Monegan to head Alaska Native Justice Center

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Former Department of Public Safety commissioner Walt Monegan is now back to what he says is a true calling for him -- helping build safer communities. Monegan is replacing Denise Morris as president of the Alaska Native Justice Center.

Morris is now director of the First Alaskans Institute.

Monegan has served on the justice center’s board for 10 years and says he believes all his past experiences are important pieces of the puzzle, finding ways to help Alaska Natives and the justice system work together on the same path.

Monegan figured prominently in the Troopergate controversy, when then-Gov. Sarah Palin fired him as commissioner. The state Legislature investigated ethics claims that Monegan lost his job because Palin wanted him to fire her brother-in-law, state trooper Mike Wooten.

Since then, Monegan has worked for the Anchorage School District helping minority students stay in school.

Contact Rhonda McBride at rmcbride@ktuu.com