JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The chairman of the board that regulates legal marijuana in Alaska, who also is a critic of Gov. Mike Dunleavy, said he was caught off guard by news that Dunleavy was replacing him.

“You may quote me as saying I learned about this from The Associated Press,” Mark Springer said late Wednesday.

Dunleavy spokesman Jeff Turner said by email that Casey Dschaak of Dillingham will replace Springer on the Marijuana Control Board, with a term set to begin March 1.

Dunleavy also re-appointed Christopher Jaime to the five-member board, his office announced Wednesday. Jaime holds the public safety seat.

Both Jaime and Springer had terms set to expire March 1, according to the Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office website. Springer, the board’s chairman, has held the board’s rural member seat. He is from Bethel.

Turner said he had no information on why Springer is being replaced. He said he would have to check if the administration reached out to Springer before Wednesday’s announcement.