A series of changes to the senior administrative level were announced by Premier Robert Ghiz today.
“The individuals who have agreed to work in these highly responsible positions are extremely capable and dedicated. The positions they have accepted are very demanding, and the task before them is large,” Premier Ghiz said.
The following appointments were approved by Executive Council earlier this week:
∙ Rory Beck – Deputy Minister of Health and Chair of the Deputies’ Committee
∙ Richard Gallant – Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
∙ Melissa MacEachern – Deputy Minister of Tourism
∙ Brooke MacMillan – Deputy Minister of Development and Technology
∙ Allan Rankin – Clerk of Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet
Former Clerk of Executive Council Sandy Stewart will become Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. Former Interim Deputy Minister of Development Reagh Hicken will continue to work within the department. Former Deputy Minister of Health Dave Riley will remain as a member of the senior management team and will coordinate PEI’s responsibilities for co-chairing the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Health Secretariat. Former Deputy Minister of Tourism Kent Scales will remain with the senior management team during the transition process.
“I want to thank those who served government in senior positions for the past number of years – and I would like to welcome the new members of the team,” Premier Ghiz said.
BACKGROUNDER
Rory Beck -- Deputy Minister of Health and Chair of the Deputies’ Committee
After completing his Masters in Public Administration (specializing in Health Care Administration) at Dalhousie University in April 1982, Rory Beck began his career as the Chief Financial Officer with the Guysborough County District School Board (Nova Scotia), a position he held until 1984 when he became Chief Administrative Officer for the Community of West Royalty (1984 to 1989).
He joined the Prince Edward Island government in 1989 and shortly thereafter was named Executive-Director, Enterprise PEI (Island Fund). He occupied that post until his appointment as Deputy Minister, Office of Government Reform in March 1993.
In June of 1994, he was appointed Deputy Minister, Economic Development & Tourism and CEO, Enterprise PEI.
Mr. Beck joined the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency as Executive Vice-President in 1996. In 1997, he was appointed Vice-President, Corporate Affairs & Tourism and, in 1999, he was appointed Vice-President of ACOA PEI and Tourism. From 1999 - 2006, he also served as Chair, PEI Regional Federal Council.
Rory joined Service Canada, Prince Edward Island Region as Regional Executive Head on April 18, 2006, a position he occupied up to his appointment as Deputy Minister with the Province.
Over the past number of years, Mr. Beck has been actively involved in a number of community organizations and sports, most notably with baseball and hockey. He has coached various minor sport teams and has served as Governor and Chairman, Board of Governors for the Maritime Junior A Hockey League.
Rory lives in Charlottetown with his wife Gaylene and his sons – Luke, Jacob and Dylan.
Richard Gallant -- Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Richard Gallant was born and raised in Prince Edward Island. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in 1986. In 1990, he graduated with a Master of Science Degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI.
During his years in university, Richard worked at a number of jobs in the fisheries, aquaculture and processing sectors involving lobster, groundfish and pelagics. He also worked on research projects involving the University and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Following completion of his Masters Degree in 1990, Richard joined the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and has worked in positions of Shellfish Specialist, Manager of Aquaculture and more recently as Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Richard has devoted numerous hours in his community with volunteer coaching positions in the Pownal Minor Hockey Association and the Stratford Soccer Club.
Richard resides in Stratford with his wife Denise and their two sons, Jordan and Alex.
Melissa MacEachern -- Deputy Minister of Tourism
Melissa MacEachern was born in Prince Edward Island. In 1991, she graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island with a degree in Business Administration. In 1993, she completed a Master of Business Administration at the University of Windsor.
Ms. MacEachern’s past work experience includes Wireless Solutions Manager for Aliant Telecom where she developed and executed strategic marketing plans. Some of her additional employment experience includes working with Strait Crossing Development Inc., Island Tel, and Bell Sygma Inc.
Prior to her appointment as Deputy Minister of Tourism, Melissa was Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Prince Edward Island where she is in the process of completing a Ph.D. in the field of tourism and tourism marketing with Exeter University. Her research has focused on the nature of tourism policy networks and brand development in a destination. analysis.
Ms. MacEachern is active on a number of local and national volunteer organizations. She is on the Board of Director’s for the Greater Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce and serves on a number of committees as a volunteer with the Chamber. Melissa also volunteers her time with the Tourism Advisory Council and the Tourism and Travel Research Association.
Melissa lives in Stratford with her husband Shane and their three sons – Alex, Ben, and Will.
Brooke MacMillan -- Deputy Minister of Development and Technology
Brooke MacMillan was born and raised in Charlottetown and attended local area schools. He graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1990.
Brooke is an active member of the Island’s business community. Brooke and his wife Gina have owned and operated various businesses in Charlottetown in the pharmacy, food service, and tourism/accommodation sectors. These businesses include Lawton’s Drug Store, Smitty’s Restaurant, and the Fairholm National Historic Inn.
Along with his private sector work, Brooke has volunteered with numerous organizations, including Junior Achievement and the Charlottetown Minor Hockey Association.
Brooke, Gina and their four children reside in Charlottetown.
Allan Rankin -- Clerk of Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet
Allan Rankin was born and grew up near Summerside, Prince Edward Island where he attended local schools. After under-graduate studies at the University of Prince Edward Island, he went on to complete a Master’s degree in History at the University of New Brunswick.
Between 1975 and 1979, he was employed by the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. In 1980, Allan became the Prince Edward Island’s first Cultural Affairs Officer, within the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
In 1989, Rankin was appointed Deputy Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs by the late Premier Joseph Ghiz. Between 1993 and 1996, he also served as Clerk of the Executive Council and Clerk of the Legislative Assembly in the Administration of Premier Catherine Callbeck.
In 2000, he was employed by the City of Summerside as the first Director of the Wyatt Heritage Properties. In September 2002, Rankin was appointed Policy Advisor to Prince Edward Island Senator Hon. Elizabeth Hubley.