Executive Director Appointed

Robbie Harrison, Minister responsible for the Human Rights Commission, today announced that Mayann Elizabeth Francis will become the new executive director of the Human Rights Commission effective Aug. 3, 1999.

Ms. Francis received a master's degree in public administration from New York University in 1984 and received her bachelor of arts from Saint Mary's University in 1972.

For the past two years, Ms. Francis has served as an assistant deputy minister with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in Toronto, Ontario. She served in the same capacity with the Ontario Women's Directorate. Ms. Francis is a former human rights officer with the N.S. Human Rights Commission and was the first employment equity officer with Dalhousie University. In 1986, she served as an administrative manager with the Office of the District Attorney in Kings County, New York.

She is a member of the board of the United Way of Canada/Centraide Canada, a member of the board of governors of the University College of Cape Breton, and a member of the Black Business and Professional Association in Toronto. Ms. Francis is a recipient of the silver plaque award from the N.S. Human Rights Commission, which recognizes outstanding contribution in the field of human rights.

"I am delighted that Ms Francis has agreed to take on this challenging and vital role," said Mr. Harrison. "She has an outstanding record in the area of human rights and brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to her new position."

A national search was conducted with the assistance of the firm KPMG. The panel that selected Ms. Francis consisted of Douglas Ruck, Ombudsman; Charles MacDonald, executive director of the Disabled Persons Commission; Judith Sullivan-Corney, deputy minister, Department of Human Resources; Bruce Smith, Bank of Nova Scotia; and Patricia Doyle-Bedwell, Dalhousie University.