Congratulations to Juneau residents Thomas W. Nelson, appointed by Governor Palin to the Alaska Humanities Forum Board of Directors, and Nick Henderson, an appointee to the Alaska Community Services Commission.

Nelson will join the 20-member board which has the responsibility of awarding state grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and developing programs and projects to support the humanities in Alaska. Nelson brings a wide variety of experience with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the ROTC as an instructor, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C. He has also served as a Turkish linguist at NATO’s liaison office.

Henderson, along with 15-25 other members of the Board, will be responsible for developing a state system for recruiting and placing individuals into federally funded national service programs. Henderson returned to Alaska after serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq and the Lower 48 from 2004-2007. In addition, he has worked at Greens Creek Mine and Gavel to Gavel public television service. Henderson plans to study economics at the University of Alaska Southeast in the fall.

I wish Thomas and Nick the best of luck in their new positions. If you are interested in being nominated for a board position, please contact me at 465-3744. Serving Alaska on state boards and commissions presents great opportunities to learn more about our diverse state, people, geography, and cultures.