It seems public affairs bureau executive director Andy Orr, who departed government back in May, has proven to be irreplaceable. Instead, as we earlier speculated, his job has been divided and expanded. Today, bureau staffers were told children and family development communications director Kelly Gleeson has been appointed "Executive Director, Communications - Resource Sector, responsible for: Agriculture and Lands; Economic Development; Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources; Finance; Forests and Housing; Labour and Citizens' Services; Small Business and Revenue; Tourism, Sports and the Arts; and, Transportation." Meanwhile, education communication director Ron Norman has been named "Executive Director, Communications - Social Sector, responsible for: Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation; Advanced Education; Attorney General; Children and Family Development; Community Services; Education; Employment and Income Assistance; Health; Intergovernmental Relations; and, Public Safety and Solicitor General." The following is a complete copy of that internal announcement.

From: Champion, Denise PAB:EX
Sent: June 26, 2007 12:03 PM
To: PAB All Staff
Subject: Staffing Update

Good Afternoon,

Just a quick note to let you know that, effective immediately:

Ron Norman has accepted an OIC appointment as Executive Director, Communications - Social Sector, responsible for: Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation; Advanced Education; Attorney General; Children and Family Development; Community Services; Education; Employment and Income Assistance; Health; Intergovernmental Relations; and, Public Safety and Solicitor General.

Kelly Gleeson has accepted an OIC appointment as Executive Director, Communications - Resource Sector, responsible for: Agriculture and Lands; Economic Development; Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources; Finance; Forests and Housing; Labour and Citizens' Services; Small Business and Revenue; Tourism, Sports and the Arts; and, Transportation.

Jennifer McCrea, Communications Director, has been re-assigned to Education Communications.

Barb Wright has accepted an OIC appointment as Communications Director assigned to Children and Family Development.

Tamara Little, Communications Director, has been re-assigned to Transportation Communications, upon return from her maternity leave.

Kirk Smith will assume the responsibilities assigned to the Communications Director, Advanced Education on an interim basis.

Gordon Williams has accepted an OIC appointment as Communications Director initially assigned to Labour and Citizens' Services.

Rob Duffus has accepted a term limited assignment as Communications Director assigned to Transportation, backfilling Tamara Little's maternity leave.

Linda O'Connor has accepted a term limited assignment as Communications Manager assigned to Labour and Citizen's Services.

Sherri Patterson has accepted a term limited assignment as Communications Manager assigned to Finance.

Trish Shields and Lisa Leslie will job-share the Communications Manager position at Children and Family Development for six months on a trial basis.

Please note that while these changes are effective immediately, there will be a transition of responsibilities over the coming weeks to ensure that all ministries continue to receive the level of support they have come to expect from their Public Affairs teams.

Please join me in extending our best wishes to Ron, Kelly, Jennifer, Barb, Kirk, Gordon, Rob, Linda, Trish, Lisa and Sherri as they undertake their new responsibilities.

Denise J. Champion

Director, Operations and Human Resources
Public Affairs Bureau