Governor Mike Dunleavy has appointed John Crowther acting commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources effective today. Crowther replaces John Boyle who led the department since January 2023.
“The Department of Natural Resources is at the forefront of protecting and developing Alaska’s precious land and waters. Mr. Crowther’s legal background and experience as a deputy commissioner make him a great choice to advance the responsible development, and maximum use, of Alaska’s natural resources consistent with the public interest as mandated by Alaska’s Constitution,” said Governor Dunleavy. “I also want to thank John Boyle for his years of service to the department, and the people of Alaska, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
“Managing Alaska’s natural resources is an enormous responsibility that I take extremely seriously, and I want to thank Governor Dunleavy for placing his trust in me to manage the department and its hundreds of hard-working employees,” said Acting Commissioner Crowther.
Mr. Crowther first started at the department in 2012 and most recently served as deputy commissioner managing its oil and gas, project permitting, and geological survey divisions. Before re-joining DNR he was Director of the Governor’s Washington, D.C. office and was a staffer on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Dartmouth College and juris doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center.
