Andrew Perchlik

Andrew John Perchlik was born in Greeley, Colorado on June 3, 1968, a son of Richard Perchlik and Sylvia (Marston) Perchlik.[1][2][3] His father, Richard Perchlik, was a professor of political science at Colorado State College (now the University of Northern Colorado).[2] He also served as mayor of Greeley and owned and operated the Sharktooth Ski Area. Andrew Perchlik and his three siblings were raised in Greeley.[2][3]

Perchlik attended an on-campus laboratory school at the University of Northern Colorado from Kindergarten through 12th grade.[2] He then attended the university, from which he received a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental politics.[2]

Perchlik joined the Peace Corps after college and served in Panama.[2] He became a resident of Vermont in 1991 as a VISTA volunteer, and worked on home weatherization and fuel assistance projects in Addison County.[2] He subsequently returned to Colorado, and in 1995 he moved back to Vermont, which became his permanent residence.[2] His family resided in Hubbardton and Randolph Center before moving to Marshfield in 1998.[2] In 2017, they moved from Marshfield to Montpelier.[2]

A recognized expert in the field of sustainable energy, Perchlik's professional experience includes: director of Vermont's Clean Energy Development Fund; founding executive director of Renewable Energy Vermont, Vermont's renewable energy trade association; member, Solar Rating Certification Corporation board of directors; and member of the International Code Council's Renewable Energy Advisory Council.[2]

Perchlik has also been involved in community service and civic activities, including: member, Vermont Community Loan Fund board of directors; member, Marshfield Volunteer Fire Department (2000-2013); member, Marshfield Selectboard (2014-2017, including two years as chairman); member, Socially Responsible Banking Advisory Board, Chittenden Bank and People's United Bank; member, Marshfield Town Energy Committee; and Marshfield justice of the peace.[2]

In 2018, incumbent Francis K. Brooks announced that he would not to run for reelection to the Vermont Senate.[4] Perchlik was one of several candidates for the three Democratic nominations in the at-large Washington County Senate District.[5] In the August primary, Perchlik and incumbents Ann Cummings and Anthony Pollina were nominated.[5] Perchlik and Pollina were also nominated by the Vermont Progressive Party.[6] In the November general election, Cummings, Pollina, and Perchlik were the top three finishers, defeating Republicans Ken Alger, Dwayne Tucker, and Chris S. Bradley, and independent Barry Wadle.[6]

In his first term, Perchlik was appointed to the Senate's Education and Transportation committees.[2] In addition, he served on the Barre Granite and Ethnic Culture Museum Steering Committee, the Committee to Oversee Planning and Design of the Vermont State House, and the New England Board of Higher Education Canvassing Committee.[2]

In 1997, Perchlik married Marianne Donahue.[1][2] They are the parents of three children.[2] Perchlik's uncle John Prchlik was a professional football player for the Detroit Lions from 1949 to 1953 and a longtime labor relations executive at Ford Motor Company.[7][8]