Winnipeg doctor, outgoing Morden mayor named to Wab Kinew's transition team

The outgoing mayor of Morden, the CEO of the Southern Chiefs' Organization, a prominent Winnipeg doctor and the head of the Islamic Social Services Association are on the 11-person team that will advise Manitoba premier-designate Wab Kinew in his transition to government.

The members span the province geographically and also come from various backgrounds, a provincial news release says.

The team is composed of:

• Joy Cramer,chief executive officer of the Southern Chiefs' Organization.
• Ash Modha, chief executive officer of Mondetta Clothing.
• Brandon Burley, outgoing mayor of Morden. Burley announced his sudden resignation on Thursday.
• Dr. Eric Jacobsohn, former medical director of research at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. Jacobsohn also works as an intensive care unit physician and cardiac anesthesiologist.
• Kevin Rebeck,president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour.
• Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress.
• Carmen Nedohin, president of the Winnipeg chapter of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons. Nedohin is also the former chairperson of the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission and a former Manitoba Hydro board member.
• Mike Spence, mayor of Churchill.
• Tanya Paulson, executive director of Manitoba Building Trades.
• Jennefer Nepinak, vice-president, strategic partnerships and reconciliation, for Legacy Bowes and former associate vice-president for Indigenous engagement at the University of Winnipeg.
• Shahina Siddiqui, co-founder and executive director of the Islamic Social Services Association.

On Wednesday, Kinew's office also announced who will serve as his senior staff.

MarkRosnerwill serve as chief of staff in the premier's officeand co-chair the transition process alongside Brian Topp.

Rosner was chief of staff in the NDP leader's office when they were the Official Opposition and also served as deputy campaign manager during the provincial election campaign.

Topp was the Manitoba NDP's campaign director during the electionand previously served as chief of staff to former Alberta premier Rachel Notley.

Emily Couttswas named principal secretary after serving as director of communications in the NDP caucus office.

Rebecca Widdicombe will serve as deputy chief of staff in the premier's office, after working as director of communications during the recent campaign.