The Alaska Division of Agriculture would like to welcome John Torgerson as our new Manager & Acting Director. Department of Natural Resources Commissioner, Tom Irwin on May 9, 2003, appointed him. John was elected and served two terms in the Alaska State Senate. In his capacity of Senator he served as Chair, Senate Resources Committee; Chair, Legislative Joint Committee on Natural Gas Pipelines; Chair, International Committee of the Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline; Co-Chair, Senate Finance Committee. John has extensive background in community involvement and financial management. He was a member of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly and has led several economic and business development organizations, such as the President of the Alaska Municipal League and the Economic Development Committee. John comes to the Division of Agriculture from Kasilof. He and his wife, Marjorie, have three daughters.

Dean Brown, who served as our Acting Director for the last six months will return to her position as Deputy Director of the Alaska Division of Forestry. In that capacity she also manages the State Fire Operations.