Assistant Commissioner Donna Adams has been appointed to the new position of Deputy Secretary for the Business and Executive Division within the Department of Police and Emergency Management (DPEM).

“The key role of Deputy Secretary is recognition of the critical operation of corporate and executive services across DPEM ,” said the Secretary of DPEM, Darren Hine.

“The employees working in these business areas will be united under the leadership and support of a senior executive manager for the first time.

“Donna’s vision is to recognise, build and support her people within these business areas and the crucial work they do,” said Mr Hine.

She brings 28 years of experience with Tasmania Police to the role, the last 5 years as Assistant Commissioner. She was the highest ranking female officer in the history of Tasmania Police, appointed to the role of Assistant Commissioner.

Her leadership and innovation skills were recognised in 2014 when she was the Tasmanian Telstra Business Woman of the Year, and then a National joint winner of the Telstra Business Women Innovation Award.

“Donna now moves to the State Service, leaving the uniform and the badge behind, to take up the position of Deputy Secretary,” said Mr Hine.

“I’m privileged to be appointed to the new role,” said Donna Adams.

“The introduction of this new departmental structure will enable us to build a more united workforce and enhance our support of the four operational arms of the Department, (SES, FSST, Fire and Police),” she said.

“Donna’s outstanding skills in strategic leadership will build a culture of collaboration and capability across the Department’s support functions and I congratulate her on her appointment, which is effective 21 March 2016,” said Mr Hine.

The position of Assistant Commissioner will be advertised in the coming weeks.