Christopher Brickell
Executive Director
christopher.brickell@vermont.gov
802.483.2739
Christoper Brickell, Executive Director at the Vermont Criminal Justice Council is a seasoned executive law enforcement professional of 36 years with extensive leadership experience, including roles as Chief of Police and Deputy Director at VCJC. He is skilled in operations management, legislative testimony, and staff development. He has expertise in investigations, training, and policy oversight with a proven ability to lead through change, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive mission-focused results in public safety and law enforcement training.
Lindsay Thivierge
Director of Administration
lindsay.thivierge@vermont.gov
802.483.2736
Lindsay (she/her) is the Director of Administration and Compliance at the Vermont Criminal Justice Council, where she oversees records, compliance, policy, finance, certification, waivers and council administration. With a background in strategic branding and education, she blends creativity and precision to ensure operational excellence. Her leadership drives transparency, efficiency, and adherence to high standards, supporting the council's mission to advance justice and build public trust.
Ken Hawkins
Director of Training
kenneth.hawkins@vermont.gov
802.483.2743
Ken, Director of Training at the Criminal Justice Council, oversees the certification and professional development of Vermont's Law Enforcement Officers. With experience as a Middlebury Police officer and a retired member of the Guard, Ken leads a dedicated team committed to the Academy's mission of delivering Excellence in Training. Through a strong emphasis on staff communication, transparency, and collaborative relationships with law enforcement agencies statewide, Ken ensures impactful outcomes that benefit both Vermont's officers and the communities they serve.
Lisa Ryan
Community Inclusion Director
lisa.ryan@vermont.gov
802.483.6637
Lisa (she/her) leads fair and impartial policing initiatives with a focus on equity and inclusivity, advancing policies, data analysis, and community engagement. She specializes in DEI, restorative justice, mediation, and conflict resolution. Former inaugural Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Vermont Law and Graduate School, Lisa served on the Rutland City Board of Aldermen and the NAACP. A VT Business "Rising Star" and Rutland Young Professional of the Year, she drives systemic change.
Vegar Boe
VCJC Investigator
vegar.boe@vermont.gov
802.483.2738
Investigator Vegar Boe joined the VCJC in November 2024, after 25 years at the Middlebury Police Department, retiring as a Sergeant. During his time at Middlebury PD, he was also an investigator for 10 years prior to his promotion to Sergeant. His duties for the VCJC include being the Council investigator and acting as the point person for Act 56 investigations. He is also tasked with audits and compliance of Rule 20 training and reporting requirements for Vermont Law Enforcement Officers. Inv. Boe is part of the criminal law instruction team for Level 2 and Level 3 certification programs.
Jenn Firpo
Training Coordinator — Domestic Violence
jennifer.firpo@vermont.gov
802.483.2734
Jennifer Firpo joined the Vermont Police Academy after nearly a decade providing direct service advocacy to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Rutland County. She serves as the instructor of domestic violence response for the Level II/III Academies. Additionally she is responsible for delivering the biennial mandatory domestic violence training updates required of all certified Vermont law enforcement officers. She utilizes her experience in advocacy to ensure that her instruction helps officers better serve their communities by instilling a deeper understanding of survivor’s experiences.
Brock Marvin
Training Coordinator — Level III
brock.marvin@vermont.gov
802.483.6634
Brock Marvin started his career in law enforcement in 2018 as an officer with the Burlington Police Department. During his time with BPD, Brock became a Team Two instructor and a certified negotiator with the Crisis Negotiations Unit. In 2023, Brock joined the Vermont Police Academy as a Training Coordinator for the Level 3 Basic Training Program where he also serves as an instructor for the Mental Health Crisis Response and ICAT classes.
Nicholas Stewart
Training Coordinator — Level III
nicholas.stewart@vermont.gov
802.483.2735
Nick Stewart is a Level III Training Coordinator at the Vermont Police Academy, where he specializes in the Level III Basic Training Program and the VPA/VCJC Use of Force and Tactics programs. As a Level III-certified Vermont Law Enforcement Officer, Nick brings real-world experience to his instruction through his active patrol work with the Rutland City Police Department. In addition to his law enforcement credentials, he is a licensed EMT and Tactical Medical Provider, further strengthening his commitment to officer safety and readiness in the field.
Adam Murach
Training Coordinator — Level III
adam.murach@vermont.gov
802.483.6202
Adam Murach is a Training Coordinator with extensive experience in law enforcement, crisis intervention, and leadership. A former Sergeant with 13+ years in policing, he now focuses on modernizing police training to meet evolving standards, with an emphasis on professional development and mental health awareness. Committed to enhancing officer preparedness and compliance, he works to ensure training aligns with best practices. He holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminology.
Mara Iverson
Fair & Impartial Policing Instructor
mara.iverson@vermont.gov
802.729.2780
Mara (she/her) has been a diversity, equity, and inclusion educator for more than 15 years. She has also worked as Director of Education at Outright Vermont, an LGBTQ+ youth advocacy organization, and as a Study Abroad Advisor at Norwich University and Texas A&M University. As Fair & Impartial Policing Instructor Mara offers evidence-based instruction on managing and reducing unconscious bias. She also facilitates leadership skills trainings for supervisors within law enforcement agencies.
Dan Pennington
Training Coordinator — Level II
daniel.pennington@vermont.gov
802.483.2744
Dan began his career as a Level II officer in 2016 with Rutland County Sheriff’s Department before attending the 103rd Basic and attaining his Level III Certification. He spent 7 years with RCSD before joining the Vermont Police Academy as a Training Coordinator for the Level II and FTO programs where he also serves as an instructor for EVOC and Patrol Procedures.
Jamie Bedard
Training Coordinator — Impaired Driving
jamielee.bedard@vermont.gov
802.483.2733
JamieLee has over 20 years in the Criminal Justice System. She holds a bachelor’s in criminal justice from the University of New Haven and a master’s in psychology from the College of St. Joseph. Her career includes roles within Middlebury Police Department and Rutland City Police Department. She was also an investigator for Chittenden County Public Defender’s Office. Now as the Vermont Police Academy's Impaired Driving Training Coordinator, she aspires to assist in decreasing fatalities and crashes due to impaired driving. Jamie enjoys reading, family time, and raising her two children.
Jenn Hier
Administrative Services
jennifer.hier@vermont.gov
802.483.2731
Jen began her employment with the State of Vermont in 2001 with the Department of Corrections. First as a Correctional Officer, then as the Administrative Services Coordinator. After 21 years with the DOC, she moved to the Vermont Police Academy in 2022. She now serves as the ASC for the Academy, whose duties include records keeper, accounts receivable and payable. She is often the primary point of contact for both agencies and the public requesting information about the Academy.
Austin Bach
Technology and Program Tech.
austin.bach@vermont.gov
802.483.6110
Since 2023, Austin Bach has been a dedicated member of the Vermont Police Academy, serving as the editor of the academy's website, photographer, and social media manager. With expertise in technical support and a range of administrative duties, Austin Bach plays a key role in day-to-day operations. Outside of work, Austin is an outdoor enthusiast and a committed volunteer, always eager to give back to the community.