Governor Phil Scott has appointed Ed Adrian of Burlington, Lisa Carlson of Danville, and Heidi Tringe of Montpelier to serve on the Vermont Commission on Women (VCW), the state’s non-partisan commission working to advance rights and opportunities for women and girls.
Mr. Adrian practices law in Burlington at Monaghan Safar Ducham PLLC, helping municipal clients and licensed professionals grapple with legal issues throughout the state. He previously served as the Chief Prosecuting Attorney at the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation in Montpelier and as a Deputy State’s Attorney in Franklin County. In 2007 Mr. Adrian was elected to the Burlington City Council and served until 2012. From 2013 until 2018 he chaired Burlington’s Fletcher Free Library Commission. When not practicing law, Mr. Adrian provides public policy and personal commentary on VPR; writes on Vermont legal and ethics issues at the “Freedom and Ethics” blog; and also delves into Vermont politics and policy at his “Sugaring Off” blog. He looks forward to bringing the knowledge and insight gleaned from these experiences to assist the Vermont Commission on Women in any way needed.
A native Vermonter, Ms. Carlson joined the Air Force in 1978. During her 22 years of service, she worked as a paralegal, a law office manager, and her at her final job as the Senior Paralegal Manager for Air Force Special Operations Command. She retired in 2000 as a Master Sergeant. After retirement she worked as a substitute teacher and a para educator at both Walden and Danville Schools. In 2012, Ms. Carlson, along with her husband Tracy, started Carlson Plumbing and Heating and she is currently the Office Manager/Administrator for the business. In 1993, she earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies from the Community College of the Air Force. Ms. Carlson currently serves as a volunteer and the Secretary of VT S.U.P.P.O.R.T.S, a non-profit organization that annually sends care packages to military members stationed in remote areas during the holidays. She is also a member of the Advisory Council for the NEK Council on Aging.
Ms. Tringe grew up in Montpelier and moved home in 2005 with her husband to raise their two children. She served on the senior staff of Governor Jim Douglas, and in a number of roles for the late U.S. Senator Jim Jeffords in his Washington, DC office and on his 2000 campaign. Ms. Tringe was also Communications Director for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, and Legislative Affairs Director for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. She is currently a Partner at MMR, LLC in Montpelier, serves on the Board of Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, the Advisory Committee for the Con Hogan Award for Creative, Entrepreneurial, Community Leadership, and is co-founder of the start-up women’s networking and leadership effort, ElevateHer Vermont.
“I’m pleased to appoint Ed Adrian, Lisa Carlson and Heidi Tringe to the Vermont Commission on Women and appreciate their enthusiasm for serving,” said Governor Scott. “Each of them will bring a unique and valuable perspective to the important work of the Commission, and will work tirelessly with the other members to advance rights and opportunities for women and girls in Vermont.”
Sixteen volunteer commissioners and representatives from organizations concerned with women's issues guide the Vermont Commission on Women’s public education, coalition building, and advocacy efforts. Find out more about VCW by visiting www.women.vermont.gov or by calling 800-881-1561.