Vermont Business Magazine Governor Peter Shumlin announced a number of staff appointments today, incluidng Frank Reed, Christopher Herrick, Tom Cheney, Laura Gray, James Pepper and Jahala Dudley. Frank Reed will become the Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health (DMH), effective August 21. Reed has been the Department’s Deputy Commissioner since 2012. Reed became the Department’s Interim Commissioner when the position was vacated by Paul Dupre who retired in June. Reed brings extensive experience to his role; experience gained from more than 30 years as a clinical social worker and mental health professional. Prior to joining DMH in 1999, Reed spent many years in clinical positions at Rutland Mental Health Services and Rutland Regional Medical Center.
“During his two months as Interim Commissioner, Frank has impressed me with his commitment to the essential role DMH plays in many people’s lives across the state,” said Secretary of Human Services Hal Cohen. “I am pleased to have Frank step fully into the role of DMH Commissioner, and I know the Department will benefit greatly from his leadership, as well as his keen insight into how the Department can best serve the mental health needs of Vermonters.”
Christopher Herrick of South Hero has been appointed to serve as Director of the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), succeeding Joe Flynn who recently became Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Herrick currently serves as the Chief of Vermont’s Hazardous Materials Response Team at the DPS, a post he has held for the past 16 years. Herrick has also served as a volunteer in the South Hero Fire Department for 25 years and as Chief of that department from 2007 to 2013. He is a 1988 graduate of St. Michael’s College, where he served on the Fire and Rescue Squad, and earned a Masters’ Degree in Education from the University of Vermont in 1998.
“I’m pleased to have found a Director with an impressive combination of experience in response and leadership,” DPS Commissioner Keith Flynn said. “Director Herrick is a respected member of the Vermont emergency response community because of his years of service as a firefighter and EMT, and for his management of the state HazMat team and Emergency Response Commission.”
Tom Cheney is being appointed to Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Cheney, a former aide to House Speaker Shap Smith and Congressman Peter Welch, has served as Chief of Policy, Programs, and Legislative Affairs at DHR since February 2015.
“Energizing, motivating, and always leaning forward, Tom is the type of leader who is always exploring new ideas and challenges others to be their best, innovative, creative selves,” DHR Commissioner Maribeth Spellman said. “Tom has an incredible passion for this State and is committed to making State Government work for all Vermonters.”
Shumlin is also adding two individuals to his personal staff and promoting a third.
Laura Gray, who has served in the Governor's Office since October 2013 as Legislative Liaison, will become Director of Special Projects and Policy Adviser.
James Pepper will join the Governor's Office as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Policy Adviser. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and Vermont Law School, Pepper most recently served as Solar Counsel at SunCommon. Previously, Pepper worked for Obama for America and the Democratic National Committee. He is married to Aly Richards, Gov. Shumlin's long-time aide who now serves as President and CEO of the Permanent Fund for Vermont's Children.
Jahala Dudley will also join the Governor's Office as Legislative Liaison. She is a graduate of the University of Vermont and previously worked for Congressman Peter Welch as a Press Assistant.
“I’m really proud of the team we’ve been able to assemble,” Shumlin said. “Over the next 16 months I am excited about the progress we are going to make together for Vermonters.”