Premier announces senior appointments

Premier Danny Williams today announced three senior public service appointments.

John Abbott has been appointed deputy minister of the Department of Health and Community Services. Mr. Abbott currently serves as voluntary chair of the Board of Trustees of the Health Care Corporation of St. John's.

"I am very pleased that Mr. Abbott has joined our team. He brings considerable previous experience of the provincial public service, and, in fact, guided one of the province's largest health care organizations through significant change. I look forward to his contributions as we continue to implement the health blueprint announced in Budget 2004," Premier Williams said.

Bruce Saunders, who has been in an acting capacity, is confirmed as deputy minister of Natural Resources.

"Mr. Saunders has served the department well in an acting capacity, and I am please to announce today that he will fill this role permanently," added the Premier. "There are several important files in the Department of Natural Resources and Mr. Saunder's knowledge and experience will continue to be a great asset."

Sheila Devine has been appointed chair of the Public Service Commission. She currently serves as commissioner of the Public Service Commission.

"I anticipate that Ms. Devine will continue to provide the leadership and dedication that will further create and sustain the advancements we have seen in the public service in recent years," Premier Williams said. "The development of a professional, highly trained and motivated public service is essential for the continuous improvement in the delivery of services to the people of the province."

Mr. Abbott, Mr. Saunders and Ms. Devine's appointments are effective today.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or (709) 690-5500

BIOGRAPHIES

John G. Abbott
John G. Abbott brings a depth of experience and working knowledge of the provincial health care system. Over the past three years, John served as the voluntary Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Health Care Corporation of St. John's. In addition, he served on the Board of Trustees of the St. John's Nursing Home Board and as chair of the Hoyles-Escasoni Supervisory Committee.

Mr. Abbott has had a successful private management consulting practice that allowed him to undertake assignments in such diverse areas as the design and delivery of health care services, electronic service delivery, organizational analysis and general government services.

Previously, Mr. Abbott served with distinction as a senior executive with the provincial government. Between 1996 and 1999, he served as associate deputy minister of Health and Community Services, chairman and CEO of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, deputy minister of Work, Services and Transportation and deputy minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs.

Mr. Abbott has a bachelor of arts in political science from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a master of arts in public administration from Carleton University (Ottawa). In 1999, he was recognized for his contribution to public service in this province by being awarded the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Administration by the Institute for Public Administration of Canada.

Bruce Saunders
Bruce Saunders was appointed deputy minister (acting) of Natural Resources in February 2004 with responsibility for Mines, Energy and Agrifoods. He has served as deputy minister and assistant deputy minister of the former Department of Mines and Energy, and oversaw policy and program development in the province's energy sector, including electricity, oil and gas.

Mr. Saunders is a former vice-president of Enterprise Newfoundland and Labrador, and assistant deputy minister with the provincial Department of Development and Renewal. He also served with distinction for many years with the Newfoundland and Labrador Development Corporation, and held commercial credit and business management responsibilities.

Mr. Saunders graduated from Memorial University's School of Business with a bachelor of commerce degree in 1974.

Sheila Devine
Sheila Devine has served as commissioner with the Public Service Commission since 1990, and has played an integral role in developing human resources management processes and practices for the provincial public service.

Ms. Devine has served with distinction on a number of key PSC committees including the Opening Doors Advisory Committee, EAP Labour Management Committee, Respectful Workplace Program Committee, and Job Evaluation Steering Committee, which have contributed to a more diverse, fair and supportive workplace environment for public service workers. She is also a former chair of the Classification Appeal Board.

Ms. Devine held a number of positions with the former Department of Social Services from front-line service delivery to senior management. She is a former assistant deputy minister of Child and Family Services.

Ms. Devine holds special interest in the areas of violence prevention and youth programs. She has served on volunteer community boards including Iris Kirby House, a home for battered women, and the Murphy Center, an educational resource to assist young people facing educational challenges, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

2004 12 02                      4:55 p.m.