Tom Torti to Become Secretary of Natural Resources
Montpelier - Governor Jim Douglas today announced that Tom Torti would
become Vermont's next Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources,
effective January 24, 2005.
Torti, 50, of Essex, is a veteran state manager and currently Douglas'
Commissioner of Buildings and General Services (BGS). He steps in for
long time Douglas confidant Elizabeth "Wibs" McLain who is stepping down
to spend more time with her family, especially her 8 grandchildren.
Douglas said he is very confident in Torti's ability to lead the agency.
"Tom shares my commitment to improving and protecting Vermont's natural
resources and working landscape," the Governor said. "He has a proven
commitment to energy efficiency and resource management, has spearheaded
our fleet management and renewable energy programs, will continue to
advance my environmental priorities, and has the management skills needed
to continue to improve service at the Agency."
At the direction of the Governor last year, Torti worked to develop the
state's first comprehensive environmental impact and resource management
plan. The plan is working to reduce the environmental impact of state
government, save taxpayer dollars through energy savings, create market
demand for environmentally preferable products-especially Vermont
products-and demonstrate that the Governor's commitment to fiscal
responsibility and environmental stewardship go hand and hand.
Torti, an avid hunter and fisherman, said he is looking forward to leading
the Agency of Natural Resources, championing the Governor's environmental
initiatives, and encouraging a new ethic of conservation throughout the
state.
Governor Douglas also praised McLain's leadership saying it has been key
to the success of his environmental agenda, especially permit reform,
opposing changes in federal emissions standards, and implementing the
Governor's Clean and Clear Water Action Plan.
"Wibs has done a wonderful job leading the Agency, there is no doubt that
she has been one of this administration's all-stars," the Governor said.
"She is a dear friend and I look forward to her continued counsel and wish
her all the very best in the future."
ABOUT TOM TORTI
Former Governor Howard Dean appointed Torti BGS Commissioner in 1996;
Douglas extended this appointment in 2002. Prior to 1996, Torti served as
Deputy Secretary of the Agency of Administration and Commissioner of
Personnel, and executive director of the Department of State's Attorneys
and Sheriffs.
Torti is currently serving a second three-year term as Selectman of the
Town of Essex. He is a member of his community's planning commission, and
active in many other community organizations.
He holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Vermont, and
a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Michael's College in Winooski, Vermont.
ABOUT ELIZABETH "WIBS" MCLAIN
McLain was called upon in December 2002 to head the Agency of Natural
Resources. Over many years in government and advocacy, McLain served as a
legislator, Chief of Staff to Governor Richard Snelling and later as
Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation and Deputy
Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources under Governor Howard Dean.
Prior to her appointment in 2002, McLain was Vice President for Community
and Government Relations at the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation.
She is a graduate of Middlebury College.
ABOUT THE AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES
The Agency of Natural Resources has approximately 600 employees working in
three departments: the Department of Environmental Conservation, the
Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Department of Forests, Parks, &
Recreation.
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