State of Alaska Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

State of Alaska has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, finance, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to public service, State of Alaska provides essential government resources and information to residents, businesses, and visitors, fostering a well-informed and supported populace across the state.

Leadership Roles at State of Alaska

  • Chief Executive Officer - Laraine Derr
  • Acting Chief Executive Officer & Chief Communications Officer - Allison Biastock
  • Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Novell
  • Acting Chief Financial Officer - Kathleen Roch
  • Chief Information Officer - William Vajda
  • Chief of Staff - Evan Anderson
  • Chief Technology Officer, Operations - Christopher White
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Niel Smith
  • Chief of Staff To Representative Ted Eischeid - Meredith Trainor
  • Chief of Staff & Holland Senator - Nikki Rose
  • Laraine Derr - Chief Executive Officer

    Laraine Derr, the Chief Executive Officer at State of Alaska, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for state government functions. Overseeing all departmental initiatives, Derr ensures alignment with legislative mandates and public service objectives. This leadership role involves driving efficiency across state agencies, from public safety to health and social services. By fostering inter-agency collaboration, Laraine Derr enhances the delivery of critical resources to Alaska's residents. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on optimizing state operations and ensuring fiscal responsibility in all governmental activities.

    Allison Biastock - Acting Chief Executive Officer & Chief Communications Officer

    Allison Biastock, the Acting Chief Executive Officer & Chief Communications Officer at State of Alaska, leads strategic initiatives and public engagement efforts. Overseeing both executive operations and communication strategies, Biastock ensures clear and consistent messaging to the public and stakeholders. This dual role involves guiding the state's executive functions while managing all external communications. By fostering transparency, Allison Biastock strengthens public trust and facilitates effective information dissemination. The Acting Chief Executive Officer & Chief Communications Officer's leadership ensures alignment between operational goals and public perception.

    Christopher Novell - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Novell, the Chief Financial Officer at State of Alaska, manages the state's fiscal operations and financial planning. Overseeing budget allocation and financial reporting, Novell ensures accountability and transparency in all state expenditures. This vital position involves developing financial strategies to support government programs and economic development initiatives. By optimizing resource management, Christopher Novell contributes to the state's financial stability and long-term sustainability. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise guides fiscal policy, ensuring efficient use of taxpayer funds and robust financial oversight across all state agencies.

    Kathleen Roch - Acting Chief Financial Officer

    Kathleen Roch, the Acting Chief Financial Officer at State of Alaska, provides interim leadership for the state's financial management. Overseeing fiscal operations and budget oversight, Roch ensures continuity in financial planning and reporting during this transition. This position involves maintaining sound financial practices and supporting departmental budget requirements. By ensuring fiscal integrity, Kathleen Roch upholds the state's commitment to responsible financial governance. The Acting Chief Financial Officer's focus is on maintaining stability and efficiency in financial operations while supporting strategic fiscal objectives.

    William Vajda - Chief Information Officer

    William Vajda, the Chief Information Officer at State of Alaska, architects the state's technology infrastructure and digital services. Overseeing all IT operations, Vajda ensures the secure and efficient management of data across various government departments. This critical role involves implementing innovative technological solutions to enhance public access to resources and streamline internal processes. By driving digital transformation, William Vajda supports the state's mission of providing accessible government services. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision guides the modernization of state IT systems, ensuring robust cybersecurity and reliable connectivity for all Alaskans.

    Evan Anderson - Chief of Staff

    Evan Anderson, the Chief of Staff at State of Alaska, provides strategic support and operational coordination for executive leadership. Overseeing key administrative functions and inter-departmental communications, Anderson ensures seamless execution of the state's agenda. This pivotal role involves managing priorities, facilitating decision-making, and driving special projects to completion. By streamlining operations, Evan Anderson enhances the effectiveness of state governance. The Chief of Staff's focus is on optimizing workflow and ensuring that executive directives are translated into actionable plans across all state entities.

    Christopher White - Chief Technology Officer, Operations

    Christopher White, the Chief Technology Officer, Operations at State of Alaska, directs the technological strategies supporting state operational infrastructure. Overseeing the deployment and maintenance of critical systems, White ensures the reliability and scalability of technology solutions for public services. This leadership position involves integrating advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency and service delivery across government departments. By driving technological innovation, Christopher White enhances the state's capacity to respond to the needs of its residents. The Chief Technology Officer, Operations' mandate includes ensuring robust technological frameworks that underpin all state operational functions.
    Christopher White

    Niel Smith - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Niel Smith, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at State of Alaska, supports the Chief Information Officer in managing the state's technology landscape. Overseeing specific IT projects and operational teams, Smith ensures the effective implementation of digital strategies. This role involves collaborating on cybersecurity initiatives and enhancing data management protocols across state agencies. By assisting in technology deployment, Niel Smith contributes to the modernization of state services. The Deputy Chief Information Officer's efforts focus on maintaining secure, efficient, and accessible technology platforms for government operations.

    Meredith Trainor - Chief of Staff To Representative Ted Eischeid

    Meredith Trainor, the Chief of Staff To Representative Ted Eischeid at State of Alaska, manages the legislative and operational support for Representative Eischeid. Overseeing constituent services and policy coordination, Trainor ensures the effective representation of district interests. This role involves facilitating communication between the representative and state agencies, as well as the public. By providing strategic counsel, Meredith Trainor enhances the representative's ability to serve the community. The Chief of Staff's focus is on optimizing the representative's legislative agenda and operational efficiency.

    Nikki Rose - Chief of Staff & Holland Senator

    Nikki Rose, the Chief of Staff & Holland Senator at State of Alaska, directs legislative strategy and operational management within the state senate. Overseeing policy development and constituent engagement, Rose ensures effective representation and legislative progress. This significant role involves coordinating efforts across various committees and advocating for key policy initiatives. By driving legislative action, Nikki Rose contributes to the advancement of state governance. The Chief of Staff & Holland Senator's leadership focuses on impactful policy creation and efficient operational execution within the legislative framework.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding State of Alaska Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads State of Alaska?
    State of Alaska is led by Laraine Derr (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Allison Biastock (Acting Chief Executive Officer & Chief Communications Officer) and Christopher Novell (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of State of Alaska’s executive team?
    The executive team of State of Alaska includes leaders such as Laraine Derr (Chief Executive Officer), Allison Biastock (Acting Chief Executive Officer & Chief Communications Officer), Christopher Novell (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does State of Alaska have?
    State of Alaska has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in State of Alaska’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of State of Alaska includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Acting Chief Executive Officer & Chief Communications Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Acting Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer.