Rebecca Sameroff ‘03: Reforming Tax Policy While Raising Twins

Greenhills alum Becca Sameroff ’07 has built a life of public service and adventure in the heart of Vermont—all while juggling a high-profile government role and life with infant twin boys. Recently, Alumni Liaison Bruce Zellers caught up with Becca to talk about her path from Greenhills to the Vermont Statehouse, the challenges of reforming education funding, and the small-town magic she’s found in Montpelier.

Zellers: What’s been keeping you busy these days?
Sameroff: Infant twin boys, who just turned 1 in February! And since last July, I’m back to work as the deputy commissioner of Vermont’s Department of Taxes. As an appointee of the governor, my role focuses on the tax policy for the state and related legislative priorities.

What are some of the tax issues you’re dealing with currently?
This legislative session has been really interesting in the tax space. Vermont has a unique and complex statewide education property tax system to fund public schools and, after the past couple years of unsustainably large tax increases, policymakers are laser focused on reforming the way we fund and deliver education in the state with a focus on equity and sustainability. No small task! There are a lot of new faces in the statehouse after the November election, and many feel a mandate from voters to tackle this issue specifically. Of course, there have also been many distractions stemming from destabilizing actions at the federal level this year. As a tax administrator, I’ve been fielding more questions than ever about the integrity of our data systems and data sharing protocols.

What does a typical day look like for you?
I’m usually at the legislature, testifying, almost every day. Sometimes I’m advocating for something the Governor has proposed in his budget; other times legislators may need technical clarifications or policy guidance on their own tax bills. In my role I need to represent political positions at times, while other times respond to policy ideas from a purely administrative lens. I try to be transparent about when I’m wearing each “hat.” Personal relationships and credibility are so important in a small state (and statehouse) like ours.

What were some of your memories of Greenhills?
I have a lot of reverence for my middle school and high school experience. The work ethic and critical thinking skills honed at Greenhills laid the groundwork for my ending up in public service. I always knew I wanted to help people in a broad sense, and I remember thinking during AP history that teaching government and current affairs to seniors in high school would be a dream job. Some mix of that coursework and watching The West Wing set me on a clear path for public service!

How did you get from Greenhills to Montpelier?
Thanks to Greenhills, I felt incredibly well prepared to go to college at Northwestern, where I studied public health. After graduation, I lived in Colorado and Alaska, balancing service jobs and outdoor adventure with preparing for the GREs. I was fortunate to go through Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs master’s program, and after a think-tank stopover in New York City, I landed here in Vermont as a fiscal analyst with the tax department.

What’s on the agenda on the weekends?
I’m really into gravel biking on these gorgeous hilly roads around here. Skiing in the winter. Enjoying the swimming-hole scene in the summer. Now I’m relearning all of these activities with toddlers in tow!

Is Vermont home now?
My partner and I are relatively new homeowners, after our apartment was decimated in a flood last year. So we’re not going anywhere! With a population of less than 8,000, nestled in the mountains, our tiny state capital is a perfect place to play, work, and enjoy strong community vibes. We love Vermont and its small mountain town lifestyle–everyone should come visit!