Vermont Business Magazine Deputy Secretary of Administration Brad Ferland announced his retirement effective October 30 after 31 years of service to Vermonters.
“Brad has been a valuable member of our team, supporting some of our most complex and important state matters, including pension liabilities, bond ratings, capital funding and now federal COVID relief funds,” said Governor Phil Scott. “He has certainly earned his retirement through his incredible public service and he will be missed. I’m pleased to see Kristin move into this new role and know her extensive experience at the Agency of Human Services and most recently at the Agency of Administration will serve us, and Vermonters, well.”
"The Agency of Administration will deeply miss Brad's dedicated, outstanding work during more than three decades of service," Secretary Young said. "His broad experience with the State’s financial and administrative services before he was appointed as Deputy Secretary contributed greatly to promoting and upholding sound fiscal management of the State’s budgets, capital bills and overall operations of government. Congratulations to Brad on a well-earned retirement and many thanks on behalf of all Vermonters for his unwavering dedication and solid management skills.”
Ferland started work for the State of Vermont in May of 1989 in the State Auditor's office. He moved to the department now known as Buildings and General Services and worked his way up through the department, serving as an accountant, a business manager, and finally as Director of Administrative Services. In 2001, Ferland moved to the Department of Finance and Management, as Director of Financial Operations, and was later appointed Deputy Commissioner in 2015.
In 2017, he was appointed Deputy Secretary of Administration, a position that manages the myriad of issues that arise daily across State government. Most recently, Deputy Ferland stepped up and took on an additional role as Chief of COVID
Financial Operations to stand up the necessary accounting and audit systems required by the grant of $1.25 billion in Coronavirus Relief Funds received by the State in April.
"I have learned a great deal from the various positions I have held over the years and have worked with some extremely talented individuals," said Ferland. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my career with the State of Vermont and specifically the opportunity to be part of Governor Scott’s Administration, especially over the past few months as we have dealt with the many challenges presented by the pandemic. After many dedicated years of work for the State, I now plan to enjoy retirement by spending more time with my family and taking full advantage of this beautiful state we live in."
Secretary of Administration Young also expressed appreciation to Kristin L. Clouser who joined the Secretary’s Office in June to become Chief of Operations. As Chief of Operations, Clouser has assumed many of Ferland’s duties to allow him to focus on COVID-19 matters, including state procurement and contracts, risk management, insurance, and day to day operational oversight.
"Kristin has several years of experience working with the Agency of Human Services, the State’s largest agency," said Secretary Young. "I have personally worked with Kristin and have great respect for her intellect, common sense, wise counsel, and ability to lead key functions within the State. She has hit the ground running and is a great addition to the Administration."
Clouser brings significant experience to her role, having served as Chief of the Human Services Division for the Attorney General's Office, a role in which she served as general counsel to the current and former Secretaries of the Agency of Human Services as well as oversight of legal services provided by the Attorney General’s Office to departments of the Agency.
She earned her J.D. from Villanova University School of Law, Cum Laude, and she earned her bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from Susquehanna University, Magna Cum Laude. Clouser has received many professional accolades, including the Miles Andros Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Vermont Attorney General's Office and was ranked as a “Top 40 under 40” by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
"I am excited to be part of the Agency of Administration and to support everyone in State government to meet the challenges posed by the pandemic and continuing to provide state services as efficiently and safely as possible," Clouser said. "I look forward to upholding the high standards for our State government that the people of Vermont have come to expect."
Source: Montpelier– Administration 9.3.2020