Vermont Business Magazine Today Governor Peter Shumlin and Corrections Commissioner Lisa Menard announced that Cheryl Ward Elovirta has been appointed Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Corrections (DOC), making the first all-female leadership team at the Department in Vermont history. Elovirta replaces Menard, who was appointed Commissioner after Andy Pallito was appointed Commissioner of Finance. Elovirta brings 19 years of human service and criminal justice experience, most recently serving as a Field Services Operations Manager for the Department of Corrections.
“Cheryl brings incredible experience working with the Vermont corrections system,” Shumlin said. “Her leadership and comprehensive knowledge of the Department make her ideal for the role and we could not be more pleased to welcome her as Deputy Commissioner.”
“Cheryl’s relationships with community partners, breadth of knowledge and solution oriented approach to the work make her a strong asset,” said Commissioner Menard. “We look forward to continuing and furthering the progress of the DOC.”
“I am pleased to have a talented corrections professional like Cheryl taking on the role of Deputy Commissioner,” said Agency of Human Services Secretary Hal Cohen. “Her skills and experience are an excellent complement to those of Commissioner Menard, and I know the important work of DOC will benefit from such a strong senior leadership team.”