The state spent more than $24 million paying 167 executive-level officials. The state’s top-paid executive was Frank Richards, the president of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp., who was compensated nearly $480,000.
The state of Alaska spent more than $24 million paying 167 executive-level officials in 2023, representing an increase of more than 5% in spending between 2022 and 2023, according to a recent
Alaska Railroad Corp. President William O’Leary received more than $382,000 in compensation, an increase of around $48,000 from 2022, accounting for a 14% boost. Dunleavy’s travel expenses went up 15% between 2022 and 2023, from around $40,000 to $46,000, according to the report. The governor’s out-of-state travel in 2023 included stops in Vail, Colorado; Berlin, Germany; and Paris, France. Dunleavy also attended four Safari Club International events, paid by the organization.
Lori Wing-Heier, director of the Alaska Division of Insurance, spent nearly $3,500 on a trip to Tokyo, Japan, for “Conference/Training Related Travel.” Lawmakers’ salaries did not go up in 2023, but a pay increase from $50,400 per year to $84,000 per year went into effect at the beginning of the current year.spending just under $360,000 on travel in 2023. Spending levels varied among legislators. Sitka Republican Sen. Bert Stedman reported nearly $44,000; Nome Democratic Rep. Neal Foster reported more than $41,000; and Dillingham independent Rep. Bryce Edgmon spent $36,000.