Montpelier, Vt. - Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Ward H. Goodenough, of Woodstock, as Windsor County state’s attorney, following David Cahill’s resignation this month.
The outgoing state’s attorney was elected as a Democrat in 2018, so in keeping with precedent, the Governor received nominations from the Windsor County Democratic Committee to fill the vacancy. The Committee said it is confident that each candidate forwarded to the Governor would be a capable appointee and maintain the level of service and integrity the office requires.
“Vermont’s state’s attorneys play a critical role in our justice system, and Vermonters look to them to ensure our communities are kept safe and people are prosecuted fairly,” said Governor Scott. “Ward made clear he would hold criminals fully accountable. His experience as a deputy state’s attorney, perspective as a volunteer fire fighter and relationships with local law enforcement will also serve him well.”
Goodenough has served as a deputy state’s attorney in both Rutland and Windsor counties since 2015, with an annual caseload exceeding 300, ranging from disorderly conduct to kidnapping and aggravated domestic assault cases. He is currently responsible for prosecuting cases in the northern half of Windsor County.
“I want to thank Governor Scott for this appointment,” said Goodenough. “I look forward to working to achieve outcomes that protect victims, reduce recidivism and curb the cycle of violence as Windsor County State’s Attorney. I look forward to working with Governor Scott’s administration in our shared mission of protecting the public.”
Goodenough received an M.A. in History and Politics from the University of Edinburgh and a J.D. (cum laude) from Vermont Law School. He is a volunteer fire fighter with the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Department and previously served on the Woodstock Village Board of Trustees from 2014-2019.