Vermont Agency of Transportation Secretary David Dill announced today that Joseph Flynn of South Hero has been appointed Transportation Rail Director with the Vermont Agency of Transportation.
As VTrans Rail Director, Flynn will be responsible for managing the State’s Rail Program, which includes approximately 600 miles of publicly and privately owned rail. The post was previously held by Robert Ide, who left the post about two months ago to become Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.
Flynn begins his new duties October 13.
“The federal government through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as well as other programs appears to at long last be making rail a priority,” Dill said. “Having someone of Joe’s ability on board to lead our state rail division into the future is very important.”
Flynn currently serves as a Deputy for the Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Department, and has been a certified Law Enforcement Officer since 2003. He is also a member of the South Hero Select Board, and is the former Fire Chief of the South Hero Volunteer Fire Department.
Prior to serving in Law Enforcement, Flynn held a management position with the L.E. Ferrell Company, where he oversaw its Equipment Service Department as well as its Fleet Purchasing and Governmental Operations. During this time he was active in the Vermont Truck and Bus Association and worked very closely with the Vermont Legislature, including the House and Senate Transportation Committees.
“Knowing Joe Flynn’s past accomplishments, I am quite confident he is the right person to lead the VTrans Rail Division,” said Senator Dick Mazza, who chairs the Senate’s Transportation Committee.
House Transportation Committee Chairman Pat Brennan added that Flynn is “a welcome addition to the VTrans team. He will bring not only his savvy business background (to the rail division), but common sense and integrity as well.”
In addition to his local government duties, Mr. Flynn has served the State of Vermont as a Gubernatorial Appointee on the Regional Emergency Response Commission, the Vermont Fire Service Training Council, and the District 6 Environment.
