Dillon Named New Deputy Secretary Of Commerce Agency

Dillon Named New Deputy Secretary Of Agency of Commerce and Community
Development
MONTPELIER -- Lu Ann Dillon of South Burlington has been appointed
the new Deputy Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community
Development. Dillon takes over the post from Dawn Terrill, who left in
November to become Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Transportation.
Since 1994, Dillon has been the Senior Vice President of Bell & Company
Management Consultants in Easton, Maryland. As Bell's lead consultant, she
managed consulting projects for a variety of Fortune 50 companies,
principally in the defense and aerospace industries. She also managed
projects at Bell's hospital and utilities clients. Earlier in her career,
Dillon founded LAD Ltd., a retail and wholesale men's and women's
professional clothing business in downtown Burlington that she managed
from 1983 to 1990. Dillon has taught retail management courses at
Champlain College and was an instructor at both the University of Vermont
and Northeastern University in Boston.
"I love Vermont and the Deputy Secretary position offers me the
opportunity to bring my private sector experience to state government,"
Dillon said. "I look forward to serving the Agency and supporting economic
development, tourism, marketing, community development and the other
essential areas under our umbrella."
Agency Secretary Kevin Dorn said that Dillon has significant practical
experience in maintaining job vitality, a major focus of his Agency. Dorn
added that because one of Dillon's specialties is operational analysis,
she will also be focusing on the internal management of the Agency. "We're
very lucky to have someone with Lu Ann's abilities and experience be able
to step in right away and take on one of the more challenging positions in
state government," Dorn said.
Dillon is a 1976 graduate of the University of Vermont and earned her
Master's degree in education from Boston University in 1979. She currently
serves on the University of Vermont Regional Advisory Board. A Vermont
native, Dillon grew up in Essex Junction and now lives in South Burlington
with her husband Tom Pierce, president of Pierce Communications Group. She
has three adult stepchildren -- Heather, Greg and Randy Pierce.
The Agency of Commerce and Community Development is comprised of the
Departments of Economic Development, Tourism & Marketing, and Housing and
Community Affairs. Vermont Life Magazine, the Vermont Downtown Program and
the Division for Historic Preservation are also part of the Agency.