Rep Peter Welch (D-Vt) announced today that Rebecca Ellis of Waterbury Center will join his staff on March 25th as state director. She replaces George Twigg, who relocated to Colorado in January.
Ms Ellis currently serves as deputy commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation. She represented Waterbury in the state legislature from 2011-2015 and served on Waterbury’s select board, as member and then chair, from 2006-2014. Ellis led Waterbury’s recovery from devastating flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene. From 1997-2011, she served as an assistant Vermont attorney general.
“Throughout Rebecca’s distinguished career, she has demonstrated a passion for serving Vermonters, protecting our environment, and strengthening our communities,” said Welch. “As state director, she will lead our efforts to provide outstanding service to all Vermonters. We are thrilled to have her join our team.”
“I am excited to join Rep Welch’s team. I look forward to working with them to help Vermonters and Vermont businesses succeed,” said Ellis.
In the state legislature, Ellis served on the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee where she was a leader on renewable energy, recycling, land use planning and an advocate for Vermont’s downtowns. At the Department of Environmental Conservation, she has focused on cleaning up Lake Champlain and developing financing strategies for natural resources and storm water projects.
Ms Ellis is a graduate of Burlington High School and earned her BA degree from Harvard University, MPA from Princeton University, and law degree from Georgetown University.