Joint Assembly Reelects Agatha Kessler as Vermont State House Sergeant at Arms

The Vermont General Assembly, meeting in joint assembly on Feb. 20, 2025, elected Agatha Kessler as sergeant at arms for a two-year term beginning in March 2025 and continuing until her successor is elected and qualified.

The nomination and second were made from the floor and the election was uncontested; the chair put the question to a voice vote under the provisions the chair cited from the joint rules. Representative Burke nominated Kessler, citing her "vast experience in this building, experience with state government, and her humility, kindness, and diplomacy" and describing her work to restore State House operations after COVID-19 and flood-related disruptions. Representative Mark Hawk seconded the nomination, saying Kessler's "poise, tact, and character make her ideal for this role."

The chair, acting as pro tempore, noted that joint rule 10(a) and 2 V.S.A. paragraph 12 require ballots when an election is contested but allow a voice vote when there is a single candidate with no objection. Seeing no objection, the assembly voted by voice and the chair declared the ayes had it. The chair announced that Agatha Kessler of Barre Town was elected sergeant at arms for a two-year term "from and including March 2025 and until her successor is elected and has qualified."

Nominators praised Kessler's work overseeing State House access and security. Representative Burke said Kessler and her team "have spent the last year working to move the state house towards more normal operations," citing replacement of lost cafeteria chairs and reopening of committee suite rooms. Representative Mark Hawk emphasized Kessler's partnership with Capitol Police and said she "delights in making people feel welcome, safe, and comfortable at the state house."

The joint assembly then moved to other business after the chair declared the election complete and dissolved the joint session.