The XI Government of the Azores has appointed five new regional directors, who will oversee the areas of Science and Technology, Agriculture, Social Solidarity, Health and Education, and the new President of the Administration Board of IAMA - Institute for Food and Agricultural Markets.
 
Nélson Simões - Regional Director for Science and Technology (DRCT).
He holds a degree and a PhD in Biology from the University of the Azores, where he held a teaching position and was the Coordinator of the Centre for Research of Natural Resources of the Azores (CIRN). As a member of the Association of Biologists, he was the coordinator of the Applied Biology team with expertise in animal testing, microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology. Currently, this team is conducting research on the enhancement of the genetic resources of the Azores.
 
Fernando Moniz Sousa - Regional Director for Agriculture (DRAg)
He holds a degree in Geology from the University of Coimbra and a master's degree in Geological Risk Assessment from the University of the Azores. His activities have focused on his area of expertise, particularly with regard to agricultural matters. He has also worked as a consultant in the areas of Geology and Geotechnics.
 
Frederico Furtado Sousa - Regional Director for Social Solidarity (DRSS).
He holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Universidade Nova de Lisboa (New University of Lisbon). He held the position of Senior Technician at SPRHI - Society for the Promotion and Renewal of Housing and Infrastructures and was responsible for the coordination of projects developed in Social Housing. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of NONAGON - Science and Technological Park of the Azores.
 
João Batista Soares - Regional Director for Health (DRS).
He graduated in Medicine at the University of Lisbon and holds a masters' degree in Public Health and Management of Public Health Policies from the University of Amherst, Massachusetts. He collaborated in the creation and installation of the Public Health Unit on the island of São Miguel, having previously worked with the NGO - Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS), where he implemented an educational programme for health and disease prevention.
 
Fabíola Cardoso - Regional Director for Education (DRE).
She holds a degree in Portuguese and English Studies from the University of the Azores and a master's degree in Educational Supervision from the University of Aveiro. She teaches Portuguese at Lagoa Secondary School. In addition, she also held the position of educational supervisor in the traineeships within the teaching courses and was part of the team of supervisors of the on-job training course for teachers at the Department of Educational Sciences of the University of the Azores. She has taught the subject of Portuguese Language to the Basic Education Degree at the University of the Azores and the initial and continuous training courses for teachers, having published several papers and articles on these topics.
 
Maria Carolina Câmara - President of the Board of the Institute for Food and Agricultural Markets (IAMA).
She holds a degree in Organisation and Management of Companies from the University of the Azores. She held the position of Director of the Slaughter House of São Miguel Island. She has extensive training in the area of Hygiene and Food Safety. She attended several complementary training courses, such as the seminar on Senior Management in Public Administration, an event held in the context of a partnership between the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences and the Training Centre of the Azores Public Administration.