April 14, 2008

Beedle named AMHS Deputy Commissioner

Alaska Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner Leo von Scheben today announced the appointment of Jim Beedle as Deputy Commissioner for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS).

Beedle has worked at AMHS since 1975 in numerous positions from steward to chief purser to operations manager and special assistant. He has worked on every ferry in the system's fleet between Southeast and Southwest Alaska. As a chief purser for more than 17 years, Beedle spent 10 years aboard the motor vessel LeConte in Southeast Alaska. He also worked as the lead teacher for the Junior Assistant Purser training class and received the AMHS Outstanding Employee award for the purser/steward department in 2003.

"It is important to have someone in this position with a strong background and knowledge of AMHS," said Commissioner von Scheben. "Jim's broad experience gives him knowledge of virtually all aspects of AMHS operations, from shipment of commercial cargo to passengers and vehicles. He knows many of our customers and is familiar with their needs."

Beedle, a Juneau resident, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Northern Colorado. He will assume his new position May 16.

---