Governor Phil Scott July 9 announced a trio of high-level appointments to key leadership positions within Vermont state government, naming Sara Teachout to the Green Mountain Care Board, Jason Batchelder as Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Misty Sinsigalli as Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Sara Teachout appointed to Green Mountain Care Board
Sara Teachout, a healthcare policy expert with nearly 20 years of experience, was named to the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB), which oversees Vermont’s healthcare regulation with a focus on cost containment and accessibility.
“With all the uncertainty at the federal level, it’s more important than ever that we stay focused on making healthcare more affordable for Vermonters,” said Governor Scott. “Sara’s background in financial analysis and health insurance policy makes her an ideal fit for this critical role.”
Teachout, who most recently served in Vermont’s Joint Fiscal Office, emphasized her commitment to balancing cost, access, and quality. “My priority is an excellent health care system for all Vermonters that balances access to top quality care at an affordable price and a sustainable, thriving provider community,” she said.
Teachout fills the vacancy left by Robin Lunge and will serve a six-year term. She holds degrees from the University of Vermont and NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service.
Jason Batchelder returns to lead Fish and Wildlife
Jason Batchelder, a longtime conservation leader and former colonel of the Vermont Fish and Game Warden Service, will return to the Department of Fish and Wildlife as commissioner. Batchelder most recently served as commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation from 2023 to 2025.
A resident of Elmore, Batchelder is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and graduate of the University of Southern Maine.
Misty Sinsigalli Named Commissioner of Environmental Conservation
Succeeding Batchelder at DEC is Misty Sinsigalli, an environmental expert with nearly two decades of experience in federal disaster recovery and infrastructure development. She most recently led disaster recovery for water programs at USDA Rural Development.
Her career includes key leadership roles at USDA and HUD, managing complex environmental and housing projects across New England.