Email editor@ballotpedia.org) to notify us of updates to this biography. Sullivan earned his B.A. in economics from Harvard University and his J.D and M.S. from Georgetown University Law Center. While in law school, Sullivan interned as a law clerk for the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Upon graduating, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1993. He transitioned from active duty to the reserves in 1997 as an infantry and reconnaissance officer. Sullivan worked as a judicial law clerk for both Judge Andrew Kleinfeld of the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit based in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1997 as well as for Chief Justice Warren Matthews of the Alaska Supreme Court in 1998. Afterwards, he joined the Anchorage-based law firm of Perkins Coie, LLP, where, as a private practice attorney, he concentrated on corporate transactions and commercial litigation. Sullivan worked for the federal government under former President George W. Bush. Sullivan directed the International Economics Directorate of the National Security Council and White House National Economic Council staffs, and he was later appointed U.S. assistant secretary of state for economic, energy, and business affairs. In June 2009, Gov. Sarah Palin appointed Sullivan attorney general. He resigned in December 2010 after Gov. Sean Parnell appointed him Alaska commissioner of natural resources.The Alaska Legislature unanimously confirmed Sullivan in April 2011. He served in this position until 2013. Sullivan has received a number of awards, including a Defense Meritorious Service Medal (U.S. Marine Corps), a White House Fellowship (2002), the National Security Council Outstanding Service Award, and the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award.
