Chris Cole, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services, will be leaving State service on August 21.
“I’ve been fortunate to get to work with Chris since my time in the Senate, when he was working with the Joint Fiscal Office,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I greatly appreciate his public service over the last several years, and his leadership at the Department as we’ve worked to increase the efficiency of our state operations while strengthening and improving our infrastructure and state assets. I wish him all the best in his next endeavor.”
In making the announcement, Secretary of Administration Susanne Young recognized Commissioner Cole for his sound management skills and leadership. “Commissioner Cole has been a valued member of our team and he will be missed,” said Secretary Young. “Chris led BGS through meaningful organizational and modernization changes and was critical to the emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic as the State worked to build its medical capacity and supplies.”
Cole was originally appointed by Governor Shumlin as Director of Policy, Planning and Intermodal Development at the Vermont Agency of Transportation and was appointed to lead the Agency as Secretary in 2015. In 2017, Cole was tapped by Governor Scott to head up BGS.
“I am grateful to Governor Scott for allowing me to serve in his administration,” said Commissioner Cole. “It has been an honor to lead BGS and I believe that I am leaving behind a strong management team that will be able to see BGS through the challenging days ahead.”
Deputy Commissioner Jennifer M.V. Fitch, P.E. will serve as Acting Commissioner until a successor to Commissioner Cole is appointed.