Reposted from January 3rd, 2013 Press Release. Contact: Susan Allen, 802-279-8493. On January 3, 2013, Governor Peter Shumlin issued a press release detailing upcoming changes to his administration, specifically the reestablishment of the Department of Economic Development. Furthermore, former state Representative Lucy Leriche has been named Deputy Sercretary of Commerce and Community Development. Leriche’s leadership experience as well as her background in housing development and homeownership programs is vital to Vermont’s housing recovery process, following Tropical Storm Irene. Read excerpts from the Press Release: “The Governor also announced that he is re-establishing the Department of Economic Development to focus exclusively on supporting Vermont businesses and recruiting new employers. That department had been rolled into Housing and Community Affairs during the previous gubernatorial administration. This change will not require additional personnel. Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lawrence Miller said economic development is currently spearheaded by outgoing Deputy Secretary Patricia Moulton Powden. But, Miller added, that economic focus is a vital part of his agency’s mission and demands a full-time focus. Miller said he will be running the search for the new Commissioner of Economic Development (recommendations should be sent to lawrence.miller@state.vt.us copying lori.camp@state.vt.us). In addition, former state Rep. Lucy Leriche has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Community Development. Leriche, of Hardwick, replaces Moulton Powden, who is leaving to take a position at the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation. Leriche has extensive experience overseeing multiple programs, including single family home programs, the Homeownership Center, housing development, rental housing operations; she also founded a not for profit organization for persons with severe and persistent mental illness. ‘I am grateful that Lucy agreed to join the administration. Her professional experience running the Lamoille Housing Partnership is particularly valuable as we work on the long term recovery housing issues coming out of Irene’ said Gov. Shumlin. ‘The broad policy experience she gained serving in the leadership of the Vermont House represents the type of perspective we need in the cabinet as we continue to break down the silos in state government.'”
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“Susan Bartlett, of Morrisville, former state Senator and chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, also joined the Shumlin administration as Special Assistant to the Governor, coordinating human services projects for the administration. She now moves to the Agency of Human Services as Special Projects Coordinator to focus on ensuring that low-income Vermonters have access to the skills and education they need to find good paying jobs. In addition, former Rep. Floyd Nease has been appointed Director of Systems Integration, helping coordinate family services across Vermont, reducing the paperwork for families in need of state assistance, and speeding the flow of financial aid to those who qualify. Nease has in-depth experience in human services issues, previously serving as executive director of the Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery, director of Laraway Youth and Family Services, and as a Vermont state representative from 2002 until his resignation in January 2011. ‘I am pleased to have both Susan and Floyd joint the AHS leadership team. The Governor has given us the responsibility to address the benefits cliff issue, better coordinate services for children and families, reduce recidivism, and manage increasing caseloads in a difficult fiscal climate,’ Human Services Secretary Doug Racine said. ‘Floyd’s and Susan’s experiences and skills will be valuable assets as we take on all of our human services challenges.'” Read Full Shumlin Press Release