New Clerk of the Executive Council appointed 

Premier Beaton Tulk today announced changes at the most senior level of the provincial civil service. He noted that these changes result from the transition planning process he has been engaged in with Premier-designate Roger Grimes and his team.

Deborah Fry has been appointed Clerk of the Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet. Ms. Fry moves to this post from the position of Deputy Minister of Health and Community Services. 
She replaces Gary Norris, who has been appointed as Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.

"I would like to extend my most sincere and personal thanks to Gary Norris, who provided exemplary service to me during my term as premier, as well as to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador," Premier Tulk said. "Mr. Norris accomplished a great deal in a short time and ensured that everything was in place to allow for a smooth transition for the new premier."

Premier-designate Grimes also thanked Mr. Norris. "Mr. Norris is to be commended for the fine work he has done in preparation for the new administration. I thank him and am pleased that he will be working closely with me as Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs," Mr. Grimes said.

Ms. Fry is the first woman to be appointed to the most senior post in the provincial government.
She has had a distinguished career within the provincial public service, and has held the positions of Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Employment, Deputy Minister of Education, and Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations. She has also served as Associate Deputy Minister of Justice and Assistant Deputy Minister of Labour. Earlier in her career, Ms. Fry worked as a nurse and practiced law. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Laws and is a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"I am very pleased that Deborah Fry will serve government as Clerk of the Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet," Mr. Grimes said. "I have worked closely with Ms. Fry over the years and I know she will put to good use her exceptional skills, abilities and knowledge as she takes on this very important position."



Media contact: Carl Cooper, (709) 729-3564 

2001 02 12                                                                          2:30 p.m.