Following the retirement last month of veteran state director Phil Fiermonte, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has named a replacement to lead his Vermont office: senior policy adviser David Weinstein.

The 56-year-old Burlingtonian has worked for Sanders on and off since 1984, when he interned for the Queen City mayor. Weinstein went on to serve Sanders in Burlington's Community & Economic Development Office and in his House and Senate offices. He has also worked for the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board and for Oxfam International.

As state director, Weinstein will serve as Sanders' eyes and ears in Vermont, represent him at public events, and run his constituent-service operation. He has gotten a taste of the job before, serving as acting state director while Fiermonte worked on Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign and as interim state director since Fiermonte's retirement.

According to Sanders spokesman Daniel McLean, the senator finalized the promotion Tuesday.