Premier Appoints David Darrow, Deputy Minister to the Premier

Premier Darrell Dexter today, Nov. 22, announced the appointment of David Darrow as the new deputy minister to the premier.

Mr. Darrow will also assume the role of clerk/secretary of the Executive Council, head of the Public Service, and deputy minister responsible for Communications Nova Scotia.

"Dave is a natural choice for this position. He is well known for his strong leadership, ability to get the job done, and commitment to excellence in the public service," said Premier Dexter. "I look forward to working closely with Dave in the years ahead and I wish him much success in his new role."

Mr. Darrow has worked for the province since 1982. He began his career at the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs in a variety of roles including assistant director of provincial planning, manager of engineering services and co-ordinator of regional planning. He went on to become the province's first chief executive officer of the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency in 2003 and became deputy minister of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal in January 2006.

Mr. Darrow will replace Greg Keefe who announced his retirement after 35 years in the public service last month.

Premier Dexter also announced Elizabeth-Ann Cody is the new deputy minister of the Treasury Board. She will also be responsible for the Chief Information Office.

Ms. Cody spent 30 years at the Department of Finance where she worked on tax policy, budget planning, fiscal policy and negotiations with other levels of government on major fiscal transfer arrangements. She moved to Treasury Board as associate deputy minister in 2009, where she also leads the province's Expenditure Management Initiative.

"Liz has been instrumental in helping government develop innovative ways to reduce spending and live within its means," said Premier Dexter. "Her background and knowledge in fiscal management is critical as government works to get back to balance. I am confident she will do a great job in her new role."

Jane Fraser, executive director of finance and strategic capital planning, will become the acting deputy minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

"Jane has been with TIR since 2006, where she has worked on some of the province's most important infrastructure projects including negotiating and implementing cost-sharing agreements with the province and the federal government, the new convention centre and the Maritime Radio Communications Initiative," said Premier Dexter. "She has the background and experience necessary to lead a large and important department like Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal."

The appointments become effective Dec. 1.

Recruitment efforts are still underway for new deputy ministers of Justice, Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, and Intergovernmental Affairs and Aboriginal Affairs.