The Public Service Commission has announced the appointment of Tina Tucker to the post of director of budget within the Ministry of Finance.

Ms Tucker will be responsible to the financial secretary for the production of the annual Government budget, the management of the budget office and for overseeing and advising on the control of Government expenditure.

Ms Tucker, a Bermudian, has worked in the Ministry of Finance for 15 years, serving in all positions within the budget office, including as principal budget officer for more than three years, and as director of budget, designate, since October 2000.

She holds a BA in economics, has completed several courses in government finance and administration, and is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association of US and Canada - a professional organisation of public officials.

Ms Tucker also successfully directed all phases of the preparation process for the 2003/04 Budget and delivered the training programme for budget managers in the lead-up to the 2004/05 budget preparation period.

Ms Tucker assumed her new post on October 1 and replaces contract officer Geoffrey Bell.