Alaska DOT has new commissioner

Alaska Governor Bill Walker named Marc Luiken as commissioner for the Department of Transportation (DOT) on Jan. 23.

Luiken, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and vice commander at Elmendorf Air Force Base, previously served as the DOT commissioner from December 2010 to October 2012. He was deputy commissioner of aviation from June to December 2010.

Walker said in a statement that Luiken brings leadership and experience into the department. Walker said he is “impressed with Marc’s vision for the DOT. He believes in efficient use of existing resources. His philosophy is a prudent one given our current fiscal changes.” 

Luiken is a coach for RLG International in Vancouver, British Columbia, heading leadership and performance. In Alaska, he has worked in the National Petroleum Reserve with ConocoPhillips on oil production.