March 26, 2009, Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin today announced the appointment of Wayne Anthony Ross as Attorney General.

Ross, currently in private practice, will fill the vacancy created last month by the resignation of Attorney General Talis Colberg. The governor thanked Acting Attorney General Rick Svobodny for his support and counsel during this transition. Svobodny will resume his position as Deputy Attorney General for the Criminal Division.

“Wayne Anthony Ross will be a great defender of Alaska and the people he serves," Governor Palin said. "With his vast legal knowledge, experience and integrity, he will make an exceptional Attorney General. I recognize the sacrifices our public servants make for Alaska and her people, and I am honored that Wayne is willing to make those sacrifices for the greater good.”

Ross received his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Law degrees from Marquette University. He has been president of Ross & Miner, P.C. in Anchorage since 1977.

“Theodore Roosevelt once said ‘Aggressive fighting for the right is the noblest sport the world affords’ – I subscribe to that philosophy,” Ross said. “I sincerely appreciate the confidence placed in me by Governor Sarah Palin in choosing me to be our new Attorney General. I welcome the chance to now represent the best interests of our beloved state and its citizens. I look forward to working with Governor Palin and the Legislature in the good fight to help our state achieve its full potential.”

As Attorney General, Ross will work with the governor on issues surrounding development of Alaska’s rich natural resources as the state continues its efforts to provide energy security for America and lower energy costs for Alaskans. As Attorney General, Ross also will help the governor protect Alaskans’ right to bear arms, and he will work tirelessly to manage Alaska’s fish and game resources for abundance through science and not politics.

Governor Palin added, “Now more than ever, it is essential that Alaska’s sovereignty be protected, that there is unity in Alaska, and that we all stand together to see Alaska’s potential fulfilled with energy security contributions to ourselves and the nation, while protecting the Constitution.”

Ross is no stranger to public service. More than forty years ago, Ross began his distinguished career as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Alaska, and then as Court Trustee and Standing Master for Family Court. He ran for governor in 2002 in the Republican primary against then-U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski. Ross is also an educator, having taught several semesters at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

He is a former vice president of the National Rifle Association and currently is a Director of the NRA. He has also volunteered his time on behalf of numerous organizations, including the Alaska Land Use Council Advisors’ Committee, Armed Services YMCA of Alaska, and the Military Vehicle Preservation Association. Ross is also a member of the Alaska Peace Officers Association and an active member of the Alaska Bar Association. Ross has been knighted by Poland and the Vatican.