Newly elected to his fifth term leading Vermont, Republican Gov. Phil Scott is reshaping his extended cabinet.
On Monday, Scott’s office announced the hiring of four members into the governor’s executive branch team, including the appointment of longtime state government worker Sarah Clark to serve in the high-profile role of secretary of the Agency of Administration.
The Agency of Administration oversees and coordinates Vermont’s state government agencies, departments and programs. The secretary of administration is one of the top two positions in the governor’s cabinet, right alongside his chief of staff.
Clark, of Waterbury, has served in the role on an interim basis since May, when former Secretary of Administration Kristin Clouser vacated the post. Prior to May, Clark served as deputy secretary since November of 2023.
According to a Monday press release from Scott’s office, Clark has worked in state government for two decades. Recently, she worked as deputy fiscal officer in the Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Office, which is charged with providing nonpartisan fiscal analyses to lawmakers. She previously served as chief financial officer to the Agency of Human Services, deputy commissioner of the Department of Finance and Management and interim commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.
“With Sarah’s extensive expertise in fiscal management, and her demonstrated ability to manage many complex government operations, we are fortunate to have her in this important role, and as a member of our team,” Scott said in Monday’s press release. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, and as we continue to face significant challenges as a state, her experience and poise will serve us well.”
In Monday’s press release, Scott announced the appointments of three additional new administration officials.
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First, Kristin McClure of South Burlington will serve as deputy secretary of the Agency of Human Services. The largest agency in state government, the Agency of Human Services encompasses six departments, including the Department of Health, and oversees Vermont’s correctional facilities, foster care system, mental health and disability services, as well as the state’s Medicaid and health insurance marketplace, and more.
McClure has served as interim deputy secretary of the agency since July, according to Scott’s office. In recent months, McClure has overseen emergency housing efforts for Vermonters experiencing homelessness, as the state winds down its pandemic-era emergency motel housing program.
Second, Andrew Collier of Westford will now serve as commissioner for the Department of Motor Vehicles. He comes from the state’s Department of Liquor and Lottery, where he served as deputy commissioner since 2021. Before his time with the department, he served for 11 years as a trooper with the Vermont State Police.
Third, Angela Smith-Dieng of Burlington will serve as deputy commissioner of the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living. Since 2019, she has directed the department’s Adult Services Division, overseeing long-term care programs and Older Americans Act programs in the state. Prior to that, Smith-Dieng was the executive director of the Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
“I have always worked to surround myself with a strong team because that is critical to success and doing what is best for Vermonters,” Scott said in Monday’s press release of his slate of appointments. “I’m grateful for each of these public servants for stepping up and I know each of them will continue to serve Vermonters well.”
Read the story on VTDigger here: Scott appoints new secretary of administration, three more to extended cabinet.