In addition to the Federal and State Co-Chairman, the Denali Commission Act provides for a five member panel of statewide organization presidents, or their designees, to be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce: President of the University of Alaska President of the Alaska Municipal League President of the Alaska Federation or Natives Executive President of the Alaska State AFL-CIO President of the Associated General Contractors of Alaska

The law further provides that the Governor of Alaska serves as the State Co-Chairman. The Federal Co-Chairman is nominated by the Senate and the House of Representatives and appointed by the Secretary of Commerce.