Mayor LaFrance announces three new hires to fully staff the Mayor's Office

Anchorage, AK－Today, Mayor LaFrance announced three new hires in the Mayor's Office.  

"My top priority these first 100 days has been building the team that can make significant progress on Anchorage's big challenges these next three years and beyond," said Mayor LaFrance.

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Thea Agnew Bemben joins the team as a Special Assistant to Mayor LaFrance.  

Thea will work closely with Farina Brown, who is also a Special Assistant to the mayor, and other members of the mayor's team to tackle interrelated problems of health, homelessness, equity, and safety. 

"We know it's going to take an effective team to move Anchorage forward on complex issues like homelessness," said Mayor LaFrance. "Thea brings decades of expertise, strong local relationships, and unique private sector experience to the role. We're lucky to have her." 

Thea is a lifelong Alaskan who joins the Mayor's Office from her role as Principal and co-owner of Agnew::Beck Consulting, a local firm which she founded over 20 years ago. Thea brings expertise in health, housing, and human services planning along with strong experience working with Alaska Native communities, Tribal organizations and with many diverse communities in Anchorage and across Alaska.

She has worked on major projects including implementation of Crisis Now, Medicaid redesign at the State, Anchored Home and plans to address youth homelessness in Anchorage, housing initiatives including Pay for Success, and convened the Municipality's Complex Behavioral Health Task Force.

Thea's first day will be September 30.  

Berett Wilber has joined the Mayor's Office as Creative Director.  

Berett was born and raised in a commercial fishing family in Southeast Alaska. She recently graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a master's in graphic design. She has worked as a photojournalist, legislative aide, commercial fishing deckhand, and as Deputy Press Secretary to Governor Bill Walker.

"We are committed to transparent government and clear communication with the public," said Mayor LaFrance. "Berett's skill sets are a major asset to our team and to Anchorage."

Berett's first day was September 9, 2024.  

Ronni Weddleton joins as the Mayor's Executive Assistant. 

Ronni is nearly a lifelong Alaskan and calls Anchorage her "chosen home." A former small business owner, she brings skills in operations and organization management. Ronni has volunteered as a cook in Nome for the Iditarod, at remote hunting camps, and at a church camp near Emmonak in Western Alaska. She also served as Finance Director and Director of Development for Nine Star Education & Employment Services, where she promoted awareness for career development, job readiness, and placement programs. Ronni is adaptable, flexible, and able to thrive in various working environments.

"Ronni's deep connections to our community and adaptable approach are already helping us better serve the people of Anchorage," said Mayor LaFrance.

Ronni's first day was September 3, 2024. 

  With these three hires, the Mayor's Office is fully staffed.

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Media Contact: Amanda K. Moser
907-615-7852
​[email protected]

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