President Trump appoints Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy as The United States Arctic Research Commission (USARC) Commissioner.

Governor Dunleavy brings extensive experience working on issues affecting Alaska’s Arctic communities, including economic development, infrastructure, responsible resource development, and community resilience. As Governor of the nation’s only Arctic state, he has been closely engaged in many of the issues that shape U.S. Arctic priorities.

The Commission and the State of Alaska have a long history of cooperation in identifying national Arctic research priorities and ensuring that federal Arctic research activities address the needs of Arctic residents and communities. Governor Dunleavy’s appointment strengthens that longstanding partnership.

“The Commission is tremendously excited to welcome Governor Dunleavy,” said Thomas E. Dans, Chairman of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission. “Home to America’s Arctic, Alaska is the central pillar of the United States’ Arctic research enterprise. Governor Dunleavy’s perspective and experience will make an invaluable contribution to the Commission’s work advising the President and Congress on Arctic research priorities and advancing collaboration across the federal government, the State of Alaska, Arctic communities and international partners.”

“This appointment to the United States Arctic Research Commission is a tremendous honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of Arctic policy and innovation,” said Governor Dunleavy. “Alaska sits at the forefront of the Arctic, and our communities, resources, and strategic position make us essential to advancing responsible research, economic development, and national security in the region. I look forward to working with fellow commissioners to ensure that Arctic research reflects the needs of Alaskans while strengthening America’s leadership in the Arctic.”

USARC, an independent federal agency, was established by the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 to develop and recommend national Arctic research policy and priorities and to help coordinate the federal government’s Arctic research activities. It works closely with federal agencies, the State of Alaska, Alaska Native Organizations, and the research community to advance scientific understanding of the Arctic, to improve coordination of Arctic research with international partners, and to support informed decision-making for the region and the nation.

Source: https://www.arctic.gov/news-4-14-2026