Ross Reid tapped to run premier's office

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Kathy Dunderdale has recruited a key political ally to run her office, and has also appointed a new chief civil servant.

In a joint announcement Tuesday, Dunderdale said Ross Reida former St. John's East MP who has played key roles in managing Progressive Conservative campaignsis the new chief of staff in the premier's office.

Reid replaces Brian Taylor, a longtime Tory aide who left the position about three weeks ago. Taylor had been chief of staff since 2010, when Dunderdale succeeded Danny Williams as premier.

Reid had most recently been managing the province's population growth strategy, which was announced in January. An official in the premier's office said Reid will continue to oversee that strategy.

Meanwhile, Dunderdale said Julia Mullaley is the new clerk of the Executive Council and secretary to cabinet.

She succeeds Robert Thompson, who retires Aug. 16 after a 31-year career in the provincial civil service.

Thompson will start Sept. 1 as the executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association.

Mullaley, a chartered accountant, has worked with the provincial government since 1993, most recently as deputy minister of the Department of Advanced Education and Skills.