William (Bill) MacKenzie is being appointed Clerk of the House of Assembly, and Secretary of the Commission of Internal Economy, the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced today.

Premier Williams also announced the appointment of Cathy Duke as Deputy Minister of the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, replacing Mr. MacKenzie in that capacity.

Both appointments are effective Monday, October 30.

"I extend congratulations and best wishes to Mr. MacKenzie in this challenging new role as senior administrator of the legislative branch of government," Premier Williams said. "He brings to this role a wealth of leadership and management skills gained through a variety of senior roles in the public service. I am confident that experience will serve him well in his new position."

As Clerk of the House of Assembly and Secretary of the Commission of Internal Economy, Mr. MacKenzie�s primary responsibilities include the overall administration and financial accountability of the House of Assembly and its statutory offices. He replaces John Noel, who retired in August after a long career with the Provincial Government.

"I also congratulate Ms. Duke and look forward to her continued strong contribution in her new capacity to advancing government�s overall economic and social agenda," the Premier said. "Her recent leadership role in promoting economic linkages between Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador, combined with her public and private sector management experience, make her well suited to her new role. I wish her every success as she continues to service the people of the province."

Premier Williams also confirmed the appointment of Josephine Cheeseman as Assistant Secretary to Cabinet (Communications). Ms. Cheeseman has been serving in that position in an acting capacity since August 2005, with responsibility for the Communications Branch of Executive Council. "I am pleased to confirm Ms. Cheeseman�s position, and look forward to her continued contribution and work on behalf of the province."

William MacKenzie
Mr. MacKenzie has been Deputy Minister, in an acting capacity, of the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development since January 2006. Before assuming that responsibility, he was Assistant Deputy Minister of trade and investment with the same department, with responsibility for overseeing government�s trade policy, export development and investment attraction. From 1996 to 2001, he was Assistant Deputy Minister (Regional Development), overseeing the department�s network of 22 offices throughout the province.

He has also served in other executive and management positions with government departments and agencies. From 2001 to 2004, he was Assistant Deputy Minister of the Department of Government Services, with responsibility for motor vehicle registration, vital statistics, the Queen�s Printer and the overall operation of Government Service Centres. He also worked with the Department of Development, and Enterprise Newfoundland and Labrador Corporation, first as Regional Coordination Consultant, and later as Director of Human Resources.

Mr. MacKenzie was also a high school teacher for 10 years.

He has a master of arts from the University of British Columbia, a bachelor of education from the University of New Brunswick, and a bachelor of arts from Mount Allison University.

Cathy Duke
Ms. Duke most recently served as Executive Director of the Ireland Business Partnerships in the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, leading the province�s efforts in identifying, fostering and promoting trade and partnership opportunities with Ireland in business, education and culture.

Prior to taking that position in March 2005, she worked in the private sector as President of Sports Villas Resort, Inc., and operator of the Terra Nova Golf Resort and its related real estate and hotel operations. Ms. Duke�s experience in the tourism industry includes her tenure as Executive Director of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador. She also has considerable experience in the business development field, having served as a business consultant with Coastal Associates and Consultants Limited, business development coordinator and later Executive Director of the Economic Recovery Commission, and account manager with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

Among her board appointments, Ms. Duke has served as a board member of the St. John�s International Airport Authority, member of the Tourism Marketing Council, board member of Enterprise Newfoundland and Labrador, director of the St. John�s Board of Trade, Newfoundland and Labrador chair for the 2004 Governor General�s Canadian Leadership Conference, chair of Golf Newfoundland and Labrador and chair of the Women�s Enterprise Bureau. She holds a bachelor of social work and master of business administration from Memorial University.

Josephine Cheeseman
Ms. Cheeseman was appointed Assistant Secretary to Cabinet (Communications) in an acting capacity in August 2005. Prior to that, she was communications director with the Communications Branch of Executive Council. She has also served as director of communications for the departments of Fisheries; Development and Rural Renewal; and Industry, Trade and Rural Development.

Prior to beginning employment with government in 1989, Ms. Cheeseman worked for 10 years in journalism, first as executive editor at The Daily News, and later as news editor at The Evening Telegram. She was also a teacher for eight years.

Ms. Cheeseman, from Rushoon, has bachelor degrees in arts and education from Memorial University, and a bachelor of journalism from Carleton University.

Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960, 351-1227
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2006 10 27                                        3:30 p.m.