NASCA Announces Vrana as an Alternate on its Executive Committee

LEXINGTON, KY – The National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA) announced the appointment of Paula Vrana as an Alternate on its Executive Committee.

Governor Mike Dunleavy appointed Paula Vrana as Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Administration in September 2021. Vrana oversees centralized administrative services to state agencies in matters of finance, personnel, labor relations, leasing of space, central mail distribution, property management, risk management, procurement, retirement and benefits programs, information technology, and telecommunication systems. Commissioner Vrana served as deputy commissioner of the department prior to being named Commissioner.

“I am truly honored to be selected to serve on the NASCA Executive Committee and look forward to working in partnership with the other state CAOs,” said Vrana. “In the face of constant change, it is vital that we provide steady leadership to our teams and effective support to the agencies we serve to ensure our states are resilient and can rise to any challenge.”

Vrana holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate degree. Prior to joining the Department of Administration, Vrana practiced law and served as the managing attorney for the law firm of Brena, Bell, and Clarkson for thirteen years. She has also served as the Chief Executive for two Alaskan nonprofits in the health industry.

Commissioner Paula Vrana is a fourth generation lifelong Alaskan raised in the southeastern Alaska community of Skagway. Vrana lives on a farm in the Matanuska Valley with her husband and two sons where they raise horses and cattle and enjoy all the outdoor activities that Alaska has to offer.

Commissioner Vrana concludes, “Our collective efforts, facilitated by NASCA, will achieve a synergy that will serve to better equip CAOs, advance our agencies’ mission, and promote enterprise-level operational excellence. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our home states. Joining the NASCA Executive Committee is an exciting opportunity for Alaska and I am thrilled to be a part of the team!”

For more information about NASCA, please visit www.nasca.org.