Jim Douglas

Jim Douglas served Vermont for more than 35 years, beginning in the Vermont House of Representatives, including three years as majority leader. He was elected secretary of state in 1980, where he stayed for 12 years, and was elected state treasurer in 1994, where he served for eight years.

Jim was elected governor in 2002 and re-elected three times. He focused on strengthening the state’s economy, reducing the cost of living, and protecting the state’s natural environment. He advanced groundbreaking health reforms, making Vermont a model among the states.

Jim also served as chairman of the National Governors Association and the president of the Council of State Governments as well as the chairman of the New England Governors’ Conference and the Coalition of Northeastern Governors. Jim also serves on the Governors’ Council of the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, DC.

In 2010 President Obama appointed him co-chair of the Council of Governors. He is now an executive in residence at Middlebury College.