Chris Winters, who served as deputy secretary of state before launching an unsuccessful bid last year to head up that office, will be the new commissioner of the Department for Children and Families, Gov. Phil Scott announced Thursday morning.
Winters will be taking the place of interim Commissioner Dr. Harry Chen, who took over the post in October, saying he would stay in the role for just a few months.
“Chris is an experienced leader with a proven track record in state government,” Scott said in a press release. “I’m grateful for his willingness to build on that service in a new role, and I’m confident he will continue to develop his record as an effective manager.”
Winters worked in the Secretary of State’s Office for 25 years, first as staff attorney and then as director of the Office of Professional Regulation, which regulates 50 professions and licensure for around 80,000 people, before being named to the deputy post.
“I have always been proud to work every day to solve problems for Vermonters and give back to the state that has given so much to me,” said Winters, who grew up in Williamstown and now lives in Berlin with his family, in the release. “It’s an incredible opportunity to contribute to the health, safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of Vermont children and families.”
Scott also announced other changes within the department.
Deputy Commissioner Miranda Gray will move from the Child Development Division to lead the Economic Services Division, which coordinates a wide range of social support benefits for families, including food, housing and energy assistance. Gray spent 15 years working in the division she will now head up.
The top post at the Child Development Division, which currently regulates child care providers, will be taken by Janet McLaughlin. She comes to the department after leading the Vermont Association of Education of Young Children, a professional association for early childhood educators, and serving in several leadership roles at the nonprofit Let’s Grow Kids.
“We are excited about moving forward with a full and energetic leadership team at DCF, dedicated to serving vulnerable Vermonters in need,” said Agency of Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson, thanking Chen for his interim service.
