Peter is a life long resident of Putney. The small town in Vermont’s southeastern corner is where Peter’s parents instilled in him the value of hard work and public service.
A Family Business
Peter’s parents, George and Kitty Shumlin founded Putney Student Travel. Fifty-nine years later Peter and his brother Jeff are running the family business.
Peter learned by example. His parents were educators. They taught school in Putney where they started a summer creative writing and theater camp for high school students. Their passion for education led them to board a ship in New York Harbor bound for Europe shortly after World War II with a group of students in tow. What better way for young people to learn about the lives and cultures of other nations than to visit them.
Peter grew up watching his parents work day and night to make their dream a reality. After graduating from Wesleyan University Peter returned to Vermont and along with his brother took over running the business his parents created. When the elder Shumlins sold the business to their sons, they never imagined that it would become the success it is today.
Under Peter and Jeff Shumlin’s leadership, Putney Student Travel has 16-20 full-time employees and another 200 work around the globe during the summer months. This year 1,300 high school students participated in more than 50 programs around the world, including academic and language programs and community service projects where they built homes and community centers in developing countries.
Putney Student Travel is not only a family business it is also a Vermont business. While the company has grown over the years its offices are still located in the same converted cow barn that the elder Shumlins used as a student theater – and Peter wouldn’t have it any other way. He knows the struggles of growing a successful company. He has had to meet a payroll and balance the bottom line. But he also knows the rewards that come with working and raising a family in Vermont.
Public Service
Peter currently represents Windham County in the Vermont Senate, but his career in public service began in Putney almost 30 years ago. In 1980 at the age of 24 he was elected to serve on the town’s select board.
In 1990 Montpelier came calling when Governor Madeleine Kunin appointed Peter to fill an empty seat in the Vermont House of Representatives. The next year he was elected in his own right.
Peter enjoyed representing his hometown, but he felt he had more to contribute. So after 3 years in the House he ran for one of Windham County’s two Senate seats. He was elected in 1992 and would represent Windham County for the next 10 years.
It wouldn’t be long before Peter assumed a leadership role. During his second term he was elected Democratic leader and in 1997 his colleagues chose him to serve as the President pro-tempore, the chamber’s top leadership post.
Peter ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 2002. After a 4 year absence he returned to the Senate in 2006 where he was again selected to serve as the President pro-tempore.
During his 13 years in the Senate Peter has served on the Rules Committee, the Finance Committee, the Transportation Committee and the Appropriations Committee.
A Record of Accomplishments
Peter has made a career of advocating for policies that reflect the needs and values of Vermonters – ones that will benefit Vermont in the long term and give future generations the same opportunity that he had to make Vermont their home.
He has worked to fight global climate change, bring broadband to every corner of the state and provide health care for every Vermonter.
He worked with Governor Dean to balance the state budget. During the current economic crisis he stood up to the Douglas administration, working alongside Speaker Shap Smith to pass responsible legislation that trimmed programs where possible, while reinvesting in programs and services that Vermonters need now more than ever.
And believing that all Vermonters deserve to be treated equally, he played a leading role in the passage of the first in the national civil unions law and this year’s Marriage Equality Act.
In Putney
Peter, 53, is the father of two daughters Olivia, 19, and Rebecca, 17. In his free time he enjoys running, hiking and cross country skiing. He likes to fish, hunt and garden and can sometimes be found spreading manure and cutting hay at the dairy farm where he is a partner.
