NLIS 4
February 23, 2005
(Executive Council)

Senior executive appointments made

Premier Danny Williams today announced two new senior executive appointments, as well as other changes within the senior ranks of the public service.

Dennis Hogan has been appointed assistant deputy minister (Innovation, Research and Advanced Technologies) in the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, effective February 28.

"Mr. Hogan brings strong well-matched professional credentials to this very challenging position," Premier Williams said. "He will take the lead role in developing the provincial innovation strategy for economic development that we announced last month."

Mr. Hogan will oversee the government�s activities in promoting the development and application of innovation and advanced technologies in the province, including marine technology, defence and aerospace, biotechnology, environmental technology, and information and communications technology. He will also advise the minister and deputy minister on policy development matters that will accelerate innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Premier Williams also announced the appointment of Leonard (Len) Simms as chairperson and chief executive officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. "Mr. Simms� distinguished and varied career in public life has served the public well. I am very pleased that he has accepted this position where he can continue to demonstrate his strong leadership skills in an official capacity in an area that is so vital to our social policy agenda," said Premier Williams.
In addition to these new appointments, the Premier announced other senior executive changes.

Robert Smart, currently deputy minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, has been appointed deputy minister of Transportation and Works, effective today. Don Osmond, currently deputy minister of Transportation and Works, becomes deputy minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, also effective today.

"I appreciate the strong contribution Mr. Smart and Mr. Osmond have made in their former positions, and look forward to their continued leadership roles in their new departments," the Premier said.

Premier Williams also confirmed the appointments of Chris Kieley as assistant deputy minister (Energy Resources Management), Department of Natural Resources, and Chris Curran as assistant deputy minister (Civil Law and Related Services), Department of Justice. Both had been appointed to those positions earlier in an acting capacity. Brenda Caul, assistant secretary (Budgeting), Treasury Board Secretariat, will oversee Treasury Board responsibilities in the 2005-06 budgetary process.


Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

BIOGRAPHIES

DENNIS HOGAN
Dennis Hogan brings to the provincial government considerable experience in industry development and building partnerships in the advanced technology sector. Most recently he served as executive director of Oceans Advance. A strong advocate for the development and promotion of local marine technology capability, he has worked closely with industry associations, research and development institutions, and municipal, provincial, and federal governments to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador has significant access to global technology markets. He has had responsibility for establishing an effective community integration approach to cluster development with the private sector and organizations such as the National Research Council�s Industrial Research Assistance Program and Institute for Ocean Technology, CCMC, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries, C-CORE, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the Marine Institute. Mr. Hogan was the founding CEO and general manager of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association, and former employers� advisor for the Newfoundland and Labrador Employers� Council. In 2003 he was appointed chairperson of the provincial Advisory Council on Occupational Health and Safety. A graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland in economics and business, he was named one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada for 2001 by Atlantic Business Magazine.

LEONARD SIMMS
Leonard (Len) Simms, a native of Howley on the province�s West Coast, was raised in Corner Brook and is a long time resident of Grand Falls-Windsor. Mr. Simms has had a long and distinguished career in public service. He was the MHA for Grand Falls for 16 years and served as provincial cabinet minister in the portfolios of Culture, Recreation and Youth, Forest Resources and Lands, President of Treasury Board and President of Executive Council. He has recently served as president of Future First Inc. and Len Simms and Associates Inc. Mr. Simms has an extensive background in serving with community groups such as past national president of the Kinsmen Clubs of Canada and a member of the Exploits Board of the Children's Wish Foundation.

2005 02 23                          2:55 p.m.