Senate confirms Kendall Smith as Vermont Department of Labor commissioner

Kendall Smith was confirmed April 3, 2026, by the state Senate as commissioner of the Department of Labor, winning a roll-call vote of 29–0.

Senator from Rutland moved to suspend the rules and take up Smith’s nomination for immediate consideration; the motion carried. The senior senator from Windsor County presented the appointment report and urged confirmation, recounting Smith’s career in workforce policy, her service as deputy commissioner, and her appointment by Governor Scott in September 2025. The presenter said Smith’s short-term priority is “the successful launch of the new UI system this spring after 50 years,” and that her longer-term agenda focuses on workforce development, partnerships with education and training systems, and protections for employees as the nature of work evolves.

The Senate took a roll-call vote after debate was waived. The clerk recorded 29 senators voting yes and zero voting no, and the presiding officer announced that the Senate had confirmed Kendall Smith as commissioner of the Department of Labor for a term from and including Sept. 22, 2025 to and including Feb. 28, 2027, and until a successor is appointed and qualified.

The senator from Windsor praised Smith’s experience, calling her “organized, thoughtful,” and saying, “Kendall is someone you can trust, which is gold in this building and in life.” That senator summarized Smith’s priorities for improving claimant experience, department morale and public trust, and expanding the department’s role in connecting employers and job seekers.

Senators who spoke during the roll call registered their support individually by name. The confirmation follows a positive committee report from the Senate Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs Committee.

The Senate adjourned at the close of the session and is scheduled to reconvene at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.