The Board of the Grafton, Vermont-based Windham Foundation announced today the appointment of Robert (Bob) Allen as Interim President, following the retirement of Dr John Bramley. The selection follows a unanimous vote of approval by the full board.
The Windham Foundation is an operating foundation with the primary mission of promoting Vermont’s rural communities, including support for indigenous enterprises including Grafton Village Cheese Company and The Old Tavern at Grafton, an historic inn.
‘Bob Allen has the right skills and business expertise to lead the Windham Foundation at a time when building the success of the Grafton Village Cheese Company is our highest priority,’ said Board Chair Edward Zuccaro. ‘Grafton Cheese is the economic driver behind our philanthropic commitment to Vermont’s rural communities. We are also grateful to John Bramley and his excellent leadership that guided the new strategic vision of the Foundation to reflect a renewed commitment to community and economic sustainability. We wish both John, and his wife Janet, a long and well-deserved retirement.’
Under the leadership of outgoing President John Bramley, who joined the Foundation in December 2007, the Windham Foundation made strategic advances in its two core business subsidiaries, the Grafton Village Cheese Company and The Old Tavern at Grafton. Dr. Bramley’s oversight of both companies during the worst economic downturn since the 1930s was pivotal. He recruited new leadership of both enterprises, refined and clarified their missions and secured the immediate future of each in an increasingly competitive and variable marketplace. In addition, and in large measure through the shared commitment of his wife Janet, Dr. Bramley strengthened and revitalized the Foundation's community relationships.
Following Dr Bramley’s retirement announcement in December, the Board formed a Search Committee, chaired by trustee William Gilbert of South Burlington. By late January, the services of Boston-based firm of Isaacson Miller were secured to assist with an intensive executive search. By early March, a unique opportunity to hire one of Vermont’s most experienced retail professionals in an interim relationship presented itself. Bob Allen is being hired to oversee the immediate, short-term needs at the Foundation, with the long-time goal of a thriving Grafton Village Cheese as the highest priority. The interim period is expected to last up to two years.
Allen is the former CEO of The Vermont Country Store headquartered in Manchester, Vermont, where he served at its helm for 10 years. In recent years, Allen has devoted his career to interim leadership at the CEO level, most recently with The Direct Marketing Association in New York City. He serves on the boards of a number of Vermont non-profits such as Burr and Burton Academy and the Dorset School board. Prior board associations include the Preservation Trust of Vermont, The Orton Family Foundation and the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. He also is on the board of a number of Vermont's premier consumer product companies including Gardeners Supply, Danforth Pewter and Susan Sargent Designs. He and his family are long time residents of Dorset.
Allen will formally begin his employment with the Foundation on May 1, providing ample time for a successful transition with Dr. Bramley who will retire shortly thereafter.
About the Windham Foundation
Headquartered in Grafton, Vermont, the Windham Foundation is an operating foundation engaged in philanthropic, charitable and educational activities. Since its inception in 1963, its mission is to promote the vitality of Grafton and Vermont’s rural communities through its philanthropic and educational programs and its subsidiaries whose operations contribute to these endeavors. The Foundation is the owner of Grafton Village Cheese Co., The Old Tavern at Grafton and the Retreat Farm.