U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today welcomed U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke’s announcement that Steve Wackowski will be his Senior Advisor for Alaskan Affairs. Zinke, who is visiting Alaska this week, made the announcement earlier today.

“I’ve known and worked with Steve for years, and I’m incredibly pleased that he will be the point person for Alaskan issues at the Department of the Interior,” Murkowski said. “Secretary Zinke is building a strong team for Alaska, putting good people in the right places to help our state. I’m excited to see what we can all do together to help address the wide range of Interior-related issues that we are facing.” 

Wackowski grew up in Anchorage, graduating from Bartlett High School before attending St. Mary’s University in California. He is a Major in the Air Force Reserve, with service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. Wackowski previously worked for the late U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, Fairweather Science, and as campaign manager for Murkowski’s successful 2016 re-election effort.

Wackowski will be based in Anchorage, where he lives with his wife, Lindsay, and his 2-year old son, Lucas.

Murkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.