Palin was appointed to the public seat, replacing Cammy Taylor, whose term expired at the end of last year. Palin, a lifelong Alaskan, is the former mayor of the City of Wasilla. She earned a journalism degree from the University of Idaho and has worked as a journalist and a commercial fisherman.

Ruederich was appointed to the engineers seat on the commission, replacing Mike Bill who was appointed to the seat by Gov. Tony Knowles late last year, after the Legislature adjourned, and had not been confirmed.

Ruederich earned Bachelor of Science, Master of Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in chemical engineering from Texas A &M University. Ruederich worked in the oil and gas industry in various capacities for more than 30 years, including as operations manager for Atlantic Richfield Co. in Sana’a, Yemen, and in Surrey, United Kingdom. He had previously worked for ARCO’s Alaska operations as a senior drilling engineer.

Taylor was chair of the commission and the governor has not named a new chair.

The appointments are effective tomorrow.

Commissioners earn $118,332 a year; the chair earns $122,473 a year.