Premier Names Two Women to Senior Government Ranks
PREMIER'S OFFICE--Premier Names Two Women to Senior Government Ranks
Premier John Hamm today, June 16, announced the appointments of Rosalind Penfound as deputy minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and Laura Lee Langley as head of Communications Nova Scotia.
"I am delighted these two talented senior managers have agreed to serve the people of Nova Scotia in these roles," said the premier.
A lawyer by profession and member of the Nova Scotia Barristers Society, Rosalind Penfound currently serves as assistant deputy minister of Environment and Labour and filled in as acting deputy minister this spring before the arrival of new deputy minister Bill Lahey.
For 11 years previously, she worked as an executive director of land services and director of land administration at the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. From 1977 to 1992, Ms. Penfound practised law in the private sector, served as solicitor to the Council of Maritime Premiers and worked as executive director of the Association of Nova Scotia Land Surveyors. She holds a bachelor of physical education degree and bachelor of laws degree from Dalhousie University and teaches part time at Dalhousie Law School.
"The agriculture and fisheries sectors in this province represent billions of dollars of economic activity and thousands of jobs for Nova Scotians," said Premier Hamm. "Rosalind Penfound will bring diverse experience and a proven track record of success in both the public and private sectors to this important job."
Laura Lee Langley holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University College of Cape Breton and a master of public administration degree from Dalhousie University. A former journalist for 16 years with CJCB/CKPE Radio, ATV News and MITV News (now Can West Global), she joined the Nova Scotia government in 1997, serving as communications director for the departments of Environment, Economic Development and Transportation and Public Works.
Ms. Langley was also seconded to the Department of Finance for communications support for three provincial budgets in 1999-2000 and led the communications team for three successive budgets since 2002. She has worked as a managing director with Communications Nova Scotia since 2001 and has been serving as acting executive director since the departure of Jim Vibert earlier this year. Ms. Langley also works as a part-time faculty member with Mount Saint Vincent University's public relations program and serves as education co-chair on the executive of the Nova Scotia chapter of the Canadian Public Relations Society.
"Over the last 20 years, Laura Lee Langley has deservedly earned a reputation of respect as one of Nova Scotia's best communicators," added Premier Hamm. "I look forward to working with her on advancing a positive agenda for Nova Scotians."
The appointments are effective Monday, June 21. Outgoing Agriculture and Fisheries deputy minister Dan Graham will continue to work in government as a senior advisor to the minister for the next several months until his retirement.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dan Graham for his decades of dedicated service to the people of Nova Scotia. He will truly be missed," said the premier.