Campbell Returns to Alaska Aerospace
Alaska Aerospace Corporation’s Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island.
The former President and CEO of Alaska Aerospace is returning to the state-owned corporation. Craig Campbell is leaving his current position in Anchorage City Hall as policy and programs director for Mayor Dave Bronson.
A press release from the mayor’s office says Bronson accepts Campbell’s resignation “regretfully,” effective October 24. The next day, Campbell returns to Alaska Aerospace “to assist in the transition of senior leadership.”
Earlier this month, the corporation hired a new CEO, Milton B. Keeter Jr., previously director of launch safety for ABL Space Systems in California. He also worked for Astra Space, the Bay Area rocket startup that has unsuccessfully attempted orbital launches from Kodiak Island as the first commercial customer of Alaska Aerospace.
Campbell led Alaska Aerospace from 2012 until 2019, when he stepped down to become president of the corporation’s spinoff, Aurora Launch Services. That year, Governor Mike Dunleavy appointed Campbell to the board of the Alaska Railroad Corporation. Campbell resigned from that position in July when he became chief of staff to the newly elected Bronson, largely due to a conflict of interest since the municipality was intervening in a lawsuit between the railroad and a homeowners association over a right-of-way in South Anchorage.
A former member and chairman of the Anchorage Assembly, Campbell was the Adjutant General of the Alaska National Guard in 2009 when he was elevated to lieutenant governor.
Bronson has named Karl Raskiewicz to replace Campbell, and Marilyn Banzhaf takes over as acting Office of Management and Budget director.
Alaska Aerospace owns and operates the Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island, and its mission includes developing a high technology aerospace industry in the state.