Jennifer Attride-Stirling has been appointed to permanent secretary for Health, Seniors and Environment.

“This is a really exciting opportunity and I’m deeply honoured to have been selected — I’m looking forward to bringing my energy and expertise to the new position,” Dr Attride-Stirling, the former CEO of the Bermuda Health Council, told The Royal Gazette.

“Public service is a calling and I have every confidence that, together, we will make a positive difference. There is a lot of work to do, but there’s a fantastic team at the ministry and I feel well placed to hit the ground running.”

Dr Attride-Stirling has worked in a number of roles in the public health arena over the past decade: she was responsible for moving the Health Council from a start-up in 2009 to a highly respected and trusted watchdog.

She was also responsible for corporate, statutory and financial performance and provided advice to the Ministry of Health.

In a statement yesterday, Derrick Binns, Cabinet Secretary and head of the civil service, gave his congratulations.

“Dr Attride-Stirling’s experience, academic achievements and skills together with an extensive background in health administration make her the ideal candidate for the position of permanent secretary,” he said.

“She will bring to the post a focus on policy and regulation development, with an overview for change management, communications, analysis, governance and strategic planning.”