Governor-Elect Peter Shumlin announced today the appointment of Dr. Harold (Hal) Colston as Executive Director of the Vermont Commission on National and Community Service. The Commission, with a state-administered $2 million grant from the federal government, coordinates Americorps National service programs and other volunteer and community services across Vermont.
Colston is currently executive director of the nonprofit organization NeighborKeepers, and is an adjunct professor at Champlain College, where he lectures about building community through volunteerism. He previously serviced as diversity coordinator at the Howard Center in Burlington, and is the founder of the Good News Garage in Burlington, which has been featured in several national media outlets.
"Hal has dedicated his professional life to volunteerism and efforts like the Good News Garage that make life better for all Vermonters," Gov. Elect Shumlin said. "He's been recognized nationally as a leader in this area. We are very lucky to have his ideas and commitment at the helm of the Vermont Commission on National and Community Service."
The commission consists of a maximum of 15 governor appointed citizens supported by a staff of four, and housed in the Secretary's Office in the Agency of Human Services. The programs are largely funded through federal dollars, with relatively small local matches required.
Colston's salary will be $65,000.
Shumlin appoints Hal Colston to Vermont Commission on National and Community Service
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on