Governor Peter Shumlin has reappointed Marion Milne of Washington to serve on the Vermont Commission on Women. The Vermont Commission on Women (VCW) is a non-partisan state agency dedicated to legislative, economic, social, and political fairness. Launched in 1964 by a call to action from President Kennedy, VCW is charged with reducing discrimination and encouraging opportunities for women and is one of many such commissions nationally.
The VCW does important work according to Commissioner Milne, “I have been married for over 50 years. I am a mother, grandmother, former Vermont legislator and small business owner. I have been blessed that I have been able to work with many, many great people and non-profit organizations over my career. I was originally appointed by Governor Dean (to VCW), then Governor Douglas and most recently by Governor Shumlin. I am very grateful to serve with such a wonderful staff, advisors and others.” Sixteen volunteer commissioners and representatives from organizations concerned with women’s issues guide the VCWs public education, coalition building, and advocacy efforts.
Commissioner Milne has lived in the town of Washington since 1964 and started Milne Travel in Barre in 1975. From its entrepreneurial beginnings as a one-person leisure travel agency, Milne Travel American Express now operates 10 retail locations and several corporate on-sites with nearly 100 travel professionals employed in six states.
In addition to starting a successful business, Commissioner Milne served as Representative to the Vermont House from 1994 to 2000 and was co-chair of the Woman's Caucus in the Vermont Legislature and recipient of their Legislator of the Year award in 2000. Commissioner Milne reflects on that experience as a “great honor and privilege."
Commissioner Milne has also devoted significant time to community service. She was the first woman president of Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce, where she was named a Life Member for her fundraising efforts since 1980; a member of the Vermont Judicial Nominating Board from 1996 to 2002; and the Business and Professional Women's Woman of the Year in 1980. She currently serves as: a Library Trustee (for thirty two years); member of the Governor's Commission on Healthy Aging since 1995; member on the Professional Responsibility Board (a state board appointed by the Supreme Court); Trustee for Washington-Electric Co-op since 2002; past President of the Community of Vermont Elders (COVE) and board member since 2001; and is an incorporator of the Northfield Savings Bank. Commissioner Milne has served on the Vermont Advisory Board to US Civil Rights Commission for the last six years and has been elected as a Justice of the Peace in Washington for many years.
In 2010, Commissioner Milne and her husband Donald were named Citizens of the Year by the Town of Washington for their service to the State of Vermont and the Town of Washington. She is married to House Clerk Donald Milne.
