WCAX-Channel 3’s lead political and Statehouse reporter has accepted the job of deputy secretary for development at Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.
Anson Tebbetts, who grew up on a family farm in Cabot and has covered state government and politics for WCAX-TV for 10 years, confirmed Tuesday he has accepted the $75,000 agency post.
"Agriculture has alwayas been so important to me," Tebbetts told us in an interview. "One way or another, it’s always been a part of my life." Tebbetts said his family farm stopped milking cows five years ago, but continues to cash crops like hay.
He said his background as a reporter and knowledge of farming should help him in his new job. "It seems like a good fit." he said.
Tebbetts will join Roger Allbee, who last week was named to replace Steve Kerr, the agency’s departing secretary. Allbee, prior to his appointment, was executive director of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Services Agency in Vermont.
Tebbetts has worked for WCAX-TV since 1994. Before that, he was news director at radio station WDEV in Waterbury. Tebbetts, 41, and his wife Vicky live with their two children in Cabot.
His first day at his new job will be Jan. 2.
-- Sam Hemingway