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Governor Scott Appoints Policy Directors, Extended Cabinet Members

January 6, 2017

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Scott today announced more appointments to his extended cabinet and key policy directors within his Administration.

“I’m pleased to add each of these talented individuals to my growing team,” said Governor Scott. “My entire cabinet, extended cabinet and senior leadership team is already hard at work for Vermonters, and each of these appointees will be a great addition to our team.”

Michael Snyder has been reappointed Commissioner of Forest, Parks & Recreation. Snyder has served as Commissioner of the Department since January 2011. Prior to that he served for 14 years as Chittenden County Forester, providing land stewardship assistance to private landowners and municipalities. For 12 years, he taught two courses in Forestry at the University of Vermont and he continues to write the Woods Whys column for Northern Woodlands Magazine. Snyder lives with his family in Stowe and owns and manages a 91-acre forest in Essex County, Vt. He received both his Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in forestry from the University of Vermont.

Governor Scott has named Jolinda LaClair as Director of Drug Abuse Prevention. Prior to joining Governor Scott’s team, LaClair was the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Food & Markets, State Director for Vermont and New Hampshire under the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development program, and Senator Jim Jeffords’ state director. LaClair has extensive experience strengthening communities. As Director of Drug Abuse Prevention, LaClair will oversee the Governor’s Opiate Coordination Council and work with communities across Vermont to implement drug prevention strategies.

Mary Kate M. Mohlman, PhD, MS, has been named the Director of Health Reform. For the last two years, Mohlman has served as the Health Services Researcher for the Vermont Blueprint for Health. Before joining the Blueprint, Mary Kate worked at the Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Mohlmon holds a Ph.D. in Global Infectious Disease and a M.S. in Biomedical Science Policy and Advocacy from Georgetown University, and a B.A. in Philosophy and Political Science from Boston College. Mary Kate grew up in Calais, Vt.

Sam Lincoln of Randolph Center has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of Forests Parks & Recreation. Prior to serving in the Governor’s Administration, Lincoln owned Lincoln AgriSource LLC, a timber harvesting company. Lincoln is a graduate of Vermont Technical College with a degree in AgriBusiness Management.

Darwin Thompson has been named Commissioner of Information and Innovation. Thompson has worked in state government for ten years, and has been the Deputy Commissioner of the Department for the past 5 years. Thompson is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer. Thompson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial technology from Southern Illinois University.