Ombudsman Kate Burkhart has announced her resignation, effective April 1, 2025. Assistant Ombudsman Jacob Carbaugh will serve as Acting Ombudsman until the Alaska Legislature appoints a new ombudsman. Burkhart was appointed Ombudsman by the Alaska Legislature in 2017 and unanimously reconfirmed in 2022. “I leave this organization proud of the work our team has accomplished together over the years,” Burkhart said.
Jacob Carbaugh joined the Ombudsman’s office in 2020. Born in Alaska and a graduate of the University of Alaska, Carbaugh has spent 17 serving his community. He worked with the Alaska Court System and Office of Public Advocacy prior to becoming an Assistant Ombudsman. Carbaugh has led complex and systemic ombudsman investigations and, since 2023, served as Acting Ombudsman on multiple occasions.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the invaluable work of the Alaska State Ombudsman to promote fair and efficient state government operations,” Carbaugh said. “Our office remains committed to impartially investigating citizen complaints about the administrative acts of state agencies consistent with our core values and working with agencies to develop solutions through objective and meaningful recommendations for improvement.”