Montpelier, Vt. – Tuesday, Governor Phil Scott announced the appointment of Mike Touchette to be the next Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections. Touchette will take over for Lisa Menard, who plans to retire in December 2018 after 32 years of service at the Department and more than four years as Commissioner.
In Commissioner Menard’s more than three decades serving Vermonters, she has worked in the facilities as a Correctional Officer, for the parole board and in other leadership positions. Previously, Menard served as Deputy Commissioner from December 2008 until September 2015 before being appointed to lead the Department in 2015 and then being reappointed by Governor Scott in 2017.
“I want to thank Commissioner Menard for her service to the State of Vermont,” said Governor Scott. “Under her leadership, the Department has led the way when it comes to developing and implementing best practices and I think it shows in the Department’s outcomes. Lisa has worked hard to serve all Vermonters, especially those in her custody,” Governor Scott added. “While he has big shoes to fill, I am confident that Deputy Commissioner Touchette will serve the Department well and has developed valuable leadership and experience as Lisa’s deputy.”
“It has been a true privilege to serve as Secretary with Commissioner Menard at the head of DOC,” said Al Gobeille, Secretary of Human Services. “I will miss her hard work, dedication, and sense of humor. We are fortunate that we have had Mike as part of our team in his role as Deputy Commissioner. I want to congratulate him on his appointment, as well as his years of service at DOC. We look forward to working with him in this new role.”
Deputy Commissioner Touchette has over 28 years of experience working in DOC. Touchette began his tenure working as a Correctional Officer in the facilities. He has held various leadership roles in the Department, most recently serving as Deputy Commissioner since May 2017.
“I want to thank Governor Scott and Secretary Gobeille for the opportunity to continue to serve the Department of Corrections,” said Deputy Commissioner Touchette. “I also want to thank Commissioner Menard for her many contributions over the last four years and prior in her different roles. I will continue to work diligently on the progress we have made to improve and modernize our practices at the Department,” Deputy Commissioner Touchette added.
The Department of Corrections’ 1,047 corrections professionals oversee the six adult incarceration facilities and 12 probation and parole offices.
###