The Office of the Premier (OTP) announced today that Dr Karie Bergstrom, DEdMin, GPHR, CBCP will serve as Chief of Staff to Premier Hon. André Ebanks MP, effective 1 October 2026. Bringing decades of executive leadership across professional and financial services and on government-appointed boards, Dr Bergstrom will head the Office of the Premier, providing strategic policy advice and support to the Premier.
“Dr Karie brings vast experience across the public and private sectors, as well as a skill set that is uniquely suited to the role," said Premier Ebanks. “She excels at navigating complex challenges, leading change management and developing human capital, which aligns well with the NCFC’s agenda to address long-standing national issues and modernise government services. I am delighted to welcome Dr Karie to the team.”
As a consultant and director of BarrCross Group Ltd., Dr Bergstrom specialises in business continuity, workforce development, crisis management, and operational leadership. In addition to leadership roles in leading legal and accounting firms, she has consulted government on immigration policy reform and strategic development. A past president of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, Dr Bergstrom has chaired the Tourism Advisory Council and has broad experience serving on the Health Services Authority and Hotel Licensing boards, the Gender Equality Tribunal, the National Pensions Board and the Immigration Accreditation Review Team. Dr Bergstrom has a doctorate and is a Certified Business Continuity Professional and Global Professional of Human Resources.
“For a patriotic Caymanian, I can think of no higher honour than being given the opportunity to serve my country in this capacity. I am deeply humbled by the confidence Premier Ebanks has placed in me and look forward to bringing my experience, energy and commitment to the role and to advancing the Government’s priorities for the people of the Cayman Islands,” said Dr Bergstrom.
Dr Bergstrom’s appointment follows the announcement that outgoing Chief of Staff Pilar Bush is stepping down from 7 September to pursue a new chapter in publishing.
Thanking Ms Bush for her contribution, Premier Ebanks said, “Pilar has played a foundational role in shaping the government’s strategic priorities and establishing the framework and support systems in the Office of the Premier. I thank her for her dedication and service to the country and wish her well in her future endeavours.”
Dr Bergstrom will step into the role of Chief of Staff from 1 October, taking on responsibility for day-to-day operations, coordinating policy implementation across ministries and managing strategic priorities, alongside a smaller portfolio of select consulting engagements. In the interim, Executive Advisor, Juliet DuFeu will coordinate the work of the OTP team.