TAG who will restore confidence and trust in the Alaska National Guard’s leadership,” Governor Parnell said.

Maj. Gen. McGuire has improved the efficiency, reputation and command climate and culture of the Arizona National Guard following an Office of Complex Investigations review that found problems with previous leadership in the Arizona National Guard. He concurrently serves as director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, where he manages the day-to-day activities of Arizona’s Army and Air National Guard, Joint Programs, and the Division of Emergency Management. Maj. Gen. McGuire leads an 8,000-member department. His more than 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force includes time in Alaska as a F-16 instructor pilot at Eielson Air Force Base from 1997-2001.

In accordance with state law, to be considered for the position of Alaska’s adjutant general an applicant must be a citizen of the state and must be a federally recognized general-grade officer in the Alaska National Guard, or an officer eligible to be promoted to a federally recognized general-grade officer. Candidates may be in active status or in retirement status eligible for reappointment as a general-grade officer. Preference may be given to an applicant who has served at least five years in the Alaska National Guard.

Separately, Governor Parnell continues to work with the National Guard Bureau to establish a project team leader to implement the recommendations from the Office of Complex Investigations.

Qualified people interested in applying for the adjutant general/commissioner position should send by mail a resume and letter of interest to the Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 110001, Juneau, AK 99811-0001 or by email at governor@alaska.gov

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