Vermont Senate confirms three senior transportation and public safety appointments

The Vermont Senate confirmed three gubernatorial appointees to lead state transportation and public-safety agencies during its floor session; each confirmation passed by roll call vote, with the Senate recording 28 ayes and 0 nays on each nomination.

The confirmations followed a motion to suspend the rules so that gubernatorial appointees appearing on the day's calendar whose names were not underlined could be taken up together and without debate. That motion was approved by voice vote before the Senate proceeded to consider the individual nominations.

Andrew Collier was confirmed as commissioner of motor vehicles. Committee testimony presented Collier's law-enforcement and regulatory background: he began his career with the state police in 2010, served on DUI enforcement teams, was certified as a drug-recognition expert, worked as a detective trooper and field training officer, and later served as deputy commissioner of the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery. The Transportation Committee reported its support by a 5-0 vote; the full Senate confirmed Collier by roll call, 28-0. The committee record included two overlapping term statements for Collier: an interim term from and including 12/09/2024 to and including 02/28/2025, and a term from and including 03/01/2025 to and including 02/28/2027 (both described as continuing until a successor is appointed and qualified).

Joe Flynn was confirmed as secretary of the Agency of Transportation. Committee remarks described Flynn's long career in Vermont transportation and emergency management: he has worked in state service since about 2010 and served in transportation roles since 02/2017, including as director of the rail program and as director of Vermont Emergency Management; committee comments said he oversaw approximately $6.5 billion in transportation spending and leads an agency of about 1,300 personnel. The Transportation Committee reported support and the full Senate confirmed Flynn by roll call, 28-0.

Jennifer Morrison was confirmed as commissioner of the Department of Public Safety. Committee commentary noted Morrison's more than 30 years of public service in Vermont, including prior service as deputy commissioner where she supervised Vermont Emergency Management, the Vermont Crime Information Center, the Division of Fire Safety and other functions. The Transportation Committee reported a 5-0 endorsement for continuing her appointment in the role described; the full Senate confirmed her by roll call, 28-0.

Votes at a glance

- Andrew Collier — Commissioner of Motor Vehicles: Confirmed by roll call, 28 ayes, 0 nays. Transportation Committee reported support 5-0. Term(s) reported: interim from 12/09/2024 to 02/28/2025 and term from 03/01/2025 to 02/28/2027 (both described as continuing until a successor is appointed and qualified).

- Joe Flynn — Secretary, Agency of Transportation: Confirmed by roll call, 28 ayes, 0 nays. Committee support reported; committee commentary noted agency budgetary oversight ~$6.5 billion and ~1,300 staff. Term reported: from and including 03/01/2025 to and including 02/28/2027 and until a successor is appointed and qualified.

- Jennifer Morrison — Commissioner, Department of Public Safety: Confirmed by roll call, 28 ayes, 0 nays. Committee support reported 5-0; committee comments noted supervisory responsibilities including Vermont Emergency Management and Division of Fire Safety. Term reported: from and including 03/01/2025 to and including 02/28/2027 and until a successor is appointed and qualified.

After the confirmations, the Senate conducted brief housekeeping, reviewed two bills given first reading (S.144, referred to Judiciary; H.91, referred to Rules), and adjourned until 09:30 a.m. on April 8, 2025.