Vermont Business Magazine Today, Governor Peter Shumlin announced a number of staff changes across his Administration. Department of Finance and Management Commissioner Jim Reardon will be retiring from state service after almost 30 years. Reardon has served as Finance Commissioner since February 2005. Prior to that he served as Deputy Finance Commissioner and Financial Operations Manager for the Agency of Human Services.
Current Department of Corrections (DOC) Commissioner Andy Pallito will replace Reardon as Finance Commissioner. Pallito has over 20 years in State government experience. He joined the Agency of Human Services in 1992, DOC in 2001, and became Commissioner in 2008.
Jim Reardon. VBM photo
“I can’t say enough good things about Jim Reardon,” Shumlin said. “His mastery of the state budget is unprecedented. Vermont has benefited greatly from Jim’s 30 years of service. His steady hand and quick wit will be missed. I wish him the best in a well-deserved retirement. Jim leaves some big shoes to fill, but I know that Andy will be up to the job. We’re excited to welcome him to the Fifth Floor team.”
Replacing Pallito will be Current DOC Deputy Commissioner Lisa Menard who has spent almost three decades working for the Vermont Department of Corrections. She has served as Deputy Commissioner since 2008.
“I am pleased to have a skilled and knowledgeable corrections professional like Lisa Menard stepping into the role of Commissioner of the VT Department of Corrections,” said Agency of Human Services Secretary Hal Cohen. “Lisa has dedicated her 28-year career to serving our State and helping move DOC’s important work forward. The impressive depth and breadth of her experience makes Lisa an ideal person to lead the Department as Commissioner.”
Richard Tetreault will become Deputy Secretary of the Agency of Transportation, filling the vacancy created when Chris Cole was appointed Secretary last week following the resignation of Sue Minter. Tetreault has been with VTrans for 30 years, most recently serving as Chief Engineer and Highway Division Director.
"I couldn’t be more pleased that Rich has agreed to serve as Deputy Secretary," said Transportation Secretary Chris Cole. "Rich started his career at VTrans as a temporary district employee and for the past 30 years has worked his way up through the organization to the position of Chief Engineer. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the Agency and he will be able to put that to good work as Deputy Secretary,” continued Secretary Cole.
Lastly, the Governor announced the departure of Jen Hollar, Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Housing and Community Development (first reported by vermontbiz.com STORY), who has taken a position with the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board.
“Jen has been a great asset to the state of Vermont. Her efforts to expand affordable housing options for Vermonters have strengthened our downtowns and economy,” Shumlin said. “She is a tireless advocate for affordable housing and has magically moved the levers of government to make things happen. Jenn is bright, dedicated, and results-oriented. She will be missed but I know she’ll continue to do great things for Vermont at VHCB.”