DEPUTY PERMANENT SECRETARY (AG.)

Ms. Sherry Ann Smith-Simmons is an accomplished career Public Officer, having risen through the ranks from the entry position of Temporary Clerk I in April 1986 to the position of Ag. Director, Public Management, Public Service Academy, Ministry of Public Administration in 2024—amassing almost 39 years in the Public Service. Ms. Smith-Simmons' career began at the then Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources; she was subsequently appointed as a Clerk I at the Service Commissions Department.

Having obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Sector Management (Special) and Certificate in Public Administration from the University of the West Indies, Ms. Smith-Simmons has shown the need for continuous education. Her mantra is, "The role the Public Service plays impacts the individual lives of the citizenry through their efficiency. Therefore, each public officer must contribute to that achievement through his or her individual approach to service delivery."

Promotions throughout her career saw her serving at the Auditor General's Department, and the Ministries of Social Development, Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and Sport and Youth Affairs prior to joining the MPA family.

Ms. Smith-Simmons has served on the Committee for the Implementation of the National Life Skills Education Programme. Currently, she serves on the Implementation/Facilitation Committee for the design and implementation of the Pension System for Daily Rated Public Servants, the Scholarship Selection Committee, the Public Service Examination Board, and the Secretariat for the Human Resource Leaders Forum.

She believes in leading by example and advocates Christian principles. Her favourite quotes are: "Be the light that this world needs," "Positively impact your immediate environment," and "Appreciate each person at their stage of this life's journey."

She is a mother of four and enjoys baking, crafting, Korean dramas, a good game of cricket or all-fours.