Senator Alison Clarkson Contact information

Alison Hudnut Clarkson was born on April 26, 1955, in Buffalo, New York. She is the daughter of William Melbourne Elliott Clarkson, who served as the Executive Deputy Commissioner of Commerce for the State of New York. Alison attended The Park School of Buffalo, where she later served on the board of trustees. She pursued higher education at Harvard University, attending Radcliffe College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977.

Before entering politics, Alison Clarkson had a successful career as a theatrical producer. She worked on notable productions such as “The Potsdam Quartet” and A. R. Gurney’s “The Middle Ages.” She also served on the board of directors for the New York Theatre Workshop and the Vermont Arts Council.

Alison Clarkson began her political career in the Vermont House of Representatives, representing the Windsor 5th district. She was elected in 2004 after the retirement of Representative Jack Anderson. During her tenure, she won re-election multiple times, serving from January 5, 2005, to January 4, 2017. Her legislative work focused on various issues, including economic development, housing, and general affairs.

In 2016, Alison Clarkson was elected to the Vermont Senate, representing the Windsor district. She assumed office on January 4, 2017, succeeding John F. Campbell. As a state senator, she has served on several important committees, including the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs, and the Senate Rules Committee. In 2021, she was elected as the Majority Leader of the Vermont Senate.

Alison Clarkson is married to Oliver Ramsdell Goodenough, and they have two sons, Ward and William. The family moved to Vermont in 1992, where they have been active members of the community. Alison has served on the boards of various organizations, including the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, the Vermont Natural Resources Council, and Sustainable Woodstock.

Throughout her career, Alison Clarkson has received numerous awards and honors. She was named Woodstock Rotary’s Citizen of the Year in 2002 and received the Vermont Farm Bureau’s Stephanie Bourdeau Women in Agriculture Leadership Award in 2008. Additionally, she was honored with the Vermont Natural Resources Council’s Outstanding Vermont Legislator Award in 2008.

Senator Alison Clarkson’s career is marked by her dedication to public service and her commitment to the arts and community development. Her leadership in the Vermont Senate and her contributions to the state’s legislative process have made her a respected figure in Vermont politics.