"Ken Freeman has done a tremendous job working with the Alaska business community to stimulate economic growth through resource development activities," Knowles said. "He has a solid understanding of the major economic issues facing the State of Alaska and a proven track record of working with key players in the business community."

One of Freeman’s key responsibilities will be to track issues regarding the development of a gas pipeline. "Seeing work begin on a natural gas pipeline along the Alaska highway is one of my top priorities for the next two years and I have expanded the responsibilities of the business liaison position to focus additional energy on gasline development," Knowles said.

Freeman held two positions with the Resource Development Council, serving first as projects coordinator and then most recently as executive director. Between positions at RDC, he worked as press secretary and legislative assistant to the House Majority Caucus in the Alaska Legislature. Freeman is a member of the Anchorage downtown Rotary and serves on the Anchorage Port Commission.

"During his tenure as Governor, Tony Knowles has made economic development a high priority and has done much to stimulate job creation throughout the state," Freeman said. "I greatly appreciate this new opportunity to serve Alaska and look forward to working in furthering economic development and commercializing North Slope gas."

As special assistant for business and gasline development Freeman will serve as the Governor’s chief liaison to the Alaska business community earning approximately $75,000 annually. Freeman succeeds Mike Abbott, who was recently promoted to serve as Knowles’ legislative director.