DPS Leadership Team
The Alaska Department of Public Safety leadership team consists of the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Division Directors, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Communications Director, and Legal Counsel.
Commissioner James Cockrell
Commissioner James “Jim” Cockrell has had a storied 29-year career with the Alaska Department of Public Safety. He began his career as a Fish and Wildlife Protection Officer in 1983. After working his way through the ranks, he retired as a Major with the Alaska State Troopers in 2004. He returned to DPS soon after retirement to coordinate a Joint Enforcement Agreement with our federal law enforcement partners, before retiring a second time in 2007. During his six-year retirement, Commissioner Cockrell worked at a management level, providing critical infrastructure security services for Doyon Universal Services and Nana Management Services. Commissioner Cockrell returned to DPS in June of 2013 and served as the Director of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers before being appointed as the Director of the Alaska State Troopers in January 2014. Commissioner Cockrell again retired in 2017 and has worked as the security supervisor for the Marathon refinery in Kenai since his retirement. Governor Dunleavy appointed Commissioner Cockrell on April 6, 2021.
Deputy commissioner leon morgan
Deputy Commissioner Leon Morgan graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a BA in Justice in 1996. Immediately after graduation, he began his law enforcement career with the Valdez Police Department, attaining the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant before moving to State of Alaska service in 2010. DC Morgan worked in the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management from 2010-2012. In 2012 he moved to the Department of Public Safety where he has served in the Criminal Intelligence Unit, as an FBI Task Force member, and as the Director of the DPS Criminal Intelligence Center. During his career, he has served in several capacities to include felony crimes against person investigations, narcotics investigations, crime scene investigations, policy and procedures, training and staff development, interoperable communications, and criminal intelligence. In 2017-2018, DC Morgan led the team that established the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program in Alaska. DC Morgan holds an Advanced Police Officer certificate with APSC; is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, session #236; and a graduate of the DPS Alaska Law Enforcement Training Academy, session #17.
colonel maurice hughes
Colonel Maurice “Mo” Hughes was appointed Colonel of the Alaska State Troopers in August 2022. Previously, he has served as the Commander of A Detachment for the Alaska State Troopers, which covers southeast and the Kenai Peninsula. Colonel Hughes is the first African American to serve as the Colonel of the Alaska State Troopers or serve above the rank of Captain. Colonel Hughes began his career with the Alaska State Troopers in 1990, and since his appointment, he has worked in Soldotna, Delta Junction, Kodiak, and Anchorage. Hughes also spent portions of his career working in the Alaska State Trooper recruitment unit, supervising Western Alaska Troopers, and overseeing Court Services Officers in the Anchorage area. He has worked as a K9 handler, member of the Tracking Team, and firearms instructor. He graduated from the FBI National Academy, holds an advanced police certificate, and is a certified police instructor in Alaska.
fire marshal lloyd Nakano
Fire Marshal Nakano started with the state as a Deputy Fire Marshal I in 2005, promoting to Deputy Fire Marshal II in 2007. He helped lead the State Fire Marshal’s Office as the Assistant State Fire Marshal, starting in 2012. Fire Marshal Nakano has an associate degree in Fire Science and seven fire safety certifications. He was appointed as the State Fire Marshal in February 2023.
Director James hoelscher
James Hoelscher is a former Village Public Safety Officer and Police Chief, where he served his home village of Hooper Bay for 20 years. Hoelscher worked as a VPSO from 2009- 2015 until he joined the Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office (AMCO) as an Investigator. Immediately prior to joining DPS he was the enforcement chief for AMCO and worked closely with the Alcohol Beverage Commission (ABC) and Marijuana Control Board in developing regulations. He was appointed Director of the Village Public Safety Officers in January 2023.
Director Lisa Purinton
Lisa Purinton started her career with DPS in 2006 as an auditor and trainer for the department’s criminal justice information systems program. She was promoted several times within the Statewide Services Division including to the Criminal Justice Information Systems Bureau Chief position. Most recently she served as the department’s legislative liaison where she advocated for DPS priority legislation and managed relationships with Alaska’s Legislative Branch. She was appointed Director of Statewide Services in January 2023.
Director Susie Frenzel
Susie Frenzel was appointed as director of Victim Assistance and Forensic Science in February 2025. In previous positions with DPS she worked as a criminal justice planner, Frenzel spearheaded several major projects, including the Sexual Assault Kit Tracking Initiative.
Director Dianna Thornton
Dianna Thornton currently serves as Director of Administrative Services for DPS where she oversees budgeting, finance, procurement, and property management.
Special Assistant Laurel Shoop
Laural Shoop currently serves as the Special Assistant to the Commissioner and the primary Legislative Liaison for the department. She advises senior staff on policy and legislative issues.
Communications Director Austin McDaniel
Austin joined the Alaska State Troopers in 2020 after serving as the Deputy Communications Director for Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, where he oversaw all digital communications for the Governor’s Office and overall digital communications strategy for the State of Alaska. He has also worked in communications positions for Alaska Governor Sean Parnell, Alaska telecommunications company GCI, and local CBS affiliate KTVA.