N.B. economist David Campbell to head new Energy Solutions Corp.

The high-profile chief economist at the Gallant government's Jobs Board is moving to a new position.

David Campbell, an economic development consultant the Liberals recruited in 2015 to help their job-creation efforts, will be the chair of the New Brunswick Energy Solutions Corporation.

The corporation, a joint venture between the provincial government and NB Power, will look for new customers for electricity generated in the province.

"I am excited to take on this important role and by the potential boost to export revenue from this important sector," Campbell said in a statement.

The province is creating the new company because it will be eligible for federal infrastructure funding that NB Power doesn't quality for as a provincial utility.

Watching over Grand Falls dam

The corporation would oversee the proposed expansion of NB Power's hydroelectric generating station in Grand Falls, a project that aims to market its non-fossil-fuel electricity in New England.

Campbell worked in economic development in the Frank McKenna government and started his own consulting firm in 2008. His blog critiquing government job creation efforts turned him into a frequent media commentator on economic development.

Premier Brian Gallant said when Campbell was recruited to the New Brunswick Jobs Board in 2015 that the secretariat and a new Crown corporation, Opportunities New Brunswick, would work together to help the province "better co-ordinate" job creation efforts.