Theo Wells-Spackman is a Report for America corps member who reports for VTDigger.
Gov. Phil Scott has announced a change in leadership at the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, which oversees economic growth initiatives, housing development and tourism, among other responsibilities.
Lindsay Kurrle, who has served as the agency’s secretary for seven years, will leave her position July 24 to lead Vermont Gas. The current deputy secretary, Tayt Brooks, will take up the agency’s top role.
“I am grateful to the Governor for his trust, confidence, and steady leadership over the past decade,” said Kurrle, who previously served as Scott’s labor commissioner, in a statement Thursday.
Vermont Gas Systems also announced Thursday that Kurrle will succeed Neale Lunderville as the company’s president and CEO.
“I am honored to join Vermont Gas and proud to lead a company so deeply committed to its customers and communities,” Kurrle said in the company’s press release. “I am committed to preserving (customer) trust while advancing clean energy solutions that stay affordable for Vermonters.”
In his announcement, Scott called Kurrle a thoughtful leader and commended her work in supporting Vermont businesses through years of flooding and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Brooks, a longtime member of Scott’s administration, served as the governor’s director of affordability and economic initiatives beginning in 2017, before becoming Kurrle’s deputy in 2021.
“Tayt’s strong experience in economic development will continue to be an asset to the agency in this new role,” said Scott in Thursday’s news release.
