First woman chair for Gozo development authority as Camilleri, Attard take top roles

Abigail Camilleri has been named the first woman to chair the Gozo Regional Development Authority, marking a historic leadership shift for the body that steers the island’s economic and social strategy.

Economist Juergen Attard steps in as chief executive officer, bringing policy and analytical experience from the Central Bank of Malta and from within the authority itself.

Camilleri, deputy head at Sir Michelangelo Refalo Sixth Form, has a background in educational leadership and international project coordination. She served as a Labour MP between 2022 and 2026, and holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Malta.

Attard previously served as Senior Manager for Research and Policy at the GRDA, where he led work on regional and sustainable development. Before that, he was a senior economist at the Central Bank of Malta, and holds a Master’s in Economics from the University of York.

The dual appointment comes as the GRDA focuses on educational, social, cultural and regional development priorities for Gozo. The Ministry of Gozo said the new leadership would contribute to advancing these goals, which are critical for the island’s business environment and investment appeal.

With a new chair and CEO in place, the authority is positioned to shape policy affecting infrastructure, tourism, and economic diversification in Gozo. For the local business community, the change signals continuity in the authority’s mission but also potential for fresh direction under its first female chair.