On April 9, 2009, U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) recommended Molly Lambert, current President of the Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA), to President Barack Obama for the post of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director for Rural Development for Vermont and New Hampshire.
During Ms. Lambert’s tenure, the VCIA has become a leading trade association for the global captive industry with over 500 members. It is an influential advocate for the captives among policymakers.
In addition to her successful service with the VCIA, Ms. Lambert has a long record of leadership as it relates to statewide economic development. She has served in capacities such as Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development for Vermont (1998-2002) and executive director of the Church Street Marketplace (1991-1998).
USDA Rural Development oversees the investment of tens of millions of dollars in each state to promote and support rural economic development, through loans and grants to individuals, organizations, businesses and communities. In 2008, the organization distributed approximately $200 million in federal funding between Vermont and New Hampshire. The programs under USDA Rural Development are diverse and range from direct mortgage assistance to income-eligible homebuyers, energy efficiency grants to businesses making energy improvements, water and wastewater improvement grants and loans to communities.
Ms. Lambert, as state director, will be charged with leading the organization as it receives federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.