David Barry, a Saint John-based lawyer, will take over as head of New Brunswick Securities Commission, the N.B. government said Tuesday.

Barry will become the new chairman of the provincial regulator on July 1 for a five-year term. He succeeds Donne Smith. Smith said in May that he would not seek a second five-year term.

Barry is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick and has practiced law in Saint John for more than 30 years. In 1981, he helped form the law firm of Barry Spalding where he was counsel and specialized in corporate finance and securities, venture capital financing, commercial law and tax planning.

“David Barry’s excellent leadership qualities and years of experience as a nationally recognized practitioner of business law will serve him well in his new role as chair of the commission,” said the province’s justice and consumer affairs minister, Michael Murphy, in announcing the appointment.

Murphy also announced the reappointment of Celine Trifts of Bass River to the commission for a five-year term.

IE