The head of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, one of the state’s largest landowners, has announced his resignation effective July 5. Steve Williams, who has been CEO of the $500 million public corporation for the past two years, informed the trust’s board of his decision on Thursday. Williams has been with the organization since 2005, holding various roles.
Established in 1994 to manage land revenue for the benefit of Alaskans with mental illness, the trust is a major player in Alaska’s mining and logging industries due to its extensive holdings. The authority, a public corporation, oversees the management of the trust’s assets.
Allison Biastock, the trust’s communications director, will take over as interim CEO while the board conducts a nationwide search for a permanent replacement. Williams expressed gratitude for working alongside trust beneficiaries, staff members, trustees, partners at state and tribal health organizations and community members. He did not provide a reason for his resignation but mentioned his intention to spend more time with his family while continuing to have a positive impact on Alaska.
