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Department of Labor and Workforce Development
 
Office of the Commissioner

Governor Appoints Sinnott To Head Division Of Vocational Rehabilitation

Jun. 1, 2004
No. 04-56

JUNEAU – Governor Frank Murkowski has appointed a longtime advocate for the interests of Alaskans with disabilities to head the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Gale M. Sinnott, of Juneau, brings to the division more than 20 years of professional and volunteer experience throughout the state providing rehabilitative, independent living and employment services for students and adults.

Sinnott assumes the state’s top vocational rehabilitation assignment after heading statewide services in the division Rehabilitation Services Section. She joined the division as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in 1982 with other responsibilities including regional manager and special programs coordinator.

Sinnott succeeds Vocational Rehabilitation Director David C. Quisenberry, who retired earlier this month after a 31-year career in the division.

Labor Commissioner Greg O’Claray said Governor Murkowski’s appointment of Sinnott recognizes her outstanding administrative skills and an enlightened, supportive approach to vocational rehabilitation.

O’Claray added, “Director Sinnott will strengthen and continue the division’s commitment to recognize an individual’s ‘disabilities,’ but then to focus the client on opportunities for a life that is fulfilling and contributes to society.”

Sinnott’s career on behalf of the disabled includes more than two decades of volunteer work with service groups and non-profits offering assistance and services to Alaskans with disabilities. These include Challenge Alaska, Outdoor Recreation and Community Access (ORCA), Southeast Alaska Independent Living and the Governor’s Committee on Employment and Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities.

Special Education Director Art Arnold, head of the Teaching and Learning Support section in the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, said Sinnott’s appointment “is good news for Alaska. Her commitment to young people and adult workers who experience a disability is well known.”

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News Media Contacts:
Gale Sinnott, Director, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, 907.465.2814 or
Joe Holbert, Special Assistant/Communications, 907.465.5673

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