About the Ombudsman
Jacob Carbaugh was unanimously appointed as the seventh Alaska State Ombudsman on May 14, 2025. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Carbaugh served as the acting Ombudsman, and he has worked for the Office of the Alaska State Ombudsman since 2020. His career in public service began in 2007.
Mr. Carbaugh is a lifelong Alaskan and a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage. His career is dedicated to advocating for good governance in Alaska
The Ombudsman is selected by the Alaska Legislature's bi-partisan Ombudsman Selection Committee, subject to approval by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature in joint session and by the Governor. The Ombudsman serves for a term of five years and may be reappointed twice.
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The Alaska Legislature created the Office of the Ombudsman in 1975.
The Ombudsman is not an advocate. We look at complaints with an independent, objective, and neutral eye. The Ombudsman investigates to determine whether an agency’s actions were unlawful, unreasonable, unfair, arbitrary, erroneous, or inefficient. If appropriate, the Ombudsman will recommend a way to resolve the complaint and/or prevent future complaints.
Ombudsman investigations are confidential. When there is a substantial public interest involved, the Ombudsman will publish a public summary of an investigation, findings, and any recommendations.
Mission
The Alaska State Ombudsman investigates citizen complaints about administrative acts of state agencies and determines appropriate remedies. A.S. 24.55
Vision
The Alaska State Ombudsman promotes fair and efficient government through objective inquiry and well-reasoned recommendations for meaningful, measurable improvement.
Core Values
Objectivity: We are committed to reviewing and investigating complaints without bias or preconception.
Curiosity: We are committed to looking carefully at complaints and the larger context in which they arise. We are also committed to a culture of perpetual learning and discovery.
Dignity: We recognize that every person wants to be seen, heard, understood, and treated fairly. We are committed to affirming the personal dignity of everyone who asks us for help, and everyone involved in an investigation, by listening to understand, showing compassion, and practicing acceptance and authenticity.
Communication: We are committed to communicating honestly, clearly, and accessibly with the people we serve so that we share information, education, findings, and recommendations in a way that is valuable to individuals and government agencies.
Public Service: We are committed to helping people resolve their individual complaints and problems and to improving the transparency, accessibility, effectiveness, and equity of government systems.