John Russell, president of Russell Construction Services in Rutland City, has been chosen to serve as chair of the Vermont Economic Progress Council, the approval and authorization body for the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive program and the Tax Increment Financing district program.
Russell was initially appointed to the VEPC board by Governor Phil Scott in 2019, representing Rutland County. He is a graduate of the University of Vermont and served in the Marine Corps before joining his family business.
“I am honored and excited the governor has chosen me for such an important post,” Russell said. “The programs the council administers are important for job creation and the future of Vermont.”
In related news, the governor named two new members to board: Kim Gobeille, owner and operator of Shanty on the Shore restaurant and Burlington Bay Market and Café, and James Stewart, former executive director of the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation. Scott also reappointed Thad Richardson, chief financial officer for the Vermont Economic Development Authority, to another four-year term on the board.
In addition, the Legislature filled its two seats on the board with the appointments of state Senator Thomas Chittenden and State Representative Emilie Kornheiser.