KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The Aleutian East Borough has hired a new administrator, and he’s someone Kodiak residents know well. Rick Gifford, who left his job as Kodiak Island Borough Manager after seven years, took over the job for Aleutians East last month. He will stay in Anchorage while administering the borough, which includes Akutan, False Pass, Cold Bay, Nelson Lagoon, King Cove and Sand Point.
Gifford says infrastructure will be one of his top priorities in his new job. He’ll be involved in the proposal to build a road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge to link King Cove to the Cold Bay airport.
Originally from Idaho, Gifford came to Alaska in the mid-1970s. He started as an accountant.
Over the past 30 years, he’s worked for city governments in the Bristol Bay Borough, Seward and St. Paul. Gifford says he’s found a niche in small-town government.
Gifford’s contract with the Aleutians East Borough is for three years.
