Vermont Gas Systems on July 9 announced that Lindsay Kurrle, a prominent state government official and economic development leader, will become the company's next president and chief executive officer. Kurrle will succeed Neale Lunderville, who will step down at the end of 2026 after more than six years leading the utility.
Experienced state official chosen after national search
The VGS Board of Directors said Kurrle emerged from an "exceptionally strong applicant pool" following a nationwide search. Kurrle has served on Governor Phil Scott's leadership team since 2017 in a series of senior posts, including as Vermont's Labor Commissioner and later as Secretary of the Agency of Commerce & Community Development, a role that included oversight of a $125 million budget.
In the ACCD, Kurrle's portfolio covered economic development, housing and tourism — areas the company said will be important as VGS continues work on the state's energy transition and on partnerships with local communities and businesses.
Recovery and resilience work highlighted
The announcement emphasized Kurrle's role in post-disaster recovery. She directed the distribution of more than $400 million in federal recovery funds and helped launch a $20 million flood recovery initiative within 30 days following catastrophic flooding in recent years.
Those efforts, the board said, demonstrated Kurrle's capacity to manage complex programs and to coordinate across levels of government — skills the utility's directors said are important as energy systems and infrastructure projects face both regulatory and climate-driven pressures.
"Lindsay is the right leader to move VGS into its next chapter," said Theresa Alberghini DiPalma, Chair of the VGS Board of Directors. "She knows Vermont, has steered organizations through real complexity, is skilled at building strong partnerships, and leads people with clarity, compassion and optimism."
The board added it was confident Kurrle would "build on the company’s strong foundation and inspire the VGS team to continue innovating and partnering to lead Vermont’s energy transition."
Leadership background and private-sector experience
Before her state service, Kurrle co-owned and operated Kurrle Fuels and Kurrle Transport with her husband, Jim. The company was an energy distribution and transportation business; the board noted that background as part of her qualifications for leading a regional gas utility. The announcement also recalled Kurrle's visibility during the governor's COVID-19 response briefings and her regular travel across the state meeting with businesses and local leaders.
- Selected by VGS Board after national search
- Previously served as Vermont Labor Commissioner and ACCD Secretary
- Oversaw distribution of more than $400 million in federal recovery funds
The transition is planned to take place as Lunderville finishes his tenure at the end of 2026. VGS did not disclose an exact start date for Kurrle in the announcement, nor did it provide additional details about internal leadership changes accompanying the transition.
| Item | Figure / Detail |
|---|---|
| ACCD budget while Kurrle led | $125 million |
| Federal recovery funds overseen | $400 million+ |
| Flood recovery initiative launched | $20 million |
Vermont Gas Systems is a key player in the state’s energy landscape; its executive leadership will influence how the company balances infrastructure investments, regulatory obligations and the drive toward lower-carbon options for heat and transportation. Kurrle's mix of public-sector crisis management, economic development experience and private-sector energy business ownership forms the basis of the board's rationale for her selection.
Company customers, state officials and local leaders will be watching how the incoming CEO navigates the competing priorities of decarbonization, affordability and reliability. The utility's formal transition plan and Kurrle's strategic priorities for VGS are expected to be announced as she prepares to take on full leadership responsibilities later next year.
As the industry and state continue to adapt to climate impacts and changing energy demands, the choice of a leader with both statewide relationships and sector familiarity underscores the central role utility executives play in shaping Vermont's energy future.
