News

As part of the ongoing Civil Service modernisation efforts, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson has announced that Jennifer Ahearn has been appointed as Chief Sustainability Officer in the Office of the Deputy Governor.  

In the new role, Ms. Ahearn will be responsible for facilitating strategic initiatives to integrate sustainability into all aspects of the Cayman Islands Government’s business operations. She will have oversight of the organisation’s operational policies and strategies, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to promote a culture of sustainability across the Civil Service while ensuring alignment with the civil service mission and values.

“Ms. Ahearn’s twenty plus years of experience in various leadership roles across government, combined with her relevant experience and expertise, make her ideally suited to take on this role and support the Civil Service on our continuing journey to enhanced sustainability, efficiency and service excellence,” said Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, noting that Ms. Ahearn was instrumental in building the Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency from the ground up.

He further stated, “The appointment of the Chief Sustainability Officer serves as a tangible demonstration of our commitment to sustainable working methods. This role will not only facilitate harmonising our operational strategies and service delivery with sustainability principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, but also fortifies our competitive edge and resilience in an ever-evolving world.”

Commenting on Ms. Ahearn’s new role, the recently appointed Minister for Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Katherine Ebanks-Wilks congratulated the Deputy Governor on his foresight in establishing this important role, and noted that Ms. Ahearn is well qualified to take on the Chief Sustainability Officer role for the Civil Service. 
Minister Ebanks-Wilks added; “I look forward to collaborating with the Deputy Governor, Ms. Ahearn, and the wider Civil Service as we work together to make the Civil Service the most sustainable and climate resilient employer in the Cayman Islands.”

In the meantime, Ms. Ahearn is optimistic about her new role. “I am humbled and honoured to be considered for this critical position. I am committed to contributing to the positive evolution of the civil service and look forward to helping chart the course for an organisation with enhanced reputation, cost efficiencies and heightened stakeholder engagement, while ensuring there is a balance across the economic, social, and environmental pillars that are the “triple bottom line” of sustainability,” she said.  Ms. Ahearn also thanked the staff at the Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency for their support as she moves into her new role.