Health and Social Services Commissioner Karleen Jackson recently announced the appointment of Ellie Fitzjarrald as Public Assistance director.
Ellie Fitzjarrald has served as acting Public Assistance director since June 2006.
“Public Assistance touches many lives on a very personal level, and it requires a unique kind of leadership,” Jackson said. “I am pleased to have Ellie continue in this leadership role ─ she has a great understanding of the importance of public assistance in helping people achieve the highest possible degree of self sufficiency while in the most vulnerable of circumstances.”
Fitzjarrald previously served as the Division’s Chief of Policy and Program Development, and held a key role in helping lead the agency through the successful efforts to reform the state’s welfare system.
Fitzjarrald has a breadth of experience in public assistance. She has worked in the medical assistance and public assistance areas in the department since April 1980. She worked 10 years on the front lines as an eligibility technician, providing direct service to customers. She has been involved in many special projects, including systems design and testing, helping Alaska Native organizations build Native Family Assistance Programs, and has earned several awards for her exceptional achievements.