Premier Ranj Pillai is pleased to announce that Jennifer Gehmair will be the acting Deputy Minister of the Department of Health and Social Services with responsibility for Social Services for six months. Additionally, Gary Gazankas has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Yukon Development Corporation.
Jennifer Gehmair has been with the Government of Yukon for 17 years in a variety of leadership positions, most recently as Assistant Deputy Minister of Social Services since late 2022. The appointment is effective May 3.
Gary Gazankas joins the Yukon Development Corporation after serving as the Executive Vice President of Energy for the Atlin Tlingit Economic Limited Partnership. The appointment is effective as of May 13.
Dennis Berry will continue as President of the Yukon Liquor Corporation and Lotteries Yukon, while former Department of Health and Social Services Deputy Minister Ed Van Randen is retiring from the Government of Yukon.
Thank you to both Jennifer Gehmair and Gary Gazankas for stepping into these important leadership roles in the public service. We appreciate their willingness to serve and their valuable contributions to the well-being of our territory. I also want to wish Ed Van Randen all the best in his retirement and a sincere thank you for his career of service to Yukoners.
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Deputy Ministers, including presidents of government corporations, are the most senior public servants in the Government of Yukon. They are responsible for the departments’ or corporations’ budget, day-to-day operations and program development.
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Deputy Ministers serve at the pleasure of the Premier.
Biographies
Gary Gazankas
Gary Gazankas is a seasoned professional whose career encompasses a 25-year tenure in the utility sector, showcasing a diverse background that spans all areas of an integrated electrical utility including generation, transmission and distribution. His expertise covers a broad spectrum of energy sources including hydro, wind, solar and thermal power.
Holding a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, Gary combines his academic knowledge with practical skills, being a licensed Red Seal electrician. Gary was most recently the Executive Vice-President of Energy for the Atlin Tlingit Economic Limited Partnership.
Jennifer Gehmair
Jennifer Gehmair brings significant experience into her role as she has been with the Government of Yukon for 17 years serving in a variety of leadership positions, most recently as Assistant Deputy Minister of Social Services since late 2022. Jennifer is a born and raised Yukoner who lives in Marsh Lake with her husband and three daughters. She is passionate about building collaborative teams and partnerships.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca
Ash Kayseas
Public Service Commission
867-332-3188
ashley.kayseas@yukon.ca