Gov. Phil Scott on Wednesday announced two new appointments to head the state’s wide-ranging Agency of Administration after the retirement of its most recent leader.
Susanne Young, who had been serving as the agency’s secretary for five years, announced her retirement from her role in October — capping off a 40-year career in public service to the state of Vermont.
Since Young’s last day in November, Kristin Clouser has served as interim secretary. On Wednesday, Scott announced that Clouser’s role would become permanent.
The secretary of administration is considered one of two top positions in a gubernatorial administration, alongside chief of staff. As a whole, the agency oversees and coordinates broad swaths of state government agencies, departments and programs.
Before being named interim secretary, and now permanent secretary, Clouser had served as the agency’s deputy secretary since November 2020.
Stepping up to fill Clouser’s previous role as deputy secretary is Douglas Farnham. Until now, he served as chief operational officer of the agency.
“Over the years Kristin and Doug have been tremendous assets to the state, especially as we’ve navigated the unprecedented influx of federal dollars and the challenges that come with it,” Scott said in his Wednesday announcement. “Both have demonstrated a deep commitment to public service, and I look forward to working with them in their new roles.”
Prior to joining the Agency of Administration last year, Clouser worked within the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and Agency of Human Services. And before entering state government, she practiced civil litigation, criminal defense and family law at a private practice in Manchester, New Hampshire.
She received her bachelor’s degrees in journalism and political science from Susquehanna University, and her juris doctor from Villanova University School of Law.
Farnham also has a history in Vermont state government that predates his time in the Agency of Administration, having worked numerous roles in the state Department of Taxes over the years. Before joining state government, he served six years in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division, and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont and his master’s degree from Norwich University.
