Grannik named Bethel district attorney

THE DRUMS STAFF

July 22, 2008 at 12:00PM AKST

Andrew Grannik is the new Bethel district attorney, according to a statement released Tuesday by the State Department of Law.

Grannik replaces Lance Joanis, who was recently named Kenai’s district attorney.

“I am honored to have this opportunity,” Grannik said in the statement. “And I look forward to being a part of and serving the Bethel community and Yukon-Kuskokwim region.”

Grannik has worked for the Department of Law since 2005. He received his law degree from Northeastern University School of Law and received a bachelor’s degree in physics and chemistry of the ocean and environmental studies from Leningrad Hydro-Meteorological Institute in Russia.

“(Grannik) is a dedicated public servant who handles complex cases with confidence and energy,” said Alaska deputy attorney general Rick Svobodny. “He has passion for his job and will be diligent in his efforts to help provide Bethel and the surrounding communities with a safe place to live.”