The Independent Appointments Commission is a legislated independent non-partisan commission comprising of seven volunteers appointed by resolution of the House of Assembly.
The Independent Appointments Commission is responsible for providing merit-based recommendations of qualified individuals for appointment to approximately 30 Agencies, Boards and Commissions.
These Agencies, Boards and Commissions deliver important services including health care, k-12 and post-secondary education, and help manage our natural resources. The Independent Appointments Commission believes the merit based process it will use to recommend individuals for the most important governance and executive roles in the province’s Agencies, Boards and Commissions will ultimately improve services to residents.
To view the IAC’s Rules of Procedure, please click here.
Members of the Independent Appointments Commission
Karen McCarthy
Karen M. McCarthy is Vice President, Communications and Corporate Affairs with Fortis Inc. She joined Fortis Inc. in 2016 as Director, Communications and Corporate Affairs and was appointed to her current role in 2018. She was previously President of an Atlantic Canadian public affairs consulting firm for seven years and spent 15 years in the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial public service with senior roles in communications, cabinet operations, energy, labour relations and intergovernmental affairs. She holds a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University, a Master of Education (Leadership) from Memorial University and was awarded the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD). She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration program at Athabasca University with a research focus on corporate governance and social responsibility. Ms. McCarthy is past chair of the ICD Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter, is a Regent and Chair of the Governance Committee at Memorial University, and served on the Newfoundland Power Board of Directors.
Ms. McCarthy will serve as Chair of the Independent Appointments Commission.
Rex Goudie
Rex Goudie is presently the Chief Executive Officer of the Goose Bay Airport Corporation providing strategic direction and oversight of operations. His previous experience includes executive leadership roles such as Manager of Field Operations with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Assistant Deputy Minister with the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs. Mr. Goudie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Memorial University and a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University. Born and raised in L’Anse-au-Clair, he has actively supported community-based organizations in Labrador through his role as Chair of the Grenfell Foundation and participation on the Labrador Winter Games Board of Directors. Mr. Goudie possesses more than 30 years of progressively responsible experience supporting socioeconomic opportunities for Labrador including the oversight of government policies, facilitation of integral provincial programs and services and Coordinator of the Comprehensive Labrador Agreement.
Nancy Healey
Nancy Healey is an executive with 30 years of experience in leadership and advocacy. She is currently the Commissioner for Employers at the Canada Employment Insurance Commission where she represents the interests of employers. Previously, as the Chief Executive Officer of the St. John’s Board of Trade, Ms. Healey supported the success of business through engagement with all levels of government. Similarly, in her previous role as the Executive Director of an association she enhanced and elevated the province’s hospitality and tourism industry. Ms. Healey completed the Director’s Education Program from the Rotman School of Management, obtaining the ICD.D designation. She has been recognized for her success and contributions, being named the 2018 Executive of the Year as a past president of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada. Ms. Healey is currently serving and sharing her expertise with the St. John’s Rotary Club, Canadian Forces Liaison Council and the RUAH Counselling Centre’s Board of Directors.
William (Bill) Mahoney
William (Bill) Mahoney is the owner of a group of companies in Newfoundland and Labrador related to the real estate and tourism sectors. He served for 27 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, holding a number of staff and command positions, retiring in 2004. He is national Chair of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, and the national Vice Chair of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council. He is former Chair of the Board of the Commissionaires Newfoundland and Labrador, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Historical Society, the St. John’s International Airport Authority, and the St. John’s Downtown Development Commission. Mr. Mahoney currently serves as a Director with a number of charitable organizations, including the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador. He has completed the Director’s Education Program in 2020 and earned a designation with the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Brendan Mitchell
Brendan Mitchell has held the distinction of Chief of the Qalipu First Nation for seven years, serving his third consecutive three-year term on its Council. He worked with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited for 27 years and has extensive work experience in the areas of project management, materials management, transportation and procurement management. His organizational involvements are many having served on boards and committees locally, provincially and nationally including Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Marine Advisory Board for five years and Chair of the Corner Brook Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Mitchell holds Bachelor of Science (Biology) and Master of Business Administration degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Karen Skinner
Karen Skinner is an executive leader and board director with over 32 years of relevant experience. Ms. Skinner previously held the role of vice-president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Region with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Ms. Skinner has a Master of Business Administration from Dalhousie and a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) from the Memorial University. Ms. Skinner’s senior leadership experience encompasses work related to economic development, public policy and program design and delivery. As an individual devoted to giving back to her community, she serves on several boards such as the Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation and Dr. Jack Hand Legacy Foundation. With a commitment to advancing arts and culture in the province she sits on additional boards including Business and Arts NL, Bonavista Biennale, and Lady Cove Women’s Choir. Ms. Skinner is also a member of the Board of Management for the Canada Revenue Agency.
Jamie Schwartz
Jamie Schwartz retired as President and CEO of the Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority after serving 20 years with the organization. He is currently a member of the 2025 Canada Summer Games Host Society Board of Directors. He served as President and Chair of the Atlantic Canada Airports Association from 2014-2016 and was a director on the Canadian Airports Council for four years. He was also chair of the Marble Mountain Development Corporation for three years. Mr. Schwartz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and Recreation Management from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.