Premier Announces New Director of Communications and Press Secretary

Premier Rodney MacDonald today, Nov. 24, announced that current press secretary and acting director of communications Sasha Irving will assume new duties as the premier's director of communications and Joe Gillis will be the new press secretary.

An experienced communicator, Ms. Irving has a wide range of communications experience, serving as consultant with MT&L Public Relations, event manager for the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and director of business operations for the Offshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia.

"Sasha Irving employs sound communications principles and understands our government," said Premier MacDonald. "She has been successful at fulfilling her role as press secretary and acting director of communications, and I am delighted that she will assume this position."

Mr. Gillis has been a media relations advisor for Capital Health in Halifax since fall 2004, working extensively on media, government and stakeholder relations.

Before joining Capital Health, Mr. Gillis served as media relations advisor for Nova Scotia Business Inc. in Halifax and public affairs officer with Capital Health Authority in Edmonton.

"Joe brings a wealth of communications experience to our team," said the premier. "He is actively involved in the community and has an in-depth knowledge of media relations. I know our enhanced communications team will provide renewed energy to the office as we move forward on innovative plans for the coming year."

Mr. Gillis has a bachelor of public relations degree from Mount Saint Vincent University and a bachelor of science degree from St. Francis Xavier University.

Ms. Irving's position will take effect immediately and Mr. Gillis' position on Monday, Dec. 18.