Lisa Anderson

Lisa Anderson was confirmed as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation on January 15, 2026, following service in the Acting capacity. As the Ministry’s administrative head and chief financial officer, she stewards one of the largest public‑sector budgets in The Bahamas, ensuring disciplined fiscal management, transparent governance, and results‑oriented delivery across a complex, high ‑ impact portfolio.

Ms. Anderson’s career spans the private and public sectors, equipping her with a rare blend of financial acumen, operational depth, and people‑first leadership. She began in the classroom as a teacher before transitioning into offshore banking, where she developed a strong foundation in financial management and institutional operations. Entering the Public Service as a Finance Officer, she built a reputation for rigor and stewardship — qualities that would define her ascent through senior roles.

For many years, she served as Deputy Administrator of the Scholarships Division, helping thousands of Bahamian students pursue higher education by strengthening scholarship administration, financial controls, and policy implementation — an investment in national human capital that continues to pay dividends. Later, she moved into top‑tier administrative leadership as Deputy Permanent Secretary and Undersecretary, with assignments at the Ministry of Education, Ministry of National Security, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the Cabinet. Across these postings, she oversaw administrative, financial, and operational portfolios, supported Cabinet‑level policy execution, and advanced inter‑agency coordination.

Grounded in her nursing background, her tenure at the Ministry of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted her calm, steady leadership in a time of crisis. She supported critical administrative and operational responses that sustained essential services, strengthened governance frameworks, and improved inter-agency alignment during a national emergency.

Widely regarded as personable and reasonably inclusive, she is known for bringing every level to the table, setting clear, consistent standards, and pairing firmness with fairness. The values that guide her decision making integrity, altruism, sustainability, accountability, flexibility, and good stewardship are evident in her approach to budgeting, procurement, talent development, and performance management. Colleagues often cite her graceful spirit and calm accountability as hallmarks of her leadership.

A proud graduate of R. M. Bailey Senior High School, Ms. Anderson furthered her studies at the University of The Bahamas and Lee University (Cleveland, Tennessee), strengthening her foundations in administration, management, and public service leadership. Outside of work, she enjoys volleyball and softball and is family‑centered, the proud mother of two sons, Shae and Daalen.