Joe Austerman has been appointed by Commissioner Notti to serve as the Manager of the Office of Economic Development. Joe has worked with the Department since February 2007.  Joe is a lifelong Alaskan born at Elmendorf Air Force Base.  He is a graduate of Wasilla High School and holds a Bachelors degree from Northern Arizona University in Finance. He has spent most of his adult life as an entrepreneur, most notably in building the Alaska franchise area for Mail Boxes Etc. which are now known as the UPS Stores.  

Joe will be in charge of promoting economic development in Alaska including, but not limited to, mining, fishing, timber and tourism.

He will be responsible for supervising 18 employees and the compilation of the Net Rate of Return and the Alaska Economic Performance Report.  Additional duties include a wide variety of economic issues for specific industry sectors.

The Commissioner stated, “Joe’s experience of both the private and public sector will be a great asset to serve as Manager of the Office of Economic Development.  I look forward to working with him as we engage in addressing the unique challenges that face economic and community development in Alaska.”