Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Sarah Clark, of Waterbury, as secretary of the Agency of Administration. Clark was appointed deputy secretary in November 2023 and named interim secretary in May 2024.
“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,” said Governor Scott. “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.”
Clark has served the State of Vermont for two decades, as a leader in budget and financial management, including the deputy fiscal officer of the Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Office. She has also served as chief financial officer of the Agency of Human Services, deputy commissioner of the Department of Finance & Management and interim commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation.
“Growing up in Vermont, I feel a deep connection and appreciation for this brave little state,” said Clark. “It is an honor to serve Governor Scott and my fellow Vermonters as secretary of Administration. I look forward to leading the Agency of Administration and its dedicated employees as we work together to support the operations of state government in service to Vermonters.”
The Agency of Administration, and the departments within it, provide administrative and support services to all Vermont state government agencies and departments, as well as for taxpayers and constituents.
Governor Scott has made additional leadership appointments in his extended cabinet, saying, “I have always worked to surround myself with a strong team because that is critical to success and doing what is best for Vermonters. I’m grateful for each of these public servants for stepping up and I know each of them will continue to serve Vermonters well.”
Kristin L. McClure, deputy secretary, Agency of Human Services
McClure, of South Burlington, has served as interim deputy secretary since July, where she has played a key role in Agency initiatives, including overseeing efforts to address housing and emergency shelter needs. Prior to that role, she served as the Agency’s health data officer, working to improve how Vermont collects and uses health data to improve quality, access, and outcomes. A key accomplishment of her role was positioning Vermont as one of the first states in the nation to integrate data on mental health and substance use disorder into the Health Information Exchange.
Previously, McClure served as the state’s chief data officer at the Agency of Digital Services, where she played an essential part in Vermont’s data-driven response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to joining the State of Vermont, she served in senior leadership roles in health and data science at the software company Capgemini, Global Foundries, and IBM. McClure received her B.A. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania, and her Master of Science in data science from the University of Vermont.
“I am honored to take on the role of deputy secretary and continue to serve the Agency's mission to improve the health and well-being of Vermonters," said McClure. "The Agency of Human Services touches the lives of Vermonters in so many different ways. I am excited to engage with this very dedicated team toward the next steps that will further empower our staff and result in even greater outcomes for communities around the state.”
Andrew Collier, commissioner, Department of Motor Vehicles
Collier, of Westford, has served as the deputy commissioner of the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery (DLL) since 2021. In this role, he helped integrate operations between the liquor and lottery divisions, supported the launch of the lottery central gaming vendor in 2022, and played a key part in introducing sports wagering in the state. Before joining DLL, Andrew spent 11 years as a trooper with the Vermont State Police, where he served as a drug recognition expert, DUI enforcement team, and played an important role in mentoring and training new recruits. Additionally, Collier serves on the Howard Center Board and the Westford Development Review Board and is a former member of the Vermont Natural Resources Board.
“I’m honored that Governor Scott has appointed me to this role, and I’m excited to bring my experience in community engagement, state operations, and law enforcement to make a meaningful impact,” said Collier. “It’s a privilege to serve Vermont in this capacity, and I look forward to working with Secretary Flynn, the amazing team at Department of Motor Vehicles, and the greater transportation community.”
Angela Smith-Dieng, deputy commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)
Smith-Dieng, of Burlington, has served as director of DAIL’s Adult Services Division since 2019, overseeing home and community-based long-term care programs, as well as Older Americans Act programs. As division director, she worked closely with policy makers, multiple state agencies, and community partners across the state to support older Vermonters and individuals with disabilities to live and age well. Prior to that role, Smith-Dieng was the executive director of the Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging, managing state and national policy advocacy efforts. She holds a B.A. from Middlebury College and an M.A. from the SIT Graduate Institute.
“I am honored and excited to move into this new role as deputy commissioner,” said Smith-Dieng. “I am looking forward to supporting all of the Department’s many efforts to support healthy and vibrant communities for all Vermonters.”
Source: Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott. Montpelier, VT www.vermont.gov
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
