Gov. Phil Scott has named a former federal prosecutor to serve as a Vermont Superior Court judge.
The governor announced in a news release this week the judicial appointment of Colin Owyang, who has most recently worked in executive roles with Vermont Electric Power Company and Vermont Gas System.
“Colin is a strong leader with diverse experience working in both the public and private sectors,” Scott said in the release. “I believe this will help him to excel in this new role and serve Vermonters well as they navigate the judicial system.”
Owyang also worked as a federal prosecutor in Vermont and Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, Owyang prosecuted Richard Reid, an Al Qaeda terrorist who was convicted of trying to blow up an airplane with explosives hidden in his shoes. Reid was later sentenced to life in prison.
“I am deeply grateful to Governor Scott for this chance to serve Vermont,” Owyang said in a statement accompanying the governor’s announcement. “The Superior Court touches the lives of so many people in our community, often at very trying times.”
Owyang earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, Scott’s release stated.
If his appointment is approved by the Vermont Senate, Owyang will fill a vacancy that comes from the retirement of Judge Samuel Hoar. He will be assigned to serve in Chittenden County, Chief Superior Judge Thomas Zonay stated in an email Thursday.
State judges in Vermont serve six-year terms, with the Legislature deciding whether they can serve additional terms.
The governor selects appointees for a judge’s post from a list sent to him by the Judicial Nominating Board. That body is made up of legislators, representatives of the governor, and Vermont Bar Association members.
The panel had 12 applicants to fill the vacancy created by Hoar’s retirement and sent the names of six “well-qualified” candidates to the governor, attorney Jessica Burke, the board’s chair, said Thursday.
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