Earlier this month, Gretchen Morse, Executive Director of United Way of Chittenden County was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Vermont at their 205th Commencement Ceremony. Morse, UVM Class of ’75, has spent 30 years in public service initiating and implementing policies that improve the health and well being of Vermonters. As Executive Director of the United Way of Chittenden County for the past 18 years, Secretary of Vermont Agency of Human Services from 1985-1991, and Vermont State Representative from 1977-1985, Morse has advocated for equal rights and opportunity for all, and especially for the human care needs of people who often cannot advocate for themselves.
While serving in the Vermont Legislature, Morse chaired the House Education Committee from 1980-1982 and the House Health and Welfare Committee from 1982-1984. Governor Madeleine Kunin appointed Morse to serve in her Cabinet as Secretary of Vermont Agency of Human Services, the largest agency of State Government. Morse was elected Vice-Chair of the National Council of State Human Service Administrators of the American Public Welfare Association from 1990-1991. As Secretary, Morse led the development of the Reach-Up Program, a welfare-to-work initiative that coordinates access to education, job training, child care and health care for working families. She was part of the Kunin team that created "Dr. Dynasaur" which is the Vermont version of the federal Medicaid children’s health care program. This unique approach has become a national best practice for covering more children in low income families.
Throughout her career, Morse has helped strengthen state partnerships with community-based programs to provide better service and to reduce the use of costly institutional care. Court Diversion and house arrest, development of the state community mental health system, expansion of home health care, and independent living services for people with disabilities all benefitted from her leadership.
Morse has served on a number of state commissions and nonprofit boards. She is currently a member of the boards of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Health Foundation and Emeritus Board Member of Vermont’s only continuing care community, Wake Robin Corporation.
Morse has received numerous community services awards: Susan B. Anthony Award from the YWCA; Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Award; Thibodeau/Wall Award for Community Service from HowardCenter; Champlain College Distinguished Citizen Award; and, the 2008 C. Harry Behney Lifetime Economic Achievement Award from the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation. In 1983 Morse received the Distinguished Service Award from UVM’s College of Education and Social Services for her service to the people of Vermont; and, in 1998 Morse was honored by UVM’s MPA program as an honorary member of the Pi Alpha Alpha for her service to the State of Vermont. Morse has lived in Charlotte since 1971.
United Way of Chittenden County is an independent, nonprofit organization governed by a local, all-volunteer Board of Directors. United Way collaborates with other non-profits, local government, schools, courts, businesses and others to make the most impact on the issues that most matter in our community. To learn more, call 864-7541, or visit www.unitedwaycc.org.
