Today, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador announced two senior public service appointments:

• Denise Hanrahan is appointed as Secretary to Treasury Board
• Paul Smith is appointed as Deputy Minister, on an acting basis, with the Department of Finance

Both appointments are effective immediately. Biographies for Ms. Hanrahan and Mr. Smith can be found in the backgrounder below.

On August 19, 2020, the Treasury Board and Finance functions were separated to provide two strong voices at the highest levels in government. This change was made to strengthen the province’s capacity to address the serious fiscal and financial challenges ahead for Newfoundland and Labrador. These changes in senior public service leadership roles will further enhance that capacity.

Quote
“I welcome Ms. Hanrahan and Mr. Smith to their new appointments. Between them, they have decades of experience in the public service and their expertise will be instrumental as we work to ensure a strong fiscal future for Newfoundland and Labrador. This is the next phase in implementing my vision for separate Treasury Board and Finance functions to place enhanced focus on the fiscal situation in the province.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

– 30 –

Media contact
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Biographies of Denise Hanrahan and Paul Smith

Denise Hanrahan
Denise Hanrahan most recently held the positions of Deputy Minister, Department of Finance and Secretary of Treasury Board since 2017. Prior to this she held positions of Assistant Deputy Minister, Financial Planning and Benefits Administration with the Department of Finance and Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic and Corporate Services with the Department of Transportation and Works. In addition she held several director level positions within the public service. In 2006, she was awarded a Public Service Award of Excellence. Before joining the public service in 2002, Ms. Hanrahan held numerous senior leadership positions within the retail, wholesale, and not-for-profit sectors. Ms. Hanrahan holds Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) and Masters of Business Administration degrees from Memorial University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. She has completed a Masters Certificate in Project Management through York University’s Schulich School of Business, the Directors Education Program through the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and has obtained her director designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Paul Smith
Paul Smith most recently served as Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services with the Department of Health and Community Services. Prior to this, he held a number of positions within the public service including Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development; Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic and Corporate Services with the Department of Transportation and Works; Assistant Deputy Minister, Municipal Support with the Department of Municipal Affairs; and Director of Government Accounting with the Office of the Comptroller General. A graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland, Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.