Premier Wakeham Announces Senior Appointments

Press Release

October 30, 2025

The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced a number of senior appointments today.

These include:

Jamie Chippett is appointed as Deputy Minister of the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, and as Deputy Minister of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, on an acting basis.

John Cowan is appointed as Deputy Minister of the Department of Government Services.

David Drover is confirmed as Deputy Minister of the Department of Finance.

Judith Hearn is appointed as Deputy Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, in the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Sharlene Jones is appointed as Deputy Minister of Women and Gender Equality.

Craig Martin is appointed as Deputy Minister of the Department of Energy and Mines.

Darrin Pike is appointed as Deputy Minister of K-12 Education, in the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Heather Tizzard is appointed as Deputy Minister of the Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development.

Mike Tizzard is appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, on an acting basis.

These appointments are effective immediately.

Biographical information is below, followed by a complete list of departments and their deputy ministers.

Quote
“I’m pleased to welcome these dedicated public service employees as they take on their new roles. By working together, we’ll support families facing the rising cost of living, strengthen our communities’ safety, improve access to quality healthcare, and responsibly manage our natural resources.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Media contact
Ashley Politi-Jackson
Office of the Premier
709-325-5200
ashleypoliti@assembly.nl.ca

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