Board Members and Staff
Board Members
Dr. Robert (Bob) Urata was born in Wrangell, Alaska. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Northwestern University and his medical degree from the University of Washington. He is board certified in Family Medicine with added qualification in Hospice, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine. He previously held positions at the Neighborhood Health Centers (Holly Park Medical Clinic) in Seattle from 1980-84 and with SEARHC Medical Clinic in Juneau from 1984-86. He worked at Valley Medical Care for 34 years before his retirement in 2020. He has been serving on the Violent Crimes Compensation Board since March 2021.
Anna Cometa is an attorney at the law firm of Holmes, Weddle & Barcott, P.C. who specializes in litigation, risk management, and commercial transactions. She is dedicated to public service, having served as an attorney for the State of Alaska in the Department of Law specializing in child abuse and neglect and violent crimes. Just prior to joining the firm, Anna also served the Alaska court System as a Magistrate Judge in the Mat-Su Valley. Anna helps staff the pro bono Alaska Legal Services Landlord/Tenant help line and also helps resolve family law matters as part of the Alaska Court System’s Early Resolution Project. In addition to her legal career, Anna takes pride in being involved in her community. She currently serves as a Trustee and Board Member Anchorage Opera, and is a Board Member for Red Cross of Alaska. Anna also volunteers for Catholic Social Services and the Food Bank of Alaska. She is a member of Anchorage East Rotary Club and the Young Professionals Group at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. She also has directed and performed in several local theater productions. Anna brings a fresh and energetic perspective on service, raising awareness of the prevalence of violent crime in Alaska, and engaging the next generation to serve the community. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve victims through the VCCB.
Joel Hard brings a wealth of public safety experience to the Board. A longtime Alaskan and retired law enforcement leader, Joel served more than two decades with the Alaska State Troopers, including as Colonel of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers. After retiring from the Troopers, he continued his service with the National Park Service and later returned to the Alaska Department of Public Safety as the Director of Village Public Safety Officer Operations, where he focused on strengthening and revitalizing the VPSO program.