Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced two appointments to the leadership team at the Agency of Natural Resource’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and appointed a state librarian within the Agency of Administration.
Rebecca Ellis, senior counsel for Government Affairs with DEC has been appointed to the position of deputy commissioner and Neil Kamman, manager of DEC’s Monitoring, Assessment and Planning Program, has been promoted to the role of senior policy advisor in the Commissioner’s Office.
“Vermont’s natural resources play a critical role in our economy, quality of life, and the health of all Vermonters,” said Gov. Scott. “Rebecca and Neil both bring valuable skills and a commitment to public service that will benefit the state, our environment, and all Vermonters.”
“Protecting and enhancing Vermont’s natural resources and human health is a calling for the many dedicated members of the DEC team,” said DEC Commissioner Emily Boedecker. “I am delighted to welcome Rebecca and Neil to their new roles within the Department. We look forward to working in close collaboration with our government, municipal, business and advocacy partners to ensure that all Vermonters can enjoy clean water, clean air, and a safe environment.”
Governor Scott also appointed Scott Murphy as state librarian. Murphy has served as acting state librarian since February 2017, and leads a team of 19 Department of Libraries staff that provide services to state government employees and legislators, public, school, and academic libraries, and direct services to Vermont residents.
“Scott has demonstrated a commitment to serving Vermont throughout his career in state government,” said Gov. Scott. “His vision for helping libraries grow and thrive to support dynamic communities and a dedication to innovation within the system will serve Vermonters well.”
“Scott’s focus has been on strategic planning, marketing, organizational development, advocacy, and helping public libraries here in Vermont,” said Agency of Administration Secretary Susanne Young. “His past work reflects recognition and support for the critical role our public libraries play in growing the economy, making Vermont more affordable and protecting the vulnerable. Vermonters are fortunate to have Scott working for them.”
About Rebecca Ellis
For the past two years, Ellis has worked as senior counsel for government affairs with DEC. Prior to that she served five years in the Vermont House of Representatives on the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee, and 14 years as an assistant attorney general for the state of Vermont, working on a variety of civil and environmental issues. Ellis has degrees from Harvard, Princeton and Georgetown.
A resident of Waterbury, Ellis served on the local select board for eight years and on the planning commission for five years. As chair of the select board, she helped lead Waterbury’s recovery from Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, and is particularly proud of the collaborative process that focused on downtown growth and flood resiliency.
About Neil Kamman
Kamman has more than 28 years of experience in the field of watershed management, most recently as Manager of DECs Monitoring, Assessment and Planning Program. In this role, he has been integral to the implementation of Vermont’s 2015 Clean Water Act, refocusing DEC’s tactical basin planning efforts to prioritize projects with the highest pollution reduction potential. Kamman also coordinated development of the Vermont Surface Water Management Strategy, DEC’s blueprint for successful water pollution cleanup. Earlier in his career, he conducted scientific research regarding environmental mercury contamination, and the ecological health of lakes and streams.
Kamman, a resident of Vergennes, holds a B.S. in Forestry, and an M.S. in Water Resources, both from the University of Vermont.
About Scott Murphy
Murphy has worked in public and academic libraries in Vermont, South Carolina, and Ohio, beginning his public library career as the circulation services manager at the Wright Memorial Library in Oakwood, Ohio. He went on to serve as director of the Milton Public Library in Milton, Vt. He served briefly as director of State Library Services for the Vermont Department of Libraries before moving to South Carolina, where he served as senior library development consultant for the South Carolina State Library. He most recently served as assistant state librarian for library advancement for the Vermont Department of Libraries.
Murphy received his B.A. in History from the University of Dayton, an M.A. in History from Ohio University, and his M.L.I.S. from Kent State University. He resides in Northfield, Vt. with his wife, son, and two dogs.
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