Gov. Peter Shumlin announced todaythe appointment of a new leadership team for the Vermont Department of Human Resources.
Maribeth Spellman, currently Director of Policy, Outreach, and Legislative Affairs at the Vermont Department of Taxes, will become Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Human Resources, effectiveSeptember 2, 2014. Prior to joining the Tax Department, Spellman spent over ten years working for the federal government in the areas of personnel, labor, and employment law, including six years providing legal advice and policy development services at the Pentagon.
Kari Miner, currently Senior Program Manager at the Vermont Transportation Training Center, will become Deputy Commissioner, also effectiveSeptember 2, 2014. Prior to joining VTRANS, she had over twenty years of experience with the Department of Human Resources and Personnel Department in a variety of roles, including field operations and labor relations.
“I am thrilled to appoint two highly qualified professionals with proven records of success in human resources,” Gov. Shumlin said. “Both Maribeth and Kari believe, like I do, that supporting all those who work for the State of Vermont helps build competence, excellent service, and value for Vermont taxpayers. I am confident that they will lead the Department ably, and will build bridges with key constituencies including our managers and the VSEA, to produce great results.”
Outlining the approach she hopes to bring to her new position, Spellman said, “I am driven by the belief that empowering people within organizations to think creatively, challenge themselves, and value their own contributions, and the contributions of others, is key to moving an organization forward.”
Miner added that she hopes to elevate the Department’s focus on customer service, including recognition and support of employees in state government who provide outstanding service to co-workers and Vermont citizens who rely on their services, professional development opportunities for supervisors, managers, and emerging leaders, completing investigations promptly, and resolving disputes at the lowest level possible.
Secretary of Administration Jeb Spaulding praised Interim Commissioner Christine Hetzel for her leadership during this transition. Hetzel noted that she would continue to lead the Department’s professional development efforts and commented, “Maribeth and Kari will complement each other well and will hit the ground running. I look forward to supporting their leadership. The combination will, I believe, be well received at the Department and throughout State government.”