Premier Appoints Greg Keefe Deputy Minister to the Premier

Premier Darrell Dexter today, Jan. 14, announced changes to the deputy minister management team. All changes will take effect Monday, Jan. 18.

Premier Dexter announced the appointment of Greg Keefe as deputy minister to the Premier's Office, clerk/secretary of the Executive Council, head of the Public Service, and deputy minister responsible for Communications Nova Scotia.

Mr. Keefe will continue to serve in his current position as deputy minister of Treasury Board and responsible for the Chief Information Office.

Mr. Keefe will replace Bob Fowler, who announced his retirement in December. Mr. Fowler will remain part of the deputy minister management team until the end of January to help with the transition.

Mr. Keefe has spent 32 years working for the province in a number of roles including deputy minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations and as an auditor with the Provincial Tax Commission. Mr. Keefe also held positions with the Nova Scotia Business Registry Project and the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

"Greg will bring a wealth of experience in dealing with public policy and fiscal management to this position," said Premier Dexter. "I want to thank him for taking on this important role and I wish him much success in this position."

Rosalind Penfound will move from her position as Public Service Commissioner and deputy minister of Seniors and Office of Immigration to become the new deputy minister of Education, replacing Dennis Cochrane.

KelliAnn Dean will move from her position as deputy minister of Tourism, Culture, and Heritage to become the new Public Service Commissioner and deputy minister of Seniors. She will also be responsible for the Advisory Council for the Status of Woman.

Margaret MacDonald, presently deputy minister of Labour and Workforce Development, will also assume responsibility for the Office of Immigration.

Laura Lee Langley will move from her position as assistant deputy minister at Communications Nova Scotia to become the acting deputy minister of Tourism, Culture, and Heritage.

Tracey Taweel will move from her position as managing director at Communications Nova Scotia to become the acting assistant deputy minister.

"I have a talented and dedicated team of deputy ministers who will be essential in helping me and government move forward to build a stronger Nova Scotia and make life better for today's families," said Premier Dexter.

An executive search for the deputy minister of Energy should finish in February.