Jim Clark (Alaska) - Chief of Staff

Chief of Staff

In 2001 he was named the head of Governor Frank Murkowski's transition team, and in 2002, he was appointed Chief-of-Staff by Governor Frank Murkowski. Although reluctant to leave the practice of law, which he loved, he said, “I am a strong believer in public service, and it is my turn to serve my State of Alaska, which has given so much back to me and my family.” As Chief-of-Staff he directed the preparation of the State budget; oversaw the preparation of legislation; negotiated the budget and legislation with the Legislature; worked with the Governor and departmental commissioners to formulate policy. He also managed Governor’s cabinet and served as the State’s chief gas pipeline negotiator and successfully negotiated a draft contract between the Governor and the North Slope producers to construct a gas pipeline. During this time he was often referred to as "the most powerful unelected official in Alaska," although he always rejected this as he said his job was simply to carry out the will of Governor Murkowski, and noted that he was not acting on his own agenda.