(JUNEAU, Alaska) – Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Commissioner Marc Luiken has announced the appointment of Shirley Marquardt as the new Executive Director of the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS).

“Shirley is a proven leader with extensive marine and executive experience. She is the right person to help move this vital part of Alaska’s transportation system towards more reliable and financially-stable operation,” said Commissioner Luiken. “AMHS operations are complex, and Shirley understands this. We appreciate that she accepted this position and we appreciate the support she has from the Marine Transportation Advisory Board.”

The new AMHS Executive Director position will provide strategic direction to the system as a whole as well as oversight of operations, engineering, marketing and program development. The position will be based in Ketchikan.

“Shirley is an excellent choice for AMHS because she will help orient the ferry system to a stronger business model,” said Governor Walker. “For the safety and prosperity of coastal Alaska and the businesses across Alaska who use the ferries, service should be reliable and predictable. ”

“I thank Shirley Marquardt for her service in my administration as Director of Boards and Commissions. Shirley’s experience both as a mayor of Unalaska and as a longtime Marine Transportation Advisory Board member make her an excellent choice for this new position,” Governor Bill Walker said. “I am confident that Shirley will help move the AMHS towards a stronger business model.”

Marquardt previously served as Mayor and City Council member of Unalaska for 22 consecutive years. During the past 38 years, she has worked for two shore plants, the At-Sea Processors fleet, two fisheries logistics companies, and an Alaskan-owned and operated marine transportation company. She served on the Aleutian Island Risk Assessment Advisory Panel, the Alaska Marine Pilot Board, the Marine Transportation Advisory Board and the American Seafoods Community Advisory Board. She also served as President of the Alaska Municipal League, President of the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference, and President of the Unalaska Senior Center board. She is currently Vice President of the Aleutian Island Waterways Safety Committee, and the Director of Boards and Commissions for the State of Alaska.

Marquardt will start in early June.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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