Palin names state energy coordinator

JUNEAU - Gov. Sarah Palin named former Golden Valley Electric Association Chief Executive Steven Haagenson to be the state's energy coordinator.

Palin made the announcement Wednesday at the Capitol during a news conference.

Haagenson is an engineer who has worked for the Fairbanks-based utility for nearly 32 years, the last six as chief executive.

His predecessor was Rep. Mike Kelly, a Fairbanks Republican.

As energy coordinator, Haagenson also will serve as executive director of the Alaska Energy Authority.