Keith Sullivan appointed deputy minister of fisheries and aquaculture

Premier Tony Wakeham has appointed Keith Sullivan as deputy minister of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

In a statement issued today, the premier said Sullivan’s appointment reflects the government’s focus on strengthening the province’s fishing and aquaculture industries and working collaboratively with harvesters, workers and producers.

Sullivan has spent his career in the fishery. He previously served as president of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers union and most recently as executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Aquaculture Industry Association. His past roles also include vice-chair of the Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation and director positions with several industry and research organizations.

He holds a bachelor of science in biology from St. Francis Xavier University and a postgraduate diploma in sustainable aquaculture from the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University.

The province recently created a standalone Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. During the transition, Jamie Chippett served as acting deputy minister while recruitment for the permanent position was underway. Chippett has since returned to his role as deputy minister of the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.