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Rutland, VT – April 9, 2026 – Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) today announced two leadership appointments: Michael Hale has been named to the Board of Directors, and Betsy Bloomer has been promoted to Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Strategy.
Michael Hale Appointed to VELCO Board of Directors
Michael Hale will fill a designated public power seat on VELCO’s Board, ensuring continued representation of Vermont’s public power utilities.
Hale brings more than three decades of public service and utility leadership experience. He spent 22 years in the Town Manager’s
Office in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, followed by 10 years as General Manager of Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations (SELCO), the community’s municipally operated electric and broadband utility. During his tenure, he also served on the Board of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) and chaired the Municipal Electric Association of Massachusetts.
“Michael’s experience in public power and municipal leadership will add valuable perspective to the Board,” said Larry Reilly, Chair of VELCO’s Board of Directors. “He understands how critical reliable and affordable energy is to communities and will help guide decisions that support long-term value for Vermont.”
Since retiring from SELCO in 2020, Hale has remained active in community and public service. He currently serves as a part-time Community Relations Officer at a local credit union, provides consulting support to municipalities through the Collins Center at UMass Boston, and serves on several boards, including the Shrewsbury Library Foundation, the Shrewsbury Retirement Board, and as a Trustee of the Worcester Art Museum.
“I’m honored to join VELCO’s Board and represent Vermont’s public power utilities,” said Hale. “Reliable and affordable energy is foundational to strong communities, and I look forward to contributing my experience to support sound decisions for Vermont and the New England region.”
Betsy Bloomer Promoted to Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Strategy
Betsy Bloomer has been promoted to Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Strategy, where she will lead VELCO’s enterprise strategy, external affairs, communications, and public policy engagement.
With over 10 years of experience in the utility sector, Bloomer has advanced key initiatives and strengthened engagement with stakeholders across the region. In her new role, she will serve as a key advisor to the President and CEO and executive leadership team, helping guide VELCO’s long-term strategic direction.
“Betsy has been a steady and trusted leader during her time at VELCO,” said Tom Dunn, President and CEO. “She brings a strong ability to translate complex issues into clear strategy and action and has consistently advanced our strategic objectives. Betsy has a proven track record of connecting strategy to execution, building trusted relationships across Vermont and New England, and strengthening our engagement with stakeholders. She is well positioned to ensure our work remains focused and effective in delivering reliable, affordable energy for the region.”
“It’s a privilege to take on this role at an important time for Vermont’s energy future,” said Bloomer. “VELCO’s work connects reliability, affordability, and the clean energy transition. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to advance strategies that strengthen the grid and deliver long-term value for Vermont.”
Betsy Bloomer has more than 10 years of experience in the utility sector, including work at Green Mountain Power and roles supporting Vermont’s Hurricane Irene Recovery Office. A native of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, she resides in Rutland with her husband and three young children.
