Boutin named new AIDEA executive director

Alan Bailey

Petroleum News

The board of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority has announced the appointment of Tomas Boutin as the authority’s new executive director. Boutin is replacing John Springsteen, who is moving to a new role as AIDEA chief operating officer.

“We are pleased to appoint Tom as AIDEA’s new executive director, and look forward to working with him and AIDEA’s talented executive team as we continue our partnership with Alaskans to promote, develop, and advance economic growth and diversification in our great state,” said AIDEA Board Chairman Dana Pruhs on Feb. 8, when announcing the appointment.

The management change at AIDEA reflects Springsteen’s appointment to Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s new Industrial Development Task Force - AIDEA says that Springsteen will bring the authority’s financing expertise to the task force. Springsteen will represent AIDEA on the task force while working out of the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development offices in Anchorage.

“We are grateful for John’s hard work and dedication during his time as executive director,” Pruhs said. “His leadership was instrumental in helping guide AIDEA through several very dynamic years. We look forward to working with him in his new role on Gov. Dunleavy’s task force.”

Boutin is a former deputy commissioner in the Alaska Department of Revenue. As part of a career in forestry, he was Alaska state forester for four years. He obtained an undergraduate degree in forestry from the University of New Hampshire and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Oregon School of Business.

Springsteen obtained his undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and holds a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University.

- ALAN BAILEY