Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Montpelier, Vt – Secretary of Agriculture Roger Allbee today announced that Deputy Secretary Anson Tebbetts will be leaving the Agency to pursue a new opportunity at WCAX. Before coming to the Agency, Tebbetts served WCAX for 13 years in various positions including Montpelier Bureau Chief and Senior Reporter.

“Anson has been an integral part of our team here at the Agency and I will miss him personally and professionally. Many times I have relied on his guidance to navigate difficult situations,” said Allbee. “Anson has a wonderful way of looking at things that helped us get through some tough experiences.”

During his tenure as Deputy Secretary, Tebbetts was instrumental in getting many programs off the ground to help farmers and the community alike. "Our farmers are the backbone of Vermont. Driving our agricultural economy with strength, resilience, and creativity in changing times, Vermont's farmers keep our land open, keep our people employed, and supply us with world-class, fresh products. They are leaders in reinforcing what makes Vermont special for all of us. I am honored to have worked with Vermont's agricultural community,” said Tebbetts.

“I have appreciated Anson’s dedication to the state and to the agricultural community in Vermont,” commented Governor Douglas. “We will miss his enthusiasm and thoughtfulness, but I wish him the best in his exciting new endeavor.”

“I have really appreciated this experience and have enjoyed working for agriculture and the state. The people at the Agency are some of the most dedicated and passionate people I’ve had the opportunity to work with,” said Tebbetts.

Tebbetts received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Emerson College. He then worked at WDEV Radio before joining WCAX. Anson has won numerous awards from the Associated Press in both TV and radio including his coverage of the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway. In 2001, the Vermont Farm Bureau honored him with the “Friend of the Farmer” Award. He continues to host the popular “For the Birds” program.

Anson and his wife Vicky live on the farm in Cabot where he grew up with their two children and Wishbone the turkey.

Editors note: photos of Mr. Tebbetts are available by contacting Kelly Loftus at 802-828-3829 or Kelly.loftus@state.vt.us.