Vermont Business Magazine Governor Peter Shumlin today announced a number of staff changes across his Administration, including in the Governor’s Office, Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), Public Service Department (PSD), and Department of Public Safety (DPS). After four and a half years, current Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Alyson Richards will be leaving the Governor’s Office. Her last day will be July 24th.
"Aly has been a trusted member of my team, close advisor, and great friend," Shumlin said. "She has played an integral role in our efforts to expand educational opportunities for Vermont kids, helping to pass universal pre-k and secure tens of millions in federal grants that will help us expand and bolster our early childhood education system in this state. Kids born in this state are better off thanks to Aly Richard’s good work."
Alyssa Schuren and David Mears
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner David Mears will be rejoining the faculty of Vermont Law School.Mearswill be serving as the Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic, a position he held prior to joining the Shumlin Administration in 2011. Replacing Mears as DEC Commissioner will be current Deputy Commissioner Alyssa Schuren. The change will take effect August 10th.
“David has been an important part of ANR’s leadership team," said ANR Secretary Markowitz. "He is leaving Vermont and the Department of Environmental Conservation better than he found them, having made significant strides in addressing some of the toughest environmental issues facing the state. From the Lake Champlain clean-up plan, to cleaning up polluted industrial sites so that they could again serve as community assets, David’s leadership has helped Vermont advance our shared environmental mission. Although we will miss David, we are excited to have Alyssa Schuren step up to serve as Commissioner. Her proven track record in managing the Department, ability to collaborate with a diverse community of stakeholders, and passion for protecting Vermont’s natural resources and human health makes her the perfect person to ensure that we continue the great progress we have made.”
VNRC's Executive Director Brian Shupe said in a statement: "David Mears has done an extraordinary job in his role as commissioner of DEC bringing a strong vision and deep passion for Vermont’s environment to his work. Among his major legacies will be his exceptional leadership forging a strong foundation for the clean up of Lake Champlain and other polluted waters across Vermont. We wish him well, and look forward to working with his successor, Alyssa Schuren who herself has a strong environmental track record."
Jon Copans has been appointed to serve as Deputy Commissioner at the Public Service Department, filling the vacant position that was held by Governor Shumlin’s Chief of Staff Darren Springer. Copans currently serves as a Senior Policy Advisor for Government Affairs for ANR. Before that, he spent seven years in Rep. Peter Welch’s office, serving as his Deputy State Director and Campaign Manager. This change will take effect August 17th.
“I am delighted to have Jon join me in as Deputy Commissioner of the Department,” said Christopher Recchia, Commissioner of the Public Service Department. “ Jon has great experience in both environmental and energy issues and I look forward to continuing our progress in advancing Energy and Telecommunications efforts on behalf of all Vermonters.”
Finally, current Director of Vermont Emergency Management Joe Flynn will become Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety. Flynn will assume the position that was previously held by Francis (Paco) Aumand who is retiring on July 24th.