For Immediate Release:
May 28, 2024
Press Contacts:
Alex Frantz
Communications Director
Vermont Department of Mental Health
alexandra.frantz@vermont.gov | 802-904-3043
Haley Sommer
Communications & Legislative Affairs
Vermont Department of Corrections
Haley.sommer@vermont.gov | cell: 802-793-9075
***PRESS RELEASE***
New Deputy Commissioners Appointed for Vermont Departments of Mental Health and Corrections
Waterbury, VT – The Agency of Human Services is pleased to announce the appointments of two distinguished professionals to key leadership positions within its mental health and corrections departments.
Governor Scott Appoints Samantha Sweet as New Deputy Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Mental Health.
The Vermont Department of Mental Health is proud to welcome Samantha Sweet as the new Deputy Commissioner. Sweet, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, brings over two decades of experience in the mental health field to this role. Her career, dedicated to enhancing mental health services in Vermont, began as a Case Manager at West Suburban Elder Services in Watertown, Massachusetts, and advanced through various roles at the Howard Center in Burlington, Vermont. In 2004, she joined Northwestern Counseling & Support Services in St. Albans, Vermont, where she served as Community Rehabilitation and Treatment Services (CRT) Team Leader and later as CRT Director.
In 2018, Sweet joined the Department of Mental Health as the Care Management Director/Operations Director. She was promoted to Director of Mental Health Services in 2021, where she led significant initiatives, including the implementation of the Statewide Enhanced Mobile Crisis and the development of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Vermont.
"Samantha will continue to support the Department's work with her systems expertise and deep understanding of state operations," said Department of Mental Health Commissioner Emily Hawes. "We are thrilled about the opportunity for Samantha to bring her experience and vision to this leadership role."
As Deputy Commissioner, Sweet will assist in overseeing and managing Vermont’s mental health system of care, focusing on integrating substance use and physical healthcare with mental health services and enhancing the crisis system of care.
“I am honored to step into the role of Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Mental Health,” said Sweet. “I look forward to continuing to work with our outstanding team to improve and expand mental health services for Vermonters, ensuring our community receives the care and support they deserve.”
About the Department of Mental Health
The Vermont Department of Mental Health has a critical mission to improve the conditions and well-being of all Vermonters across the state and protect those who cannot protect themselves.
For more information, visit mentalhealth.vermont.gov.