Transitions in senior leadership for the Alaska National Guard were made Monday at the direction of Governor Sean Parnell. Brig. Gen. Mike Bridges met with three leaders in key positions to notify them of personnel changes involving them, effective immediately. Based upon the totality of the OCI report and findings, the governor directed the following actions:

Brig. Gen. Catherine Jorgensen is removed from her position as chief of staff and land component commander for the Alaska Army National Guard.  Acting Army chief of staff is Col. John Woyte.

Brig. Gen. Donald S. Wenke is removed from his position as the commander of the 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard. Assuming command of 176th Wing is Col. Blake Gettys.

Col. Edith Grunwald is removed from her position as the director of human resources for the Alaska National Guard. Acting director of human resources is Lt. Col. Emma Thyen.

These changes were made to help restore trust, and foster faith and confidence in the leadership of the Alaska National Guard.

Deliberate steps will continue to be made to improve the organization and its culture, and additional changes will take place as appropriate.

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