Creating Shared Vision and Governance for Data Modernization in Vermont

October 08, 2025 | Heidi Westermann

The Vermont Department of Health leveraged the Public Health Infrastructure Grant to create a Data Modernization Advisory Committee (DMAC). DMAC creates a foundational link between champions of specific data systems and data modernization efforts. The group also advises on department-wide decisions related to data modernization and data governance, ensuring content experts are involved in decisions related to their work and data systems. As the Vermont health department and other agencies face evolving funding and dynamic technology opportunities, they can leverage the committee to prioritize projects and communicate with key partners on data modernization efforts. 

Launching Vermont’s Data Modernization Advisory Committee

Vermont Data Modernization Director Amanda Jones launched DMAC in 2023 by inviting recommended data stewards and key department staff who could champion data modernization within their divisions. As a small, centralized health agency, they capitalized on staff interest and leadership support to engage people organically across divisions and programs.  

As noted in the DMAC charter, “The goal is to foster stakeholder engagement in long term enterprise projects such as implementing a data warehouse and data governance framework which employees will need to participate in across the department.” 

Investing in Innovative Data Modernization Projects

DMAC meets quarterly to balance numerous priorities and program responsibilities with a commitment to increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of data systems.  

For example, in 2021, the Vermont Department of Health developed its homegrown disease outbreak tool called Situation Management and Response Tool (SMART) to assist with COVID-19 outbreaks and response. Information related to each outbreak and its associated facility, along with data on cases/contacts involved in the event, are stored and easily accessible within the tool. The internally built system successfully improved Vermont’s ability to collaborate on, respond to, and analyze COVID-19 outbreaks. 

In 2024, the team worked to include additional conditions and functionalities, effectively modernizing the way Vermont performs outbreak response and surveillance. DMAC provided a space and structure to discuss funding and sustainability of the project. 

Expanding Vermont’s Public Health Data Systems

As of 2025, DMAC has supported projects like using Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources connections with the medical examiner, expanding Emergency Medical Services systems for more data on overdoses, and transitioning the cancer registry to cloud architecture.  

To weigh in on these decisions and more, the committee uses a structured decision-making process to evaluate potential uses for unspent funds. DMAC reviews data modernization project proposals from across the Vermont Department of Health using a rubric, which captures information on alignment with the CDC Public Health Data Strategy, impact to the department, and ultimate benefit to Vermonters.  

As a result of this intentional and transparent process, the Vermont Department of Health has a balanced list of projects that will modernize or enhance selected data systems and upskill the data workforce through training and travel opportunities.

Strengthening Partnerships for Long-Term Data Modernization

Vermont Department of Health staff have also learned how essential it is to create a shared vision for scoping, resourcing, and implementing data modernization projects with Vermont’s centralized information technology partners at the Agency of Digital Services (ADS).  

Over the course of 2024, the data modernization director, DMAC members, other champions, and senior leadership increased their efforts to communicate with ADS leaders and stakeholders. This led to an improved understanding on the health department’s reporting needs and workflows, making it easier for ADS to prioritize data modernization projects that directly impact public health in Vermont.

The Vermont Department of Health is set up for continued success and planning to make strategic improvements to modernize infrastructure over the next two years.