Chief of Staff Accepts Position with Halifax Port Authority

PREMIER'S OFFICE -Chief of Staff Accepts Position with Halifax Port Authority

Karen Oldfield, chief of staff to Premier John Hamm, has accepted the position of president and chief executive officer with the Halifax Port Authority beginning Jan. 14, 2002. Ms. Oldfield will continue her duties until that time.

"Karen has been a confidante, advisor and most importantly a good friend for much longer than just the time she served as chief of staff," said Premier Hamm. "I will miss her very much and appreciate all the sacrifices she and her family have made over the past several years."

Premier Hamm said while Ms. Oldfield's departure is a substantial loss, government remains focused on delivering on its commitments to Nova Scotians.

He said that the silver lining in the situation is that Ms. Oldfield has accepted a position that will allow her to continue serving Nova Scotians through efforts to promote and strengthen the Port of Halifax.

"The port is an important consideration for this government. Karen's drive and dedication will be a major asset for them," he said. "Our loss is their gain. I wish Karen and the Halifax Port Authority nothing but success in the future."

Ms. Oldfield is a graduate of Dalhousie Law School and specialized in corporate and commercial law before being appointed chief of staff in August 1999. Her legal practice focused on market expansion and development as well employment law and organizational restructuring.

"The personal and professional challenges I've enjoyed over the last two and a half years, and the chance to know and work closely with John Hamm is something for which I will always be grateful," said Ms. Oldfield.

"The Halifax Port Authority is a rare opportunity to combine my background in commerce and marketing with the skills and experience I've gained as chief of staff," said Ms. Oldfield. "It's too good an opportunity to miss and I'm looking forward to it."

Ms. Oldfield is the longest-serving chief of staff to a Nova Scotia premier in the last decade.