Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Office of the Commissioner

Dr. Sarah Coburn Selected as Next State Veterinarian

• For immediate release: March 26, 2024
• Contact: Kelly Rawalt, Public Information Officer, 907-465-5009

Anchorage, AK — Dr. Sarah Coburn was selected as State Veterinarian within the Division of Environmental Health at the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). She is replacing Dr. Robert Gerlach, who has been the State Veterinarian since 2004.

“I am honored to be selected as the next State Veterinarian,” said Dr. Sarah Coburn. “I look forward to collaborating with the industry stakeholders, animal owners, and agency partners to protect animal health and support One Health goals.”

Dr. Coburn earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Sciences with a focus in veterinary epidemiology before completing her veterinary degree at Colorado State University. She served as a Veterinary Medical Officer for USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Vermont. After moving to Utqiagvik in 2011, she served as the Public Health Officer and Veterinarian for the North Slope Borough Department of Health & Social Services for over 5 years. She has acted as the Assistant State Veterinarian since 2017 where she managed the Grade ‘A’ Dairy program, the Produce Safety program, and the Animal Disease Traceability program.

In her free time, Dr. Coburn has served as a volunteer with the Iditarod Vet Team, is a current board member of the Alaska Veterinary Medical Association, and has a particular interest in poultry and small ruminants. She is an avid hiker and skier and is a member of the Chugiak-Eagle River Nordic Ski Club.

“I am confident in Dr. Coburn’s ability to fulfill the broad responsibilities of the Office of the State Veterinarian. I am also grateful to Dr. Gerlach for his 22 years of service to the State of Alaska,” said Emma Pokon, Commissioner-designee of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

Dr. Gerlach will be retiring from State service in early May. He plans to continue working with researchers investigating the impacts of environmental contaminants on Alaskan fish as well as staying active in veterinary practice part-time.