VEC CEO Christine Hallquist resigns, to run for governor

by Timothy McQuistonVermont Business Magazine The Vermont Electric Cooperative Board of Directors announced today the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Christine Hallquist and the appointment of VEC General Counsel Vickie Brown as interim CEO. The change will take effect March 2, 2018. Hallquist announced in January that she intended to run for governor as a Democrat in the next election. Hallquist, 61, would become the nation’s first openly transgender, major-party candidate for governor if she were to win the Democratic primary. She has led the Johnson-based company since 2005. Hallquist, who went by David until 2015, lives in Hyde Park. Governor Phil Scott is expected to run for re-election. No Vermont governor has lost re-election since 1962.

“It is with a mixture of sadness and gratitude that we accept Christine’s resignation,” said Dan Carswell, chair of the VEC board. “Christine has done a tremendous job leading the organization through complex times in the electric utility industry and is leaving the Co-op on firm footing. We wish her the very best in her next endeavor and appreciate her 18 years of dedicated service.”

Hallquist started at VEC as the Manager of Distribution Engineering in 2000 and has served as CEO for the last 12 years.

Brown joined the co-op as general counsel in 2011. Prior to working at the co-op, Brown worked in private legal practice where her work focused on electric utility issues.

VBM Profile by Joyce Marcel. Photos by Randolph T Holhut: Plugged In & Out: Christine Hallquist, Vermont Electric Coop

“With Vickie Brown at the helm, and with great staff and a strong senior leadership team working with her, the co-op is in extraordinarily capable hands. Our member-owners can be assured that there will be no interruption in the cost-effective and reliable service they are accustomed to,” Carswell added.

“I am terribly sad to separate from the Co-op,” Hallquist said, “but I am stepping down because it is in VEC’s best interest as I pursue a run for political office. The past 16 years have been some of the best years of my life personally and professionally. VEC members, staff, and Board are some of the best and brightest. The Cooperative business principles will continue to guide me in the years ahead.”

Source: VEC 2.20.2018