Senior Staff Members Appointed

Premier Darrell Dexter today, March 5, announced two senior-level staff appointments.

Murray Coolican, who has had an extensive career in both the private and public sectors, is the new deputy minister of Energy. Byron Rafuse, controller with the Department of Finance, will also assume the responsibilities of associate deputy minister for Finance.

"I am very pleased to welcome Mr. Coolican to the public service, and wish both him and Mr. Rafuse continued success in their new roles," Premier Dexter said.

Mr. Coolican has held senior management positions at Corporate Communications Ltd., Nova Scotia Power and Emera, Maritime Life and Manulife. He was deputy minister of the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat and chair of United Way of Halifax Region and Halifax Chamber of Commerce. He was also vice-chair of Dalhousie University's board of governors.

Mr. Coolican has worked with David Wheeler on public consultations for renewable energy.

Mr. Rafuse was appointed controller in 2005. He has held a number of positions with increasing responsibility with the province since 1983.

Both appointments are effective Monday, March 8.