The state’s secretary of commerce and community development has been appointed interim president of Vermont Technical College.
Patricia Moulton will replace outgoing president Dan Smith on a temporary basis. But Moulton says she hopes to fill the job permanently.
“It’s my intent to apply and I’m hopeful that in my interim capacity I can convince folks that I am the right candidate,” she says.
In a statement, Vermont State Colleges Chancellor Jeb Spaulding said Moulton’s “considerable leadership skills, statewide connections with employers and economic development leaders, and passion for Vermont Tech’s future will make her an exciting interim leader.”
The college system’s board of trustees also named Dr. Nolan Atkins interim president of Lyndon State College to replace Joe Bertolino. Atkins is currently interim academic dean. He also chaired the college’s Department of Atmospheric Sciences.
Moulton has worked on the economic development side of state government for the last four Vermont governors. She says her experience will help build on the technical college’s efforts to work directly with businesses.
“What I bring to the table is a good, strong relationship with Vermont’s business community. That and decades of knowledge about economic development and workforce development needs here in Vermont,” she says.
Moulton says the learning curve for her lies in the administration of higher education.
She leaves as her agency faces questions about its role in oversight of the state’s EB-5 program for foreign investors.
The state and the federal Securities and Exchange Commission have charged Jay Peak with allegedly misusing EB-5 funds.
Moulton says as she leaves her job she's especially proud of how her agency helped businesses, municipalities and mobile home owners in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene. She served as deputy secretary at the time of the storm.
Both interim appointments were approved unanimously by the trustees.