2024 speakers

Hon. Charles Washington Misick
Premier

Honourable Charles Washington Misick is educated in Economics, Business, Accounting and Finance. He holds two post graduate degrees in Project Management and Business Administration as well as Certificates in Leadership, Conflict Resolution, and Development. Hon. Misick has worked in the field of auditing and accounting in several professional firms – including a ‘big four’ firm as well as a short stint in banking. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators; recipient of the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), TCI – Long Service Medal; a Justice of the Peace; a former Chief Minister, Minister of Tourism; Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade; a three term Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and is now the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Leader of the Progressive National Party. Honourable Misick is an entrepreneur with experience as a real estate broker, property developer and hospitality management and financial services. He is married to former Miss Turks & Caicos Islands, Delthia Russell and a father of seven children and seven grandchildren and is a member of the Seventh Day-Adventist congregation.

H.E. Anya Williams
Deputy Governor and Head of Public Service

Anya Williams is the Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  A post she has held since October 15, 2012.

She joined the Turks and Caicos Islands Government twenty years ago as the Budget Director in the Ministry of Finance and in April 2012 was promoted to the post of Permanent Secretary Finance; a post she held for a period of 6 months, before being appointed as the 2nd Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in October 2012; a position she has held for the last eleven plus years.

She holds an Associate Degree in English, Law and Accounting from the Barbados Community College and a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree (Hons.) in Accounting from Florida International University in Miami, Florida.

As Deputy Governor and head of the public service she is responsible for the oversight and management of the public service of the Turks and Caicos Islands which consists of over 2,000 employees.

She is a civic minded person and over the years has committed to a number of community based initiatives all aimed at improving the affairs of the Turks and Caicos Islands.   She is family oriented and believes that in building strong community relationships and partnerships, that there is much that can be accomplished. Over the past years she has partnered with numerous entities to raise funds and awareness for various significant programs and causes in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Turks and Caicos Islands is currently embarking on major public service reform aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery through the implementation of service wide policy and procedure changes which are being led by the Office of the Deputy Governor.

Minda Harts
Keynote Speaker

Minda Harts is a celebrated author and influential speaker, best known for her bestsellers “The Memo,” “Right Within,” and the YA book “You Are More Than Magic.” She is a respected voice in advancing women of color, self-advocacy, and restoring trust at work. Minda frequently speaks at major conferences and companies, including Nike, Google, Disney, Best Buy, Dreamforce, and the Aspen Ideas Festival.

As an NYU assistant professor, Minda shapes future leaders and empowers professionals. Honored by LinkedIn as the #1 Top Voice for Equity in the Workplace in 2020 and by Business Insider as one of the top 100 People Transforming Business in 2022. Minda is currently working on a new book with Flatiron Books, focusing on the crucial topic of restoring trust in the workplace.

Gloria McField-Nixon
Chief Officer – Cayman Islands Government (CIG)

Her public service career spans over 25 years, with key roles in the Portfolio of Finance and Economic Development and the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Development, and Commerce, supporting Cayman’s financial services and tourism sectors. In 2009, she became Chief Officer of PoCS, reporting to the Deputy Governor. Her responsibilities include the Strategic & Corporate HR Unit, Civil Service College, Management and Support Unit, Commissions Secretariat, Internal Audit, Passport Office, and National Archives. She also oversees governance and financial matters for the Governor’s Office, Deputy Governor’s Office, and Elections Office.

Under her leadership, PoCS has implemented significant governance projects, such as establishing the Parliament Management Commission and enhancing the Office of the Ombudsman. Since 2018, the Civil Service Strategic Plan has led to over 1 million customer responses with a 90% satisfaction rate and 73% employee engagement. Current initiatives include the second Civil Service Strategic Plan and HR modernization.

She chairs the business continuity subcommittee and received the Certificate and Badge of Honour for her COVID-19 pandemic leadership. In 2021, PoCS won CIPD’s People Team of the Year (Public Sector) award. McField-Nixon, an attorney-at-law (non-practicing), holds degrees from Howard University and the University of Liverpool and was admitted to the Cayman Islands Bar in 2012. She serves on various government boards and is an Ex-Officio Director of the Cayman Islands Public Service Pensions Board, managing assets over USD $1.2 billion.

Tracy Drewett
Executive Director ICPS

Senior Business Director and industry leader and marketeer with over twenty years’ experience in the private, public and education sectors, in the UK and Internationally within the training market. Additionally, four years within the scholarly and academic information market, specifically within in STM. Extensive experience of implementing successful business, operational, commercial and marketing strategies, as well as developing global partnership networks. Success achieved by strong leadership and applying a coaching philosophy focusing on nurturing innovation and value. An ability to embrace organisational values and to effectively communicate corporate vision, thought leadership and operational execution. A significant track record of business transformation and innovation for a range of £10m+ training companies, which has been recognised through the achievement of a number of awards, including National Training Awards. Inspires others and creates a culture of high performance, delivers substantial business growth and shareholder value. Particular strengths are marketing, business development, account management, people management, strategy and innovation and technology

Lauren Knight
Deputy Chief Officer – Cayman Islands Government (CIG)

Lauren Knight is a Deputy Chief Officer in the Portfolio of the Civil Service (PoCS), with specific responsibility for strategic operations and governance. In her role, Lauren assists the Chief Officer with leading and supporting human resources (HR) development, public sector reform and good governance. Specifically, Lauren authors Civil Service policies, assists with bringing changes to Civil Service legislation and regulations, and provides policy advice and support to the PoCS Chief Officer and the Deputy Governor in overseeing the operation of the Civil Service. Ms. Knight also assists with providing a range of operational and strategic HR advice and services to government entities and the wider public sector. For her contributions to our country during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Knight was awarded the late Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour. Lauren is the proud mother of three boys – Ethan, Kameron and Kruz – and, in her free time, enjoys paddle boarding, scuba diving and surfing.

Miquel Swann
Permanent Secretary – Office of the Deputy Governor

Miquel Swann is a dynamic leader with a robust academic and professional background holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Newman University and is in the final stages of completing his MBA at the University of Texas Permian Basin. Additionally, he is pursuing certification as a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). PS Swann’s career spans over a decade of leadership roles across various sectors, including financial services, hospitality, tourism, and public administration. Before joining the civil service, he was the Director of Guest Services at the prestigious Grace Bay Club, where he honed his skills in delivering top-tier service and operational excellence.

He has made significant contributions in the public sector as the Deputy Secretary in the Office of the Premier and Public Policy. His responsibilities included supporting the Premier in Cabinet sessions, managing finances, and overseeing human resources. Notably, he led several critical initiatives, such as hosting the Caribbean Development Bank’s Conference, establishing the Turks and Caicos Government Bahamas Office, and launching the Turks and Caicos Diaspora Initiative.  After serving as the Interim Director at the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, aiding in its transition to a new Destination Management Organization his leadership, professionalism, and ability to deliver on strategic objectives have earned him the trust and confidence of the Cabinet and Executive Board members.

With his proven track record and unwavering commitment to excellence, PS Swann is poised to make even greater contributions and remains committed to employing sound leadership principles in an effort to affect positive change.

Athenee Harvey
P.S. Finance Investment & Trade

Athenee Harvey-Basden is a powerhouse in public finance, holding a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Florida International University (2003) and a Master of Science in Accountancy from Nova Southeastern University (2005). As a founding member of Alpha Kappa Psi at Nova Southeastern, she exemplifies leadership and ambition.

PS Harvey, began her impactful career with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) in 2006 as a Financial Manager in Treasury, quickly ascending to Accountant General in 2011 and Permanent Secretary of Finance in 2012. She spearheaded the transformation of the Treasury between 2009 and 2012. Her expertise was showcased in a feature article for CARTAC’s monthly bulletin regarding Effective Cash Management in the TCIG.

Her contributions include drafting and implementing significant Public Finance Management Legislation and renegotiating the financial framework. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, PS Harvey directed the disbursement of over $30 million in aid. She played a pivotal role in achieving TCIG’s first credit rating and retiring a $270 million bond. Her influence extends across various TCIG Statutory Boards, where she continues to drive innovation and excellence in public finance.

Julianna Musgrove
Deputy Permanent Secretary – Office of the Deputy Governor

Ms. Julianna Musgrove, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, brings her dynamic leadership to the heart of the Turks and Caicos Islands government. DPS Musgrove’s academic achievements are a testament to her dedication. She earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and is on the brink of completing her Master’s in Human Resource Management and Development from the University of Salford, UK.

With over a decade of powerhouse leadership in learning and development, human resources, and hospitality, Julianna’s expertise is unmatched. At Sandals Resorts International, she excelled as Regional Learning and Development Manager, leading initiatives that spanned the Caribbean and revolutionized training programs.   Her influence reaches far beyond her professional roles. Musgrove has been a driving force as a Governor on the Board of Governors for Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, where she chaired the Human Resource, Safety, and Compensation sub-committee. As an Executive Member of the College’s Alumni Association, she tirelessly contributes to her alma mater’s growth.

Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Musgrove has earned prestigious awards, including the 2023 Caribbean Rising Star Award from the International Society of Hospitality Consultants and the Sandals Foundation Sentinel of the Year Award.  Ms. Musgrove is set to elevate her impact even further in her role, bringing innovation, dedication, and a stellar track record to the Office of the Deputy Governor and the TCI Public Service at large.

Emilio Seymour
Director General – TCI Border Force

Emilio Seymour, an inspiring leader with a passion for public service, holds an Associate of Science in Business Management (2008) and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing (2010) from Johnson and Wales University in Miami, Florida.

His career took flight in May 2016 when he joined the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service as Quality Assurance Manager at the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services’ Customer Service Department. Before this, he honed his skills at Scotiabank Turks and Caicos Islands as a Credit Officer, Business Banking Officer, and Customer Service Supervisor. His diverse experience includes roles as an Assistant Surveyor at Ambergris Key Resort and Spa and a Sales & Service Representative for Islandcom Telecommunications. In December 2021,his dedication earned him a promotion to Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services. He has bolstered his expertise with numerous certifications, including the Models of Public Service Delivery from the International Center for Parliamentary Studies (UK) and Public Policy Analysis & Management from the Caribbean Development Bank.

Professor Colin Talbot
ICPS Professor

Colin is Professor of Government (Emeritus) at the University of Manchester and a research associate at Cambridge.

Colin has had an unusual career. He left school at 16 (in 1969) and worked in a variety of private and public sector roles before becoming an academic in his late30s. Alongside practical experience he holds a PhD from the London School of Economics (1994). Which was on strategy and strategists in public services.

He has worked on, and with, a wide variety of public agencies and governments in the UK and internationally. He’s been an adviser to the UK Parliament, National Audit Office and many others.

Colin’s main work has concentrated on strategic issues – the design of public services, how their performance can be measured and improved, strategic leaders and their development.

He has also been a commentator for numerous media outlets and appeared on TV and radio many times in the UK on issues of government reform and wider politics. He’s authored or co-authored half a dozen books and many articles.

Since retiring Colin has also concentrated on “the public understanding of government” – writing and talking to many groups of citizens and students in the UK and abroad.

Sherrill Poitier
Director of Training and Development

Sherrill Poitier is a dynamic force of enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership, renowned for her ability to inspire and elevate teams. Passionate about helping others realize their full potential, her leadership drives increased productivity and success. Sherrill thrives on challenging the status quo and building a lasting legacy through coaching, positive change, and motivation.

With over 20 years in talent development and a decade in leadership, Sherrill has held significant roles at CIBC FirstCaribbean Int’l Bank and the Ministry of Finance (The Bahamas) in the areas of learning and development and communications respectively. Her talent for engaging and motivating diverse groups, bridging gaps between leadership and staff, and fostering genuine connections drives loyalty and commitment within her team.

Dedicated to lifelong learning, Sherrill earned a B.Sc. in Organizational Leadership & Learning from the University of Louisville, Kentucky, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She holds a CPTD certification from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and is a Maxwell Certified Behavioural Analysis (DISC) Consultant, Trainer, and Maxwell Leadership Team Member.

Currently, as the Director of Training in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Turks and Caicos Islands, Sherrill continues to inspire positive change and growth.

Andre Mills
Director of Digitization & E-Government Technology and Innovation

After earning a B.Sc. in Business Administration with a major in Computer Information Systems Management from Columbus State University in 2002, Andre Mills began his career with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) in the then “Computer Unit.” As a Systems Analyst, he was tasked with assessing the computing needs of the TCIG and translating them into detailed system specifications.

Following a brief period in the private sector, Mr. Mills returned to the TCIG and took on the role of Director of the Central Information Technology Unit, now known as Digitization, eGovernment Technology, and Innovation. In his current position, he manages the government’s technology resources, ensuring smooth IT operations. Additionally, he collaborates with various stakeholders to implement the government’s eGovernment strategy.