Emily Bowers, former deputy manager of the Charity Clark for Attorney General campaign, has joined the Vermont Democratic Party as director of communications. In her new role, Bowers is responsible for the party's overall branding, forward-facing communications and coordinated campaign messaging.

Pure Water for the World in Rutland honored outgoing board president Bob Mohr at the board's summer meeting for his immeasurable contributions and steadfast dedication to the organization and the families and communities it serves. Mohr completed his term as board president on Aug 6.

Jeffrey Perkins, who has held senior-level communications positions at higher education institutions in Boston, New York and Los Angeles, has been appointed vice president of communications and marketing at Bennington College. In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of Bennington's branding and marketing, media relations, internal communications and leadership communications, President Laura Walker said.

Gov. Phil Scott has named Amanda Smith and Aaron Ferenc as deputy commissioners of the securities and banking divisions, respectively, within the Department of Financial Regulation. Both had been serving as interim deputies prior to their appointments.

Smith, who joined DFR in 2010, holds a master's degree in public administration. Ferenc has worked at the department for 20 years.