Gov. Scott appoints three new department commissioners – VTDigger

Gov. Phil Scott on Friday announced the appointment of two new department commissioners and one deputy commissioner to his administration. 

Scott tapped Kerrick Johnson as commissioner of the Department of Public Service, ahead of Commissioner June Tierney’s retirement at the end of the year. 

Johnson, of North Middlesex, currently serves as executive advisor to the Vermont Electric Power Company, commonly known as VELCO. The company, owned jointly by the state’s distribution utilities, manages 700 miles of distribution lines and works with Independent System Operator of New England, a regional partner, to maintain the reliability of the state’s electricity transmission grid.

“Kerrick has extensive experience as a leader in the energy sector which will be valuable as we help Vermonters make the switch to cleaner energy sources in ways they can afford,” said Scott in a press release, where he also expressed gratitude for Tierney’s seven years of service. 

Over the last decade of his career working in energy innovation, Johnson said he has learned how to streamline systems and identify and eliminate needless costs. He said he intends to bring that knowledge to his work as commissioner. 

“I think there’s opportunities internal to Vermont to be more thoughtful about pace, about placement and about cost of generation and infrastructure build out,” said Johnson. “Regionally, Vermont has some unique attributes it brings to the table that can serve both Vermont and the region in fulfilling its energy needs, and I look forward to creating and seizing opportunities to better leverage Vermont’s strength.”

Although awaiting legislative confirmation, Johnson said he intends to have ongoing conversations with key stakeholders like members of the department and the legislature to “ensure a smooth, seamless transition.”

The Legislature has at least two high-interest energy topics to debate during the upcoming session. Johnson will likely be engaged in discussions about whether to implement a proposed Clean Heat Standard — a matter of significant discussion during the recent election. And Republicans and Scott have called for changes to the Global Warming Solutions Act, which sets emission reduction requirements for the state for 2025 and beyond. 

Scott also appointed Mike Ferrant, of Williamstown, to fill the role of deputy commissioner of the Department of Liquor and Lottery. Andrew Collier, the previous deputy commissioner, was tapped by Scott to be commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles. 

“I’m very excited to join the amazing team at the Department of Liquor and Lottery and grateful to the Governor for his confidence in me in this position,” Ferrant wrote in an email to VTDigger. 

Finally, Scott appointed Sandy Bigglestone as acting commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation to replace current commissioner Kevin Gaffney who will retire at the end of the year. Bigglestone has previously served as deputy commissioner of the Captive Insurance Division within the department.

Bigglestone said the role is slated to be temporary until a permanent appointment is made. But, during her time as commissioner, Bigglestone said she plans to lead through collaboration with the department’s “top-notch staff.”

Bigglestone said she is dedicated to the department’s mission of protecting consumers and ensuring companies, institutions and individuals operate within the law and can deliver on promises to consumers.

In her 28 years of service at the department, Bigglestone said she has learned about global market forces and how to help Vermonters when situations like the 2008 financial crisis and COVID 19 pandemic arise.

“We find ourselves always having to pivot and shift and to address what challenges Vermonters face, and work together to come up with some solutions,” said Bigglestone.