Joe Austerman is the Manager of the State of Alaska’s Office of Economic Development.  He has worked for the State’s Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development since 2007.  He is in charge of promoting economic development in Alaska including, but not limited to, mining, fishing, film, timber, small business, and tourism.

Mr. Austerman is a lifelong Alaskan born at Elmendorf Air Force Base.  He is a graduate of Wasilla High School and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Northern Arizona University. 

He has spent most of his adult life as an entrepreneur, most notably in building the Alaska franchise area for Mail Boxes Etc. which are now known as the UPS Stores.