2015
Department of Advanced Education and Skills

From the start of her assignment as lead for development of the Population Growth Strategy, Katie articulated an innovative vision for sustaining and growing the population of the province. Her work on this strategy as Director, Workforce Development Secretariat, is one example of her professionalism and exceptional abilities.

Throughout the development of the strategy, Katie showed adaptive leadership and ultimately helped to advance projects and work plans.

Under Katie’s leadership, 67 key policy actions were developed under the Population Growth Strategy, aimed at creating the conditions for people to choose Newfoundland and Labrador as an ideal place to live, work and raise a family. These policy actions were developed across government in a comprehensive and inclusive fashion, and involved roundtable sessions across the province as well as submissions from individuals and stakeholders.

Katie built strong partnerships to underscore and support the development of the strategy with key organizations including College of the North Atlantic and Memorial University. Through her leadership, Katie was able to bring these groups together to collaborate and add valuable input into the strategy.

The work plan Katie implemented for Population Growth Strategy has now become a template for similar initiatives within Advanced Education and Skills and has been emulated for initiatives in other government departments.

Katie has an unwavering work ethic, highly effective leadership and strong analytical and communications skills, combined with a true commitment to public service.