Premier Names Office Staff

Premier Stephen McNeil today, Oct. 29, announced appointments to four key positions in his office.

Geoff Townsend becomes principal secretary. Mr. Townsend, a native Nova Scotian, has worked as a journalist and spent the last six years as director of communications and legislative affairs for Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Ghiz.

Kristan Hines, who was the director of outreach in the Liberal Caucus Office since 2009, becomes the director of strategic operations.

Kyley Harris becomes director of communications. Mr. Harris held the same post in the Liberal Caucus Office since 2011.

Laurel Munroe, former journalist and aide to Cape Breton-Canso MP Rodger Cuzner, becomes the press secretary.

"I'm pleased and very fortunate to be working with this team of men and women -- each of them brings experience and a skillset that will not only serve this office well, but will also serve the people of Nova Scotia," said Premier McNeil. "The task ahead of us is a large one, but this group is up to the challenge."