Lt. Gov. Molly Gray has hired a new chief of staff, effective immediately.
Andrew Gillespie, who worked previously as a legislative and regulatory analyst, started the job Wednesday; his hiring was announced on Tuesday.
Gillespie most recently worked as a legislative analyst with Leonine Public Affairs, based in Montpelier. According to a press release, he worked on policy issues “covering all 50 states, ranging from cybersecurity to school nutrition.” He holds a degree in political science from the University of Vermont and lives in Burlington.
Gillespie said the new role is “an honor,” according to the release, and he and Gray share a “commitment to serving Vermonters and working to amplify their diverse experiences in Montpelier.”
He replaces Hazel Brewster, who had been chief of staff since Gray’s inauguration in January. Before that, she had worked on Gray’s campaign.
“As a next-generation leader with a deep commitment to Vermont, I know her future is bright and Vermonters will continue to be well served by her incredible work ethic, compassion and vision,” Gray said Tuesday about Brewster.
The staffing change comes as speculation swirls over Gray’s potential next steps in her political career. Should Democratic U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy retire when his term expires in 2023 — which has neither been confirmed nor denied — Gray could be a contender. However, she may have plenty of competition; there’s no shortage of opinion about who might run for the Senate if Leahy retires.
Leahy, 81, is now in his eighth six-year term. He is the most senior member of the Senate, and is the only current senator who served when Gerald Ford was president, and one of just two who was in the Senate when Jimmy Carter was president.
Leahy is Vermont’s longest-serving U.S. senator, and the only Democrat ever elected to the U.S. Senate from Vermont.
