Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island — Today, Premier-designate Dennis King announced key members of the senior staff that will serve in the Office of the Premier.

“I am excited to introduce these talented, passionate individuals who have a combined wealth of knowledge, experience and leadership in private and public sector to ensure a smooth transition and steady way forward as we deliver on our promise to govern for all Islanders,” said King. “It is important to have the right people working together, and this team will make sure that we work collaboratively with the dedicated public service to do right by the people of Prince Edward Island.”

The team members include:

• Paul Ledwell, Clerk of Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet: a role he has served in since 2016, Paul will continue to provide leadership to the public service in implementing the incoming Government’s priorities and key policies.
• Pamela Williams, Chief of Staff to the Premier: as the chief of staff, Pamela will oversee operations and implementation of the Premier’s and incoming Government’s agenda and priorities.
• Adam Ross, Principal Secretary: as the senior advisor, Adam will provide expert advice to the Premier and Cabinet.
• Amanda Hamel, Executive Director of Communication and Public Affairs: Amanda will lead and direct communications and public affairs for Government and be the primary media relations contact for the Office of the Premier and Executive Council.

Biographies:

Paul Ledwell

Paul is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of senior-level experience in public policy, government affairs, strategic communications and research, including extensive work with partners in government, private and voluntary sectors, and the media. In 2015, he was appointed as Deputy Minister of Policy and Priorities before taking on the additional role Clerk of Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet in 2016. Previously, he served as Vice-President, Government Clients, with Morneau Shepell, Canada’s leading provider of integrated human capital solutions. Between 2009 and 2014, he served as Executive Vice-President at Canada’s Public Policy Forum.  Paul has also contributed, in a volunteer capacity, to many national organizations and currently contributes his time with several national and international organizations. Paul and his wife Shelia currently reside in Brackley.

Pamela Williams, QC

Raised in Charlottetown, Pamela completed her education at University of Prince Edward Island (B.B.A. 1992) and University of New Brunswick (LL.B. 1995) before being admitted to the Prince Edward Island Bar in 1996. She practiced law for over 20 years with Cox and Palmer, where she was also partner. She received her Queens Counsel designation in 2011. Pamela has held affiliations with several organizations within her profession, including president of the Law Society of Prince Edward Island and the provincial chapter for the Canadian Bar Association. As an active community member and volunteer, she has served as President of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce and director of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Holland College Foundation and The Fathers of Confederation Building Trust among other endeavours. Pamela resides in Charlottetown with her husband Danny Peacock and two children, Charlie and Evelyn.

Adam Ross, MBA, CPHR

Raised in Iona, Adam holds a Bachelor of Business in Tourism & Hospitality (2014) and Executive Masters in Business Administration (2016) from the University of Prince Edward Island.  He also holds the designation of Chartered Professional in Human Resources. Professionally, he was employed with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism before serving as Chief of Staff for the Office of the Official Opposition. Adam took on the role of Provincial Campaign Manager for the PC Party of Prince Edward Island in the most recent general election. He has worked close with several community groups and not-for-profit organizations such as the Charlottetown Boys and Girls Club, as a member of the Town of Stratford’s Accountability & Engagement Committee and as a member of many community and high-profile events. Adam resides in Stratford.

Amanda Hamel, B.A.Econ., B.P.A.

Born and raised in Montréal, Quebec, Amanda is an accomplished bilingual communications and public relations officer with more than 15 years experience in the private and public sectors. Her ten year career in the public sector has been exclusively in the health care field where she first served as a communications officer with the Department of Health before transitioning to Health PEI where she has served as the senior communications officer for the health authority. Her professional experience is balanced with community and volunteer work that includes leading communications, marketing and public relations for an extensive number of international, national and regional sporting events hosted in the province. Amanda holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics (2003) and Public Administration (2004) from the University of Prince Edward Island. She currently resides in Stratford.