Today, Governor Mike Dunleavy appointed Emma Pokon as commissioner-designee for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Pokon was named acting commissioner in August.
“I have full confidence in Acting Commissioner Pokon and her ability to lead the department,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “She has shown an immense amount of knowledge and prioritizes common-sense solutions that balance environmental protection with economic considerations.”
Emma Pokon joined DEC in February 2020 from the Alaska Department of Law where she most recently served as a Senior Assistant Attorney General assigned to support DEC. Previously, Ms. Pokon represented the North Slope Borough in natural resource and environmental matters and was a law clerk for the Fairbanks Superior Court. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in chemistry from Hamilton College. She also achieved a JD and a Master of Studies in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School.
“In my almost four years with the agency, I’ve witnessed the value of DEC’s work to our state and residents,” said Commissioner-designee Pokon. “I’m honored to continue working with the many dedicated public servants at DEC to protect human health and the wellbeing of Alaskans.”
Commissioner-designee Pokon’s name will be forwarded to the Alaska Legislature for confirmation.
