Media Statement from the State Services Commissioner
Friday 5 December 2003

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE APPOINTED TO DEPARTMENT OF CHILD, YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES

The State Services Commissioner, Michael Wintringham, announced today that he has appointed Dr Russ Ballard to be the Acting Chief Executive of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services until a permanent chief executive is appointed.

Dr Ballard will take up the acting position from 5 January 2004. Ms Brenda Pilott, CYF's General Manager Policy, has been acting as Chief Executive since the resignation of Ms Jackie Pivac.

Mr Wintringham said he was very appreciative of Ms Pilott stepping in and managing the organisation in difficult circumstances.

"Having reflected on the challenges facing CYF, and with the decision of Ms Pilott to leave the organisation, I have decided to appoint a very experienced former chief executive to provide the necessary leadership to the department until the new chief executive takes up the role," said Mr Wintringham.

Dr Ballard retired as the Chief Executive of Land Information New Zealand in June 2003 after a long and distinguished career in the Public Service. He served as a Chief Executive in the Public Service for over fifteen years including, in addition to LINZ, the Ministry of Forestry, the Department of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Mr Wintringham says he has started the recruitment process for the permanent position, following the resignation of Jackie Pivac last month. The position will be advertised from Saturday. Chief executive level recruitment processes normally take at least four to six months.

ENDS

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