Governor Peter Shumlin announced today that Commissioner Susan Wehry has decided to step down after 4½ years leading the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living. “I want to thank Susan for her hard work and her dedication to improve the lives of older Vermonters and people with disabilities,” Shumlin said. “We can all be proud that under her leadership, Vermont achieved the status of healthiest senior state in the nation.”
“I am grateful to Governor Shumlin for the opportunity to serve in this role,” Commissioner Wehry said. “I am especially gratified that we were able to pass the ABLE Act and Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities this year, both of which will further our efforts to foster inclusion, self-determination and independence for people with disabilities.”
Replacing Wehry will be Monica Caserta Hutt of Williston. Hutt has worked in the human services field for 25 years. She has served as Executive Director of the Sara Holbrook Center in Burlington and worked at the Howard Center for 13 years, first in the children’s division and then as Director for Children and Family Services, serving people with disabilities. She has worked in the Agency of Human Services for the past 10 years, including as Director of Operations for the Department for Children and Families, in Field Services, and most recently as the Director of Policy and Planning for the Agency.
“We are fortunate to have Monica stepping into this role,” the Governor said. “Her experience and commitment to human services will assure we continue to expand opportunities for people with disabilities and older Vermonters to live independently in their communities.”
“I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living,” Hutt said. “DAIL, in partnership with a strong community provider system, serves a vital role as part of Vermont’s system of care. They have accomplished some important work in the last several years and I look forward to working with the DAIL staff to continue that work on behalf of individuals with disabilities and older Vermonters.”
The governor also acknowledged the retirement next week of Paul Dupre, Commissioner for the Department of Mental Health.
“I am deeply appreciative of the work that Paul has done at DMH, not only in competently overseeing the day-to-day challenges facing his department, but for leading the re-design and strengthening of Vermont’s mental health system post-Tropical Storm Irene, and the opening of the state-of-the-art Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital in Berlin, “ the governor said.
Commissioner Dupre will be replaced on an interim basis by Deputy Commissioner Frank Reed. Reed has worked at the department since 1999 and has served as president of the Vermont Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. He is a licensed clinical social worker, a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, and served as a Behavioral Health Surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
“I join the Governor in thanking both Susan and Paul for their service, commitment and contributions on behalf of the people we serve, “ Hal Cohen, Secretary of the Agency of Human Services, said. “They are both valued members of the AHS leadership team and I have appreciated this opportunity to work with each of them. I wish Susan and Paul well as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.”
“Monica brings valuable service, policy and leadership experience to her new role at DAIL,” said Secretary Cohen.
“I also want to thank Frank Reed for stepping up to serve as Interim Commissioner. Reed’s extensive clinical and behavioral background will ensure DMH continues to operate smoothly during this interim period,” Secretary Cohen said.