Biography
Gretchen Morse served as Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Human Services under Governor Madeleine Kunin.
Morse was born in Hyannis, Massachusetts and graduated from Colby Junior College in 1963. She gained administrative experience with the Polaroid Corp in Cambridge, Massachusetts and the Museum of Science in Boston. After moving to Vermont in 1971, she received her B.S. in Human Development from the University of Vermont (1975). She served four terms in the Vermont State Legislature as a Representative from 1977-1985. Morse was Chair of the Health and Welfare Committee (1983-1985) and Chair of the Education Committee (1981-1983). In 1985, she was appointed the Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Human Services by Governor Madeleine Kunin. This agency oversees mental health, social welfare, public health, corrections, and rehabilitation services. Morse was the only Cabinet secretary to remain on board throughout all of Governor Kunin's three term administration. In 1991, she became the Executive Director of the United Way of Chittenden County.
Morse has been a member of the Vermont Commission on Women, the Governor's Commission on Children and Youth, the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Advisory Group and the National Council of State Human Services Administrators. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Vermont Health Foundation, the Wake Robin Board of Directors and is a member of the Burlington Rotary Club. Morse received the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Vermont College of Education and Social Services in 1983.Education
AA, Colby Junior College (1963)
BS, University of Vermont (1975)Occupation
Politician
Executive