Senator
Cathy Giessel



Email: Senator.Cathy.Giessel@akleg.gov
District: E
Party: Republican
Toll-Free: 800-892-4843


Session Contact
State Capitol Room 427
Juneau AK, 99801
Phone: 907-465-4843
Fax:
Interim Contact
1500 W. Benson Blvd.
Anchorage AK, 99503
Phone: 907-269-0181
Fax:

Place of Birth
  • Fairbanks, Alaska
Residency in Alaska
  • Lifetime
Occupation
  • Registered Nurse
  • Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Family
  • Husband- Richard
  • Adult Children-Peter (daughter in law, Taryl), Elisabeth, David
  • 7 grandchildren
Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing -University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Masters of Science in Nursing -University of Alaska Anchorage
Alaska State Senate: 2011-present
  • Natural Resources Committee, chair, 2013-2018, member 2019-2020, co-chair 2023-2024
  • Education Committee 2015-2018
  • Health Committee, vice chair 2015-2016, member 2017-present
  • Labor & Commerce Committee 2011-2012, vice chair, 2015-2016
  • Special Committee on the Arctic, chair - 2015-2018
  • Community & Regional Affairs Committee, vice chair, 2013-2014
  • State Affairs Committee, vice chair, 2013-2014, member 2011-2012, 2017-2018
  • Joint Administrative Regulation Review, vice chair, 2013-2014
  • Joint Legislative Budget & Audit Committee, 2013-present
  • Joint Legislative Council Committee 2017--present
  • Select Committee on Legislative Ethics, 2013-2014
  • Finance Subcommittee on Health, 2015-present
  • Finance Subcommittee on Department of Environmental Conservation, 2013-present
  • Finance Subcommittee on Department of Natural Resources, 2013-present
  • Finance Subcommittee on Department of Labor & Workforce Development, 2013-2014
  • Finance Subcommittee on the Legislature, 2011-2012, 2019-present
  • Finance Subcommittee on the Governor, 2019-present
  • Arctic Policy Commission, 2011-2014
  • Department of Education, Education Challenge Team, Health and Safety Committee, 2017
Senate Caucus Work:
  • Joint Legislative In-State Gas Caucus
  • Joint Outdoor Heritage Caucus

NATIONAL INVOLVEMENT:

Council of State Governments (CSG)
  • Intergovernmental Affairs Committee
  • Energy & Environment Public Policy Committee
  • Health Public Policy Committee
Council of State Governments - West
  • Energy and Public Lands Committee
  • Canada Relations Committee
  • Health Committee
Energy Council
  • Executive Committee 2013-2014, 2017-2020
Energy Producing State Coalition
  • Member 2011-12, Chair Elect 2013-2014, Chair 2014-2015
National Council of State Legislators
  • Health & Human Services Committee
  • Natural Resources & Infrastructure Committee
Pacific Northwest Economic Region
  • Legislative Energy Institute graduate, 2012
  • Arctic Caucus
  • Workforce Committee, co-chair, 2012-2013
  • Delegate (Alternate), 2013-2014, 2017-present
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
  • Member, February 2014 to 2015
Western States
  • Forestry Committee
Organizations and Community Involvement
  • Alaska Resource Development Council
  • Alaska Miners Association
  • Alaska Support Industry Alliance
  • Alaska State Chamber of Commerce
  • Alaska Commonwealth North
  • Pioneers of Alaska
  • National Rifle Association
  • Heritage Christian School Board 1992-1999
  • Community Pregnancy Center Board 2004-2010
  • Alaska Behavioral Health
  • Beacon Hill Safe Families for Children
  • Alaska Health Fairs
Awards and Recognitions
  • 2020 Associated Builders & Contractors, Legislator of the Year
  • 2017 Henry Toll Fellowship Program
  • 2016 Alaska Champion for Children, Foundation for Government Accountability
  • 2016 Childhood Immunization Champion, Centers for Disease Control Foundation
  • 2015-2016 Outstanding Legislator, National Foundation of Independent Business
  • 2015 Legislative Award, Alaska Professional Hunters Association
  • 2013 Legislator of the Year, Alaska Miners Association
  • 2012 Legislator of the Year, Associated Builders and Contractors
  • 2010 Exceptional Leader, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
  • Fellow, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, inducted 2006
  • Anchorage Republican Woman of the Year, 2007
Special Interests
  • Cross country skiing, biking, hiking, running, shooting, textile crafts, my grandchildren