The Haines Borough recently filled three vacant or soon-to-be vacant positions. It is still looking for a tourism director to replace outgoing director Tanya Carlson.
Interim manager Julie Cozzi said the borough received only two applications for the tourism director position by the March 17 review date. “We are continuing to accept applications to get a larger pool,” Cozzi said.
The two candidates thus far are Alaska Arts Confluence president Carol Tuynman and Sheldon Museum education coordinator Scott Pearce.
The tourism director position is being advertised in the Chilkat Valley News and websites for the borough, Alaska Municipal League, Workplace Alaska, Alaska Tourism Industry Association and Western Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Cozzi said.
Krista Kielsmeier, who worked as an administrative and public facilities assistant, has been hired to replace deputy clerk Michelle Webb, who is moving to Fairbanks this spring. The borough received five applications for the position.
Cozzi also hired Shawn Bell of Colorado, brother of Haines postmaster Genevieve Bell, as assistant harbormaster. His start date is April 1.
“He brings with him a lot of maintenance and construction experience as well as supervisory (experience) – all outstanding assets for the harbor,” Cozzi said.
Sierra Hinkle will also start work as the new police dispatcher April 1. With chief Bill Musser and officer Josh Dryden on the job now, Hinkle’s addition brings the department back up to full staffing.
Incoming borough manager David Sosa’s first day is April 8.
With the recent hires, the only job aside from the tourism director position being advertised at present is for a part-time pool lifeguard.