Office of the Commissioner
The mission of the Department of Health and Social Services is "to promote and protect the health and well-being of Alaskans"
William J. "Bill" Streur was appointed commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services on February 1, 2011 by Governor Sean Parnell. Streur had been serving as acting commissioner since December 2010.
Streur also served as deputy commissioner for Medicaid and health care policy for DHSS for three years, where he was responsible for all aspects of Medicaid, the state Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance Program, as well as oversight of the department’s health planning, systems development and provider rate review functions.
Streur has more than 30 years experience in health care administration. Before joining the state, he served as senior director for First Health Services’ Alaska operations, where he oversaw the fulfillment of the state of Alaska Medicaid Management Information Systems contract. Prior to moving to Alaska in 2003, he was president and CEO of the Upper Peninsula Health Plan in Michigan, where he founded and led the plan to becoming one of the top five health plans in the state.
Streur is retired U.S. Air Force, a Vietnam and Desert Storm veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medals. Streur has a bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine from Northern Michigan University.