NEW SAMA CHAIRPERSON APPOINTED

Craig Melvin has been appointed the new chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA).

Melvin will serve a three-year term beginning September 1st, 2003.

"I am very pleased that Mr. Melvin is able to take on this important role," Government Relations Minister Ron Osika said. "His extensive knowledge and experience in the educational sector, including his many years as the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan School Trustees Association (SSTA) will be a benefit to SAMA."

Melvin has extensive knowledge and experience in the education sector in the areas of governance, board of education planning and evaluation, and educational finance. He has worked for the SSTA since 1977 and is retiring from his current position as Executive Director on August 30th, 2003.

Bill Reader resigned as SAMA chairperson effective June 30th, 2003. "I thank Mr. Reader for the expertise and many hours of dedicated work that he has contributed as SAMA's chairperson," Osika said. "I wish him all the best in his well deserved, full-time retirement."

Vice-chairperson Keith Carleton is serving as SAMA's acting chairperson in the interim.

SAMA is an independent agency that develops, delivers and promotes the property assessment system for Saskatchewan. It is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of nine representatives, five of whom are elected by local governments at SAMA's annual meeting, one elected by the Saskatchewan Assessors' Association and three, including the chairperson, appointed by the provincial government.

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For More Information, Contact:

Anna Arneson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-8008