Sarah Clark named deputy secretary of state Agency of Administration

November 8, 2023  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Gov. Phil Scott recently announced two state leadership appointments including naming Sarah Clark, of Waterbury, as deputy secretary of the Agency of Administration. 

Gov. Phil Scott recently announced two state leadership appointments including naming Sarah Clark, of Waterbury, as deputy secretary of the Agency of Administration. 

Clark replaces Doug Farnham, who was appointed as the state’s chief recovery officer in response to this summer’s floods.

The governor also appointed Alex Farrell, of South Burlington, as commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development, replacing Josh Hanford, who left state government last month. 

Clark has worked in state government for almost 20 years as a leader in budget and financial management, most recently as the deputy fiscal officer of the legislative Joint Fiscal Office. She has also served as chief financial officer of the Agency of Human Services, deputy commissioner of the Department of Finance & Management and interim commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation. 

“Sarah continues to demonstrate a deep commitment to public service, and her extensive budgeting and management experience in both the legislative and executive branches make her a perfect fit for this critical role,” Scott said. “I look forward to working with her, and appreciate her willingness to join the Agency of Administration.”

Clark, who grew up in Vermont, said she was honored to take on the new role. 

“I have a deep appreciation for the beauty and uniqueness of this state,” she said. “I care greatly for responsible budgeting and financial management and look forward to working with colleagues within the Agency of Administration and across state government.”

The Agency of Administration is comprised of the Office of the Secretary, central office divisions and departments that provide administrative and supportive services to all state government agencies and departments, and Vermont taxpayers. The agency’s primary responsibilities pertain to human resources, revenues, accounting and budget management, physical plant, and contracting and general services.

A familiar face in the Department of Housing and Community Development, Farrell has served as deputy commissioner since June 2021. He previously served as chair of Vermont’s Real Estate Commission, has served on the Board of Commissioners of the Vermont State Housing Authority since 2019, and is the president of the Housing Foundation, Inc.

The governor said Farrell’s experience will be key in addressing Vermont’s housing challenges. “I look forward to working with Alex as we build on the historic investments and progress being made, and to take the bold action needed to continue moving forward,” Scott said. 

Farrell said he sees the state building on progress made over the last several years. “We are at a pivotal moment in Vermont’s history in which we can choose to make Vermont more welcoming, strong, and safe. I look forward to continuing the governor’s efforts to think big, work collaboratively, and improve the lives of Vermonters,” he said in the announcement.  

The Department of Housing and Community Development coordinates and oversees the implementation of the state's housing policy, facilitates collaboration among state housing agencies, serves as a resource to housing providers, and promotes the production and preservation of affordable housing.