Parnell appoints Hughes to AEA

The long-empty position on the Alaska Energy Authority-Alaska Industrial Development Authority Board of Directors has been filled.  Governor Sean Parnell has appointed Wilson Hughes of Anchorage to the board.  Hughes has served as the CEO of GCI since 1991.  He is past chairman of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation and previously served as the chairman of AIDEA and AEA.

In the 1980s he was president of companies that worked on numerous hydroelectric projects such as Bradley Lake as well as working on the feasibility studies for the Susitna Dam in those days.   He also worked on the construction of Red Dog Mine.

In other appointments, Parnell has reappointed Willow resident Erin McLarnon to the Board of Forestry.  He has also appointed Wayne Nicols and Jeff Foley.

McLarnon is the executive director of Alaska Trails and the owner of Wind Diesel North America.

Foley works for Calista Corporation and is a career geologist.  Nicolls is retired as the regional public affairs director for the Alaska Region of the U.S.  Forest Service.

All appointments are accepted by and voted on by the Alaska legislature.