Vermont Business Magazine Vermont's Rising Stars were honored Thursday evening at the DoubleTree in South Burlington with both Governor Shumlin and Governor-elect Scott in attendance. The Rising Stars program was established by Vermont Business Magazine in 2010 to highlight the accomplishments and contributions made by our youth in Vermont. They were selected by the judges listed below for their commitment to business growth, professional excellence and involvement in their communities.
We are thrilled by the response to this initiative to recognize these up-and-coming leaders. In each of the five years we have seen a significant increase in nominations. Each year with the increase in nominations it makes it more difficult for the judges to pare it down to only 40.
The latest census report shows that Vermont is the second oldest state in the U.S. But these young professionals show that Vermont is not losing all its young talent. For these young professionals it’s not just about business. It’s about them making a difference in their communities.”
Of the 40 honorees, there are 20 men and 20 women. There are 17 from Chittenden County, 9 from Rutland County, 6 from Washington County, 3 from Franklin County , 2 from Windham County, 1 from Caledonia County, 1 from Addison County and 1 from Bennington County. The largest county increase was Chittenden County, up 4 from 2015. The average age of the winners is 33 years old. The oldest is 39 and the youngest is 22 years old.
I want to thank the judges for the time they took to review all of the applications and to come up with this final list of 40 honorees. I would also like to thank our gift bag contributors, Butternut Mountain Farm, Blake Hill Preserves, Darn Tough Socks, The Vermont Country Store, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont, Downs Rachilin Martin PLLC, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Champlain College, Vermont Trophy and Engraving and Pomerleau Real Estate. And a special thank you to our sponsors, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of Vermont, Champlain College, Pomerleau Real Estate, Third Generation Media Design, Common Sense Radio with Bill Sayre and our ticket sponsor Downs Rachilin Martin PLLC. Thank you all for your support of this special Rising Stars event.
John Boutin
Publisher, Vermont Business Magazine
SARAH Andriano
Favorite Part of Job? My favorite part of my job is coaching my team and building relationships with Champlain College's external community. I get energy from sharing the College's vision and mission.
Favorite Vermont Escape: My favorite Vermont escape is Grand Isle. I have spent part of every summer of my life at my grandparents' camp on the islands.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Hiking year-round with my husband, daughter and dog.
Favorite Social Media: Instagram or Snapchat. Both are quick and easy ways to connect with friends.
What is the best career advice you have received? The best career advice I have received was from a mentor early in my career. She told me "You will be successful in your career and your job will give you great energy only if you are passionate about and believe in what you are doing."
Career Highlights: I have spent my career working in higher education, beginning at St. Lawrence University, then at Boston University, and in 2011 I moved to Vermont to become Director of Admissions at Champlain College. In my role in the enrollment division at Champlain I was part of a team that more than doubled the number of first-year student applications and increased the percentage of students from diverse backgrounds, students from low-income families and students from diverse geographic locations. Since having the opportunity to serve as Director of Institutional Advancement beginning in 2015, I have been fortunate to work with a group of colleagues to reimagine the alumni and parent relations engagement model on a national level. This newly created nation-wide programming has led to increased philanthropy towards the College and a larger number of interactions with alumni, parents and friends of the College.
Community Involvement: One of my favorite opportunities to be involved in the community has been serving as a mentor to Champlain students through our formal mentoring program during the past couple of years. In addition, I have been able to be on a few committees to design some local fundraising events- The Kelly Brush Foundation and the Lund 125th anniversary party.
Last year I joined Women's United, through the United Way of Northwestern Vermont. The council focuses on promoting women's financial stability in our community. We lead programming to raise awareness about the challenges that women in our community have and create opportunities to fundraise and provide resources for these individuals.
KAITLYN Armstrong
Favorite Part of Job? Before I was a Trooper I worked for years in various positions in the hospitality industry. I have always enjoyed taking the time to listen to whatever story a guest, or complainant is willing to share with me. It's amazing what you can learn about a person if you take the time to listen.
Most Inspiring Mentor: I have been extremely fortunate to have been surrounded by numerous people who inspire and motivate me every day. My go-to daily inspirations are my family; my mom, dad, brother and sister they have all accomplished so much.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Any day I get to spend at the top of a mountain is a good day! In the summer it's usually hiking with my two dogs.
Favorite Downtime Activity: My go-to downtime is floating on the boat in the middle of Shelburne Bay doing as little as possible. In chillier weather I curl up in the living room in front of my fireplace and read.
Favorite Super Hero: Wonder Woman!
What is the best career advice you have received? Action is faster than reaction.
Career Highlights: I have spent my professional life in a variety of hospitality and law enforcement settings. My State Police Career highlights include solving a variety of cases involving assaults, burglaries and some drug investigations. I was awarded the Medal of Merit from Bristol Police Department when I worked with them to solve a ring of 22 burglaries in 4 counties. I was awarded the Vermont State Police Combat Cross for being tactically sound when I was involved in a domestic dispute which ultimately required fatal force.
I have always been very close to my family and community. I grew up showing dairy cows through our local 4H club. We were involved in many community service projects which led to exchange groups and being president of the Coalition for Community Service at South Burlington High School.
Community Involvement: One of the things I love the most about my current job is my ability to be involved in the community I live in. I have done a little of everything from reading to elementary school kids to teaching healthy relationships and domestic violence classes at a few high schools. I have coached track and field; been to job fairs and spend a fewSaturday mornings drinking a quick cup of coffee at the dump. I love working with all different types of people. In December I was part of a Rutland County effort to host a Christmas meal after it was stolen out of a elderly assisted living facility. It was amazing to pick up food from close to 30 homes to bring back to the facility so that the residents could continue their tradition of a holiday meal together. There was so much support and outreach from the county as a whole that we actually stopped donations at 10:30 am.
KAREN Bartlett
Favorite Part of Job? I have the privilege in my job of consulting with small business owners on the best ways to manage their business finances, which is one of the hardest aspects of owning your own business. I enjoy watching them light up when they learn what they can do with the information and how it can help them make their business even stronger.
Most Inspiring Mentor: While I have had many different people mentor me over the years, the mentors that have inspired me the most are my parents. They have instilled in me a very strong work ethic and the drive and determination to succeed in all areas of my life.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I make amazing buffalo chicken egg rolls. You better get to them quick at a family party, because the plate will be empty in 15 minutes flat.
Favorite Vermont Escape: I truly enjoy going out on the boat on Lake Bomoseen in the summer with my husband Ryan and our puppy, Jackie.
Favorite Downtime Activity: I love to be creative and my two favorite hobbies are sewing and knitting.
Favorite Super Hero: My favorite super hero is my father, who has been a law enforcement officer for many years. His dedication to his profession and the people he serves and keeps safe every day is inspiring.
Favorite Social Media: Facebook has been a wonderful in allowing me to stay in touch with my very large extended family.
What is the best career advice you have received? Never give up and always keep pushing. There is always more to learn.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I plan to continue with the firm, learning and growing in my knowledge as an accountant. I am excited to be in an industry where there is always something new to learn and do.
Career Highlights: One of the biggest highlights of my career was the day I found out I passed the last section of the CPA exam and was eligible to apply for my license. The exam process is very rigorous, so to pass all sections on my first try and complete the process six months after graduation was a huge highlight for me.
Community Involvement:
People of Praise Church Finance Committee
Rutland Young Professionals Events Committee
Rutland Young Professionals Finance Committee
Rutland Community Cupboard Treasurer
Neighborworks of Western Vermont Board Member
Rutland City Rotary
MOHAMED Basha
Favorite Part of Job? There is a new challenge to tackle and problems to solve everyday. Love the people that I work with! It is extremely rewarding and gratifying to know you are making a difference in peoples' lives.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My parents. They had to overcome extreme hardship and obstacles to provide a better life for my brother and I. With only a middle school education and language barriers, they were able to raise successful kids.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I love to ride motorcycle and going to the firing range.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Fresh powder to board on the slopes of Smugglers Notch.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Spending time with my kids and reading lots of news articles from different perspectives. I am a news junkie...
Favorite Super Hero: Josiah al hajj Saddiq, if you don't know who he is, you should look him up...
Favorite Social Media: Facebook, as it helps you stay connected with friends and family near and far...
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Sundar Pichai, CEO at Google. Sundar and I come from the same part of India, and he too had to overcome obstacles to lead one of the biggest and most powerful company in the world.
What is the best career advice you have received? "The customer is always right!"
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? Doing what I am doing now, however, growing my team to twice the size it is now and expanding our territories to cover the greater New England area.
Career Highlights: Started my company when I was only 21 years old, with no business background. Worked 36 hour days to build and grow the company to now employing over 300 staff in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Building a company this is socially responsible that plays a vital role is successfully serving our senior and disabled population. Being awarded Outstanding Young Alumni by Castleton University. Becoming a Board Certified Care Manager.
Community Involvement:
Alzheimer Association - Advocate for the Alzheimer's Association for Senator Leahy's office.
HERoes In Deed - Event Coordinator Volunteer.
Meals on Wheels - Deliver meals to residents in the Burlington Area.
Locust Hill Association - Member of Board of Directors.
Navicate - Formerly Linking Learning to Life - Member of Board of Directors.
Vermont Association of Professional Care Providers (VAPCP) - Member of Board of Directors.
Kids4Peace - Board Member, Volunteer Camp councilor and Volunteer Camp nurse.
Islamic Society of Vermont - Member of Board of Directors.
NATHAN Beaman
Favorite Part of Job? My favorite part of the job is collaborating with other people and coming up with new ideas together. The process of ideation is the most exhilarating part of my job.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My mother is my biggest inspiration. She has always worked tirelessly no matter the size of the reward, she is the hardest worker I know and never stops until she has nothing more to give. She is amazingly resourceful and above all else she puts everyone else before herself.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Anything in Stowe. I love the area and all the activities and food it has the offer.
Favorite Downtime Activity: I will take any moment I can steal from somewhere else to be with my kids. It's the greatest thing - even the times when it's not so great.
Favorite Super Hero: I was always drawn to Cable as a kid. We have the same first name, he's from the future, telekinetic and has a robot arm - pretty awesome.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: I would love to share a Vermont beverage with Bill Murray, preferably at my bar. I would challenge him to a game of NBA Jam and see where the evening took us.
What is the best career advice you have received? When working you every quickly identify things you do not want to do, and in many ways that can have a lot of value along the path to figuring out what you do want to do.
Career Highlights: I'm a huge film fan so getting work on David Fincher's Social Network was an awesome opportunity to see one of our current cinema greats at work. In 2005 I started Urban Rhino in Burlington. In 2006 I co-founded Brooklyn Lighting and Grip with with friends in NYC. Then in 2008 I co-founded Queen City Lighting here in Vermont with Adam Lukens. This past year I opened The Archives in Burlington with 3 friends as well.
Community Involvement: I use my various businesses as avenues to connect with the community and contribute when we can. My media production company, Urban Rhino, focuses on working both with sustainable businesses and with non-profits. We use the profits from commercial paying clients to be able to work with many non-profits at reduced rates. We offer heavy discounts at all times to non-profits and also donate usage of equipment and things as requested. We also give employees paid time off to volunteer with organizations of their choosing.
Part of our ongoing mission is to participate in and foster growth within the local filmmaking community. We actively seek ways to connect people, educate and build more opportunities locally for filmmakers.
MATT Birong
Favorite Part of Job? I love what I do! I didn’t get into cooking for the great pay and the cushy hours. Even after working in kitchens for 20 years, I am constantly growing, being challenged by food and continue to evolve as a student of my craft.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Seth Woods, CEO of the Aquitaine Group in Boston, whom I worked for immediately after culinary school. He taught me about the fundamentals of cooking and respecting food from their origins. He took me under his wing and instilled in me many philosophies and practices that have helped lead to my success here in Vermont.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Our family cottage in Addison on Lake Champlain.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Traveling to the Dominican Republic. We are investors in a cacao farm on Reserval Zorzal, an 1100 acre migratory bird & scientific reserve that is the winter nesting ground for Vermont’s very own Bicknell’s Thrush.
What is the best career advice you have received? Make sure to stay current on your taxes.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? Silly question, Reflectively……. In a mirror of course
Career Highlights: After working in New York City and Boston, I returned to Vermont to continue my culinary career. In 2007, I opened 3 Squares Café in Vergennes and currently lead a staff of 15 employees serving casual and creative cuisine seven days a week in addition to catering special events. We proudly support local producers throughout our community and state. The café has been featured locally in Seven Days, Burlington Free Press, Addison Independent, Edible Green Mountains, Vermont Life as well as the New York Times, Boston Globe, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and Eating Well.
Community Involvement: Since becoming involved with Main Street Alliance of Vermont in 2014, I have become deeply engaged in advocating for Vermont state policies that support investment in employees, local communities, and foster a sustainable workforce and economy I have worked extensively to help pass a paid sick days bill that worked for small businesses and workers; advocated for Vermont’s ‘Ban the Box’ bill, which helps give those with a criminal history a fair shot at employment; advocated for the legislature to pass a study exploring the expansion of Vermont's Children’s Health Insurance Program; and traveled to Washington D.C. in April 2016 to meet with Vermont Congressional Delegates to brief them on the Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act and the Incorporation Transparency and Law-Enforcement Assistance Act.
I had the honor of representing the Vermont Democratic Party as a District Delegate in support of Senator Bernie Sanders at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
Locally, I support the Vergennes Boys & Girls Club, Vergennes Opera House, Vergennes Partnership, Bixby Memorial Free Library, and Homeward Bound - Addison County Humane Society.
KRISTEN Blaker
Favorite Part of Job? Being outside in nature, teaching under the trees, and sharing the gifts of the earth with others. I absolutely love spreading the seeds of gardening, healthy eating, and mindfulness throughout our community.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Sally Litvin (my mom) has been extremely influential as a mentor. She is a strong, female entrepreneur who has shown me many times how to reinvent and think creatively to overcome any obstacle.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I like to create humongous vegetable sculptures.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Meditation, creating artwork, and reading good books.
Favorite Super Hero: Wonder Woman!
Favorite Social Media: Instagram!
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Alec Webb, president of Shelburne Farms, to discuss farm to school initiatives and environmental education programming.
What is the best career advice you have received? Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life!
Career Highlights: A career highlight for me was when I realized that my garden educational program now hosts over 165 students in North Bennington area teaching them about healthy eating, gardening and mindfulness.
Successful grant writing to sustainably fund the garden program, including a very competitive Whole Kids Grant.
Creating a product line of herb rubs from the garden that is sold in local stores and raises money for our garden program.
Community Involvement: I love involving the community in the work that we do at the gardens. We have parents, teachers, college students, preschoolers, high schoolers, and gardeners joining us to dig in the dirt! Students grow food for their school and create products from the gardens to donate to local non-profits.
DANIELLE Bombardier
Favorite Part of Job? The ever-changing nature of construction - different job sites, different materials, different job scope, new technologies, the opportunity to learn something new every day. Being active and using tools to create something tangible and useful that remains after I leave the job.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I worked as an Au Pair in Austria for a year and traveled throughout Europe and the Balkans.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Driving across the sandbar to the Champlain Islands tends to bring me a sense of peace and calm.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Nature walks and gardening.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: All my friends who are near and far!
What is the best career advice you have received? Keep learning.
Caree Highlightsr: Deciding to join the IBEW. Apprentice of the year award upon completion of the 5-year apprenticeship program. Becoming an instructor. Collaborating with the Department of Energy and Sandia National Laboratories to install the Regional Test Center in Williston (solar testing site).
Receiving my electrical license.
Community Involvement: Since moving back to Vermont, I have been actively involved in the community in many ways. I served as an AmeriCorps member for 2 years in Burlington focusing on homelessness prevention. I have mentored with Casey Family Services and volunteered at the Peace and Justice Center and Vermont Workers Center. I have worked with Vermont Works for Women developing workshops and attending high schools to talk to other women and girls who are interested in the trades. I have participated in the "women's build" hosted by Habitat for Humanity and cooked meals at the Ronald McDonald house.
I also serve on the board of my daughters preschool and volunteer my time to raise money for her school programs.
DAMON Cawley
Favorite Part of Job? Discussing the history of the museum and St Johnsbury with guests is always rewarding. The context to our collection gives a much richer appreciation for the learning that began 125 years ago and continues today in our building. I learn something knew almost every time I'm there.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My former boss at the largest AmeriCorps program in the nation, City Year, was a personal and professional mentor. He is a warrior for social justice. He introduced me to so many inspiring people and quotes one of which is "Be quick but don't hurry" by John Wooden.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I've been to 45 states. I will get to Hawaii, Alaska, Montana, North and South Dakota someday.
Favorite Vermont Escape: I love watching the sunset from Sentinel Rock just past Lake Willoughby. I think its one of the best views in the state that few people enjoy.
Favorite Downtime Activity: I enjoy hiking in the NEK. There are so many beautiful vistas.
Favorite Super Hero: Wolverine has been my favorite since I was a kid. He has a tortured history and is tough as (Adamantium) nails.
Favorite Social Media: I like Facebook for politics and Instagram for showing Vermont vanity plates and the flower table at the museum. There are no better ways for me to stay connected to the world.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: I would love to share a Hill Farmstead IPA with Bernie Sanders.
What is the best career advice you have received? My mom told me when I was in high school not to stress my major in college since we all have multiple careers. It was some of the best advice that I got at a confusing time.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? In ten years I'd like to be running my own business or working with friends on theirs.
Career Highlights: I've had the pleasure of several rewarding careers in my short life. Out of college I worked in entertainment producing live music and festivals, as well as in a professional theater complex. Then I signed up for AmeriCorps and had a life changing experience serving in public schools across the country tutoring and mentoring kids, running after school programs, civically engaging community members, doing physical community service projects, and producing events. More recently I was the Director of Northern Skies Observatory in Peacham. I currently work at one of the most unique museums in the country and am lucky to be able to produce incredible learning experiences like the inaugural Governor's Institutes of Vermont on Astronomy this summer.
Community Involvement: I was an AmeriCorps member for three service years with City Year in Philadelphia, Detroit, and Louisiana after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I’ve gone back to New Orleans for the past eight years as part of community service projects for MLK weekend. I volunteered for several years as a coach with the Boston Women’s Flag Football League including to a division championship. I’m currently on the Board of the Northeast Kingdom Astronomy Foundation, and I am the Board Vice President of the Passumpsic Valley Land Trust.
RYAN Chaffin
Favorite Part of Job? I love being able to work with some of the most iconic beverage brands in the world, and at the same time being able to work with the best Made in Vermont portfolio of partners the state has to offer. I have such a huge amount of respect for the portfolio of brands we represent.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Would have to be my father, his work ethic growing up was amazing with multiple jobs and never complaining about what needed to be done. He certainly taught me lots about life, family, and to always keep your word on promises you make.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I was thrilled and excited to attend Champlain College for lots of great reasons when I was deciding where to attend school. None more important than to be in the the state and town where my favorite band came from, Phish!
Favorite Vermont Escape: My in laws house in Elmore VT, It's so quiet and easy going. Plus, my father in law loves a good beer so it's fun to bring him some special treats from the fridge.
Favorite Downtime Activity: I spend a lots of time attending events and our partners activity across the state all week so just being at home is always celebrated.
Favorite Super Hero: I honestly do not have a favorite, but as a good dad I will say Elsa from Frozen, my daughter would appreciate that. Not even sure she is an official superhero but in the eyes of Harlow Grace Chaffin, she would definitely argue her rightful place as a superhero.
Favorite Social Media: Instagram by far, but Facebook is amazing just for the fact you can keep up with friends and family normally it would be tough to see.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: I love when my parents visit here, so it's always fun to open a locally made beverage from a brand out of our portfolio to share. They all have such amazing stories and they are fun to showcase.
What is the best career advice you have received? Respect your competition, and you can still be kind when competing.
Career Highlights: It would be general, but I vividly remember my first day at work down at Breakwaters, at Long Trail Brewing and my first day at Farrell Distributing. Each of those days were such amazing stepping stones for me professionally and I respect all those folks that gave me those opportunities and that helped shape my career.
Community Involvement: This is something I very much love about what I currently do and how the ownership of Farrell very much believes in commitment to community as much as I do. We get to make lots of things come together locally that help fellow non-profits, business, local charities and all sorts of folks that need help and fundraising efforts. I am also fortunate our brand partners also have amazing hearts and throw there efforts into the mix every day as well helping causes they believe in and are passionate about. The fact that I get to be a part of all those amazing opportunities to help deliver needs and wants through combined efforts is something I do not take for granted and cherish.
JENNIFER Costa
Favorite Part of Job? No two days are the same. News is dynamic. I never know whose personal story of struggle or triumph I will tell. I love the unpredictability of my day.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I've lived in eight different states. Experiencing life in New Jersey, Mississippi, Florida, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Vermont helped shaped the person I am today.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Nothing tops fall in Vermont, so Shelburne Orchard is my favorite escape. There's something comforting in the rows of fruit trees surrounded by the soundtrack of squealing children.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Yoga is my saving grace. It's an hour to forget daily stressors while focusing on mind, body and soul.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: My husband. Life is hectic. At the end of the week there's no one I'd rather crack a craft beer with than my best friend.
What is the best career advice you have received? When you feel stuck, make a change. Don't be afraid to fail. Fear never taking chances.
Career Highlights: Landing a job at WCAX launched my career. From there, hard work and a series of talented mentors shaped me into the award winning journalist I am today. The highlight reel includes winning an Edward R. Murrow award for my Tropical Storm Irene coverage, Emmy nominations for "Odd Jobs" and Vermont's opiate crisis, as well as being chosen as a fellow for the New England First Amendment Coalition Institute.
Community Involvement: As Channel 3's investigative and consumer reporter, my main charge is to fight for the community, exposing government waste and protecting people from scams. On a personal note, I've spent many years committed to international volunteering, building Lorena Stoves in Mexico, working in a Leprosy hospital in Guyana and collaborating with ex-gang members in El Salvador to protect at-risk youth through positive community development.
LINDSAY DesLauriers
Favorite Part of Job? The best thing about my work is how creative it lets me be. Between building and designing a state chapter, the dynamic nature of working with so many business owners and entrepreneurs, and the variety that comes with working in policy and politics - no day is the same and I love figuring out how to get from here to there.
Most Inspiring Mentor: I really don't have one single person who stands out as an example above the rest. Several mentors have punctuated my life at different stages and shaped how I approach my career, but my steadiest and most reliable consultants are my mom and dad.
Favorite Vermont Escape: There's nothing quite like sailing on Lake Champlain or a quiet ski in the woods on a sunny winter morning.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Reading novels.
Career Highlights: Founding the Vermont chapter of Main Street Alliance is far and away the greatest highlight of my career so far. It has been and continues to be truly challenging and exciting. Making the strange leap into politics and advocacy was an unexpected right turn in my life and I'll forever be grateful to Voices for Vermont's Children for the opportunity. Finally, seeing the VT legislature pass the Paid Sick Days bill this spring with so much input from MSA business owners was extremely gratifying.
Community Involvement: I'm really excited about becoming a board member of the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center. Our beautiful lake should be accessible to everyone who lives here and a natural playground for all the kids. It's great to be a part of this organization as it grows.
I've also found politics to be a great avenue to reach kids and young adults. I enjoy volunteering with schools groups that come to visit the statehouse to talk about the legislative process and show them the many different ways that they could get involved in public policy.
STEPHANIE Dion
Favorite Part of Job? I love the people that I work with at the University. There is a true commitment to make the world a better place and to be a community that embodies the values set forth in UVM’s “Our Common Ground” which are Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Openness, Justice and Responsibility. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by people with this mindset that inspire me to succeed each day.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Professionally, Linda Tarr-Whelan, former UN Ambassador is an inspiration and role model for me. Her book “Women Lead the Way” is my go to for most professional situations. She has always made time for my questions, shown a genuine interest in my success and future, and has cleared a path for women like myself. Personally, my inspiration is my mom. She is an eternal optimist who has taught me there will always be better days, to strive for the best, and to always believe I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
Favorite Vermont Escape: I love spending time at any of Vermont’s beautiful ponds or lakes. We used to spend summers on Joe’s Pond and explored many others. I love the crystal clear waters, loon sightings and beautiful surroundings. It reminds me of my childhood and it makes me happy to create the same memories with own family.
Favorite Downtime Activity: I enjoy running to clear my head and to think. I also love sitting down at the lake with a good book and watching my girls play. There is nothing like hearing the waves to relax and knowing that my kids are happy.
Favorite Social Media: use Twitter for news updates and to keep abreast of what is going on locally and throughout the world. I like Facebook to stay in contact with friends and family that I don’t get to see as much as I’d like.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? My goal is to continue learning, remain curious, be adaptive and always be prepared for the next step in my career. This can lead to a non-linear path which I find to be exciting. It would be wonderful to be in senior administration at UVM so that I continue to contribute to the success of my alma mater.
Career Highlights: The moments I am most proud of are when I’ve been able to inspire change and mediate two different perspectives. Richard Cate, Vice President of Finance at UVM (another great mentor) provided me with the opportunity as Interim Co-Director of Administrative Business Services at UVM. This was a “start-up” center that centralized various HR and finance functions. It required strategic thinking, teamwork, diplomacy and collaboration. I worked countless hours (with a toddler and newborn baby at home), did extensive research, and formed many partnerships by active listening and leading change. I was offered the Director position and continued to grow the center. I had the opportunity to work with an amazing team of people who I will always stay in contact with.
A second accomplishment that will always stand out for me was being asked by President Sullivan to serve as the only staff person on the Budget Advisory Committee led by the Financial & Physical Planning Committee (Faculty Senate Committee). This was a short term project to assess the budget model at UVM. We collaborated, challenged each other, and produced a great product. Due to the success of working together, members of the committee made a recommendation to the Chair for me to continue attending meetings after the project was submitted. I was truly honored and it was a great example of faculty and staff working together to ensure success at the University.
Community Involvement: I am currently a school board member at Christ the King School. I also volunteer for many Christ the King events and school initiatives. I do work a lot so I think it’s important that my girls also see me as an active participant in their school. It allows me to give back to a community of people that are playing a role in shaping the lives of my children. Also, my girls are so happy to think that I help at their school.
I serve on the steering committee for Women’s United which is a council of United Way of Northwest Vermont. Our goal is to promote women’s financial stability through engagement, education and empowerment. This has been an amazing opportunity for me to impact change and meet brilliant and talented women throughout Vermont.
JESSICA Edgerly Walsh
Favorite Part of Job? For me the crisis of global climate change, and how to treat it, is one of few issues that will define our generation. Every day, I work as part of a team that identifies and drives market solutions, to ensure our state remains a leader in transitioning to a clean energy economy. It's innovative, fast-paced, meaningful, and fun.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Alyssa Schuren hired me out of college and guided me as I launched my career. I could not have asked for a stronger example of adept, insightful, patient staff management and training.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Walking through Montpelier's Hubbard Park on a crisp, cold night, under a clear sky, just after fresh snow has fallen is a favorite winter escape from cabin fever.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Soccer seasons have marked my calendar since I was a little girl. Now, with a little one at home, evening soccer games are not only good fun, but now offer needed adult time.
Favorite Social Media: Facebook is my go-to for crowd-sourced news and social updates. I still remember when Facebook arrived on my college campus junior year!
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Desmond Tutu. The work of overcoming hurt and animosity to rebuild trust and community is the most challenging, tireless work I could imagine. Not only did Desmond Tutu have the guts to lift up reconciliation as a core tool in dismantling apartheid, but his efforts met with enormous success.
Career Highlights: I started my career at Toxics Action Center, working with Vermont communities challenged by local pollution issues. The work was both enormously challenging and enormously fulfilling, and so filled with highlights. The day International Paper announced it would stop burning tires as fuel in Ticonderoga or the day the Vermont legislature voted to close VT Yankee, those were some of the best days. At SunCommon, we've created different financing options, and launched different solar offerings - all aimed at helping more Vermonters go solar, easily and affordably. I'm proud of each step we've taken, finding clean energy solutions for more of our neighbors. We celebrated our 1000th solar installation a couple years ago and we're nearing our 2000th solar home now!
Community Involvement: National and state politics often take center stage in the media, while town leadership is rarely in the spotlight. But, impactful decisions are made at the town level.
Of the different community work I've been a part of, I'm most proud of what I've been able to achieve as a City Councilor. During my time on Council, we've created a comprehensive bike and ped plan, and funded its implementation. We've gotten a pubic transit center project off the ground, as well as a several mile extension of our bike path. We set a goal of achieving net zero by 2030, and we're well on our way. And we're on the verge of building 56 new housing units in our historic downtown through public-private partnerships.
I never imagined I'd have this much fun or find this much fulfillment diving into municipal business.
RUSS Elek
Favorite Part of Job? I get paid to drink coffee (and beer!) with business owners who care about more than just making a profit. These are people who want to do more with their businesses, who think about the impact they have on their employees and the environment, and who are trying to do better each day. It inspires me.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Steve Clever, now CEO of the Ross County YMCA in Ohio, was my first “real” boss and is one of the smartest men, and the best mental health counselor, that I’ve ever met. He taught me a lot about work/life balance, what it means to stand up for what you believe in, and how to continually work towards being the person you want to become. He helped my golf game too ;)
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I started dating my wife during the same month and year that my first nephew (Hunter) was born. Each year I get to celebrate the person he is becoming as well as the years I have spent with my amazing wife. He’s 11.
Favorite Vermont Escape: If I’m being healthy, Red Rocks Park in South Burlington. If not so much, Harpoon Brewery in Windsor or Cold Hollow in Waterbury.
Favorite Downtime Activity: I am married with two kids under 3, have a full-time job, volunteer for my church, and serve on the board of Full Barrel Cooperative Brewery. What is downtime? (I hope to one day get to read, golf, run and watch Notre Dame football again.)
Favorite Super Hero: Batman; there’s something incredible about being able to take a terrible tragedy and turn it into a force for good. And, the money doesn’t hurt either.
Favorite Social Media: I love using Twitter for work, but in my personal life Facebook has offered a chance to remain uniquely engaged with friends and family from Ohio. Although getting retweeted by Robert Patrick and Earnest Byner was pretty cool, too.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Okay, cliché time: Barack Obama. I’m going to miss that guy when he leaves the White House, but maybe that means he’ll be available to hang out?
What is the best career advice you have received? Andrea Cohen always told me to make sure I was taking care of myself. It seems silly, but when your boss stresses that your well-being is important, you really believe it and when you take care of yourself you actually end up being a more productive and faithful employee.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I would love to be the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization or in a leadership position on the communication team of a mission-driven, for-profit organization (B Corps anyone??).
Career Highlights: The first time I was asked to emcee VBSR’s Annual Spring Conference, I was incredibly nervous and so, so excited. Here I was, a millennial flatlander addressing more than 300 Vermont successful business leaders focused on the triple-bottom-line approach. And, when I got to the podium, they listened and were engaged. I didn’t get laughed at or booed off stage, and I remember feeling like I was making a difference just by being in the room with them. I still get that feeling every time I hold the microphone at a VBSR event.
Community Involvement: When I came back to God in my early twenties, I realized pretty quickly that I needed to be serving Him in some capacity. Selfishly, I know I'm a better person when I am serving. When I moved to VT, that attitude didn’t change. I have enjoyed serving under two different pastors at the Williston Church of the Nazarene, and I look forward to getting reengaged when my kids become a little older.
I owe a lot of my other Burlington-based community involvement to my good friend Robin Sutphin, former GM of New Moon, who now lives in Minnesota. He “dragged” me to a Full Barrel Cooperative Brewery event where there was free beer and talk of a different ownership structure. He later encouraged me to run for the board with him, and we served together for a year. Most memorable though, was when New Moon’s monthly Homeless Banquet gained steam and he asked me to serve with that community with him too... those nights were special.
COLLIN Fingon
Favorite Part of Job? Everyday I get to help people define and achieve their goals. People have a lot of anxiety over financial matters and I get to use my expertise to help relieve them of these worries and enjoy life!
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I have a beautiful singing voice...kidding, but I do love to sing to myself.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Jay Peak. In the summer of 2013 I married my wife Jackie at the top of the mountain!
Favorite Downtime Activity: I love to run and travel the world. Everywhere my wife and I travel I make sure to explore via my feet! For me, It is a great way to acclimate to a foreign environment.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Anyone who doubts the superiority of VT beers. But in all honesty, I would love to share a beer with my late Father.
What is the best career advice you have received? If you always focus on the client's needs, the results will be positive for all involved.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? Personally, I plan to continue to expand my financial services business while I also spend time helping develop economic growth in the region
Career Highlights: I have many career highlights, in my business anytime a client thanks me for helping them and their family is a highlight to me. Starting my own solo firm in 2016 has been a big moment for me.
Community Involvement: I was born and raised in Rutland, VT. This community has always supported me and helped shape who I am. I enjoy every chance I get to give back and help grow Rutland and Vermont into the future. I am involved in many boards and organizations, and all of them have positive impact on our region!
SARAH Fortier
Favorite Part of Job? My favorite part of being at MSJ is split equally between the wonderfully caring and compassionate students I get to interact with every day and the unbelievable community that is MSJ. It is such a warm, inviting and supportive place to work.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My most inspiring mentor has been Reverend Monsignor Bernard Bourgeois. He was the former principal of Rice. He has taught me a lot about the type of leader I want to be: one with vision and a clear path of how to get things accomplished while always keeping the best interest of the kids at heart.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Country concerts are my favorite. I love the music, the cowboy hats, the cowboy boots; everything about them rocks!
Favorite Vermont Escape: My parents lake house on Lake Bomoseen is my favorite. I have been lucky enough to spend every summer of my life there.
Favorite Downtime Activity: I love watching my beloved New England Patriots (Go TB#12) and the Boston Red Sox. I am an avid runner and I love playing corn hole with my husband Keith.
Favorite Super Hero: Well Tom Brady of course! He is the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time) after all!!!
Favorite Social Media: I like Facebook because it allows me to connect with all the people who have walked into my life at different stages on the daily basis if I so choose.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: I would like to share a Vermont beverage with Tom Brady and David Ortiz. Both are incredible athletes who serve as role models to those around them in so many ways, especially in the way in which they give back to so many.
What is the best career advice you have received? The best career advice I have received is to think of my career as a vocation, something I was called to do. I believe my career is a vocation and I love what I do!
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I see myself in my 23rd year at MSJ; the best part? My twins, Carmody and Cash, who are current first graders, will be Juniors!
Career Highlights: I started my career as a part time teacher. After a year I earned full time status. During the summer before my third year of teaching I was offered the job as the Dean of Students and as a member of the administration team. After being the Dean for seven years I became the Principal of MSJ. I have coached Women’s Soccer for 13 years as well. I love both of my jobs!
Community Involvement: I have been the advisor for Project Help, a school Christmas project at MSJ in which we provide Christmas dinner and presents for 100 local needy families, for a combined 15 years: four as a student and 11 as a teacher.I have run races in honor of my son Jack who was born with atypical, bilateral clubfeet. Our team is called “For Jack”. We have been sponsored in these races and sent donations to the Boston Children’s Hospital to help with clubfoot research and treatment. One year we held our own “For Jack” 5k.
My soccer teams have joined me in participating in multiple community wide events such as the Walk for Alzheimer’s and the Walk to Prevent Child Abuse.
I worked with the under 6 year olds this past spring every Saturday morning teaching soccer skills with the Rutland Recreation Department. I love giving back to the community. I try to emulate my father, John, who always taught me the importance of helping others in as many capacities as possible.
ASHLEY Michelle Fowler
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I'm a karaoke superstar. My song of choice: "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?" by Shania Twain.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Cabot, VT is magical after a heavy snowfall. Everything is covered in white and the majesty of Vermont is on display.
Favorite Downtime Activity: There is nothing I find more peaceful and enjoyable than fishing on a Vermont lake, river, or pond without a care in the world. It's my happy place.
Favorite Super Hero: Who can choose just one? I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Storm- she was the first hero I saw that looked anything like me and she rocks at everything she does.
Favorite Social Media: Definitely Facebook. I like to think I'm Facebook popular.
What is the best career advice you have received? Just say yes.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? Wherever my career takes me, I aspire to constantly champion the rights of those who lack a voice and promote access for the underrepresented. That's when I know I'm doing fulfilling work.
Career Highlights:
Panelist, Screening of "The Mask You Live In," Peace & Justice Center, October 2015
Featured Panelist, "Giving Voice to the Pain: Black Lives Matter" at The University of Vermont, January 2015
Staff Woman of the Year, University of Vermont Women's Center, March 2014
Community Involvement: I have served on the Board of Directors for Vermont Community Access Media (VCAM) for the past 4 years and currently serve as the Chair. I've also volunteered with Girl Develop It- Burlington, and Code for BTV. I've been a member of the Williston Seventh-Day Adventist Church for more than 11 years and been active in various parts of the ministry.
TESS Gauthier
Favorite Part of Job? I’m a mission driven person, and my work as Project Manager with the UVM Medical Center offers an opportunity to align my personal values with the organization’s goals to improve the health of people in our community. As a relentlessly curious person, the complexity of healthcare challenges me on a daily basis, presenting opportunities to learn each day from incredibly talented people.
Most Inspiring Mentor: It’s a two-way tie between my brother Tyler Gauthier and former colleague Dana Brosig. They help others when there is not a direct benefit to themselves, lead with a strong moral compass, and have an exceptional ability to bring together people with differing opinions to solve problems. We need more people in the world like them!
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I’ve been to 29 countries (not including airport layovers).
Favorite Vermont Escape: Boating with my family in the Lake Champlain Islands.
Favorite Super Hero: The thousands of Vermonters who serve our communities as firefighters and EMS personnel. Almost every community in Vermont relies on volunteers each day to respond to emergencies at all hours of the day, in every type of weather condition. Their contributions are heroic and selfless.
Favorite Social Media: Instagram.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: My grandmother, who taught me the importance of a well-tailored blazer and the neck scarf. She has been my lifelong cheerleader and has a sharp sense of humor.
Career Highlights: I’ve built a rewarding career working with a number of projects that have advanced the well-being of Vermont. Highlights include:
• Collaborating on the implementation of a National Telecommunications Information Administration grant to develop middle-mile fiber optic infrastructure.
• Supporting the Snelling Center for Government as part of the Vermont Digital Economy Project to deploy 25 government websites throughout the state.
• Directing the State of Vermont’s participation in the National Public Safety Broadband Network—the last unmet recommendation of the 911 Commission.
Community Involvement:
Current:
Board Member, CCTV Center for Media and Democracy
Economic Development Advisor, Vermont & Rwanda: Connecting Vermont coffee company with Rwandan agriculturalist to develop coffee farm, with the goal of supporting economic development through specialty coffee markets.
Past:
Board Member, Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce
United State Peace Corps, Community Health and Economic Development Volunteer, Western Uganda
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)
Common Ground Relief
Johnson Food Shelf
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
ZACHARY Hayward
Favorite Part of Job? I have had the good fortune to work in a unique industry, for a family owned business, supporting farmers and the working landscape. Every day poses new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow. I work with a terrific team of dedicated individuals working towards a common goal; producing the highest quality value added maple products anywhere.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Jim Macisaac. He taught me the importance of the right attitude and optimism in business and life.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Walks in the woods with my family and dogs. Watching football and playing scrabble with my father.
Favorite Super Hero: The Incredible Hulk. The embodiment of "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger", and green is my favorite color.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Bill Belichick. The ultimate manager; success, stability, total buy in from his employees of the importance of every job.
What is the best career advice you have received? "Everything happens for a reason." "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? In the right place. It has always been my goal, in sports, in life, and professionally, to be in the position where my skills and abilities make the most difference.
What will that be in ten years? I have no idea, but I have faith it will work out.
Career Highlights: The rapid growth and seasonal nature of the maple industry for the last ten years have made almost every year the best and busiest that I've yet experienced. Each year has provided new and different challenges and overcoming them and circling the calendar successfully has been its own highlight. Every production goal achieved, order shipped on time, and customer satisfied is the result of a total team effort. Every day needs to be a highlight reel in itself.
Community Involvement: My work, family, and farm occupy the majority of my waking hours. I do my best to help out in the community where and when I can. In the past this has involved coaching several years of t-ball, farm league baseball, and youth soccer. I have also served as a mover when the local pre-k class had to move to and from a neighboring school due to high enrollment and space issues. My employer at the time loaned us their box truck twice and made a big job much easier.
My family is also very involved with the Central Vermont Humane Society. We fundraise actively, and have fostered dozens of cats, kittens, and a lot of dogs over the years.
BETSY Ide Bloomer
Favorite Part of Job? At Green Mountain Power, I love our customer obsession; our number one goal is happy customers. Second to that, is the team we work with to innovate, save money and keep Vermont green.
Most Inspiring Mentor: David Coates. David transformed my life. His careful attention to all around him, listening to everything, offering the most thoughtful advice and above all, leading with love. If we all had half the sparkle David does nothing would stop us.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: One of my life goals was to see Neil Diamond perform in Las Vegas. Sequins and slot machines. Mission accomplished and it was more amazing than I could have imagined, and yes, I was the youngest one in the audience.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Cooking! I love hosting a dinner party from start to finish. Guest lists, setting a beautiful table, crafting a fun menu, sitting around the table sharing stories, laughs and dreams.
What is the best career advice you have received? Take a deep breath, count to 10 and GO. Also, Love Wins.
Career Highlights: I had an incredible and aggressive career in Washington, DC working on and around Capitol Hill - but it was coming home to Vermont in 2011 and serving the state in our recovery from Tropical Storm Irene that is my most valuable contribution. As individuals and communities we are unique, resilient, and caring - when we come together to do it "the Vermont way" the results are just beyond.
Community Involvement: Moving to Rutland three years ago gave me a chance to be part of something, something big, this City has the biggest heart and I am happy to call it home. Membership on a variety of local and state-wide boards is a way to serve my community in a variety of ways. Two of my favorites include my love of supporting the arts through the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and closer to home, I can't wait to help raise money to renovate the Children's Area at the Rutland Free Library.
KATIE Kittell
Favorite Part of Job: Every day is different! I am able to dabble in all sorts of things. From producing the entire magazine to editing video and even getting a chance to take photos for the cover. I enjoy designing event campaigns, posters and ads. It really is never dull:)
Most Inspiring Mentor: My family has always been there for me, pusing me to work harder and to be a better person. They have shaped me to the person I am today. They have inspired me to be awesome at life every day.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I can play the spoons...particularly when 'Ring of Fire' by Johnny Cash comes on and family and friends are sitting around a bon fire;)
Favorite Vermont Escape: Every summer, since I was a little girl, my family has always gone to the Creamery Bridge swimming hole in Montgomery, VT. There's nothing better than jumping into the cool water on a hot summer day and having a picnic near the falls.
Favorite Downtime Activity: To relax, I listen to jazz either in my kitchen whilst I'm cooking, making pickles, pesto, gardening or even on my front porch watching the sunset!
Favorite Social Media: Instagram, Snapchat and Pinterest vie for #1 on any given day.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: I would love to sip 14th Star's Maple Breakfast Stout with no other than Grace Potter!
What is the best career advice you have received: Dress every day for the job you want.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years: I can't remember a time where I wasn't creating some form of art. Even little, I used to draw, paint and design my own magazine covers. Yeah, I did that! I would cut out letters, pictures and create my own cover designs. Perfect for what I do today! I can't imagine myself not being an artist! I will continue to dabble in design, painting and photograpy either in a professionally capacity or for my personal enjoyment.
Career Highlights: Right out of graduating college, I was given a chance to work for Alison and Ethan Dezotelle at the County Courier. They really supported my creativity and I learned so much from them. After living in Massachusetts for many years, I decided to come back home to Vermont and VBM gave me the opportunity to do just that! It is here that I've been able to really grow professionally, network, learn and develop my creative soul!
Community Involvement: Shamrockin' for a Cure, a St. Patty's Day themed party with a purpose to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis was founded in Atlanta, GA by a family member, Pam Baker Reed. Most of our family, friends and communtiy could not make the trip down south so we created Shamrockin' for a Cure VT. Recently, I've become Co-Chair of Shamrockin' for a Cure VT. This is a great event that includes dinner, dancing and much more! My plan is to raise more money than the year before and I plan on being involved for a long, long time. As of right now, we have focused most of our effort in Franklin County, but I am hopeful that we can make this into a statewide event! Shamrockin' for a Cure VT has a special place in my heart, to raise money to find a cure so that many can live longer and healthier lives!
JAMES Lambert
Favorite Part of Job? My favorite part of working at College of St. Joseph is the opportunity to work with many of the great organizations in the area, as well as our students. CSJ encourages us to be involved in the community through service or work on local non-profit boards, as well as make meaningful contributions to the experiences of our students inside the classroom and beyond.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Elizabeth Weinmann has been an invaluable mentor to me. Liz has always been generous with her time to share her considerable experience in business and marketing and help me expand my career far beyond journalism and communications. I will always be grateful for all she has done for me.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Rutland has a real jewel in Pine Hill Park, which is a great place for our family to get out and go for a walk. Outside of that, nothing beats the ballpark, soccer field or athletic center for a great day of CSJ athletics with my two sons, Caden and Cameron.
Favorite Downtime Activity: My wife, Summer, and I lead busy lives and don't see a lot of downtime. Despite all that we have going on, we try to set aside some “fun time” every weekend for the family – whether it's a walk, a movie, a day trip, or “football day” around the house.
Favorite Social Media: I love Twitter because I can connect with interesting people in the same field as me, as well as in other areas of interest.
What is the best career advice you have received? Join nonprofit boards and get out to community events to meet other professionals in the area. The connections you make at these events have great value.
Career Highlights: I've had the great fortune of working on a wide variety of projects and initiatives. Two of the biggest highlights of my career at College of St. Joseph are helping to launch Pro-C.E.E.D. At C SJ (Professional Continuing Education, Enrichment and Development at College of St. Joseph), a lineup of workforce development courses to meet the needs of Vermont employers and developing the curriculum for a successful social media concentration at the college.
Community Involvement: I enjoy helping local organizations and currently serve on the marketing committee of Rutland Economic Development Corp., which serves to market the Rutland region. I also serve on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Rutland County, which allows me to contribute in a small way to the great work that the Club does to enhance the lives of area children.
CHELSEA Lewis
Favorite Part of Job? I feel so lucky to get to work with some of the best food, farm and forest businesses in the country. The passion that they have for making a positive impact on their communities and Vermont's working landscape is inspiring. It is incredibly rewarding to connect these businesses with the resources they need to grow and thrive.
Most Inspiring Mentor: It has been an honor to work with Jolinda LaClair for nearly six years. She has dedicated her career to public service, and is adept at making government work effectively for its citizens and businesses. She takes seriously her role as supervisor, and has imparted incredible knowledge and leadership skills that I will carry with me.
Favorite Vermont Escape: I spend lots of time at the Waterbury Reservoir - swimming and boating in the summer, skiing in the winter, and dog walks the rest of the year.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Spending time in my garden with my 1-year-old son.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? Whether it be in the public or private sector, I see myself continuing to work with Vermont food businesses to build supply chain relationships and reach new markets.
Career Highlights: When I first started at the Agency of Agriculture I jumped into some exciting value chain coordination work with Vermont's meat industry. As the Chair of the Meat Processing Task Force, I worked closely with producers and processors to understand pinch points and capitalize on partnership opportunities. It was incredibly rewarding to make new connections that led to innovation and increased processing capacity in the state.
Community Involvement: My husband, Nate, and I moved to Waterbury over five years ago and love being a part of such a vibrant community. I have served on the board of Revitalizing Waterbury, which has been critical to the town's robust post-Irene recovery. As the owners of Moonlight Farm, Nate and I have enjoyed being a part of the Waterbury Farmers' Market, and welcoming people to the farm for pick your own.
Recipient of 2014 Vermont Public Service Recognition award, which acknowledges outstanding state employees for demonstrating commitment, talent and leadership in public service.
SHANA Louiselle
Favorite Part of Job? Out of all the things I like about my job, the common denominator comes down to the people. My communications role at VELCO provides me the opportunity to meet new and interesting people at every corner. I also have the pleasure to work with incredibly smart and creative colleagues during a time of exciting transformation in the utility industry!
Most Inspiring Mentor: I am blessed with an older sister who is the epitome of honesty, strength, intelligence and success. Her determination and hard work inspires me to be the best person I can be. Thank you for all of your encouragement and support, Tara.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I like watching survivor shows on TV. My husband and hike and camp often, and I am convinced we could survive the elements should the need ever arise!
Favorite Vermont Escape: The Chittenden Reservoir is my favorite place to escape. All I need is a kayak, my fishing pole and a good book.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Cooking is usually a matter of convenience in our household. But when I have a free Sunday I love to peruse cooking magazines and choose a challenging recipe I’ve never tried before. The clean up afterwards…not so much.
Favorite Social Media: Facebook keeps me connected with friends and family and it's an easy way to see what's happening in my community. I love to use my own profile page to share positive news, community events, and the occasional photo of my cat, Charlie.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: I would like to share a VT beverage with anyone who is thinking about moving to Vermont. I would convince them this is the best place to live, work and play before they’re finished with that Long Trail Ale.
What is the best career advice you have received? Step out of your comfort zone and always be willing to learn something new.
Career Highlights: I returned to Vermont after college to work at family owned newspaper in Killington. I learned a great deal of valuable skills working closely with the sales manager and publisher. In 2009, I was invited to join the VELCO team in the communications department where I helped manage the company’s public outreach program for electric transmission projects. I currently serve as the Communications & Policy Advocate managing corporate communications and governmental affairs. Since 2012, I’ve assisted the facilitation of the Vermont System Planning Committee, a statewide collaborative stakeholder process for addressing electric grid reliability planning in Vermont. In 2015 I enrolled into the MBA program at College of Saint Joseph in Rutland, VT and expect to receive my degree in December 2016.
Community Involvement: I feel fortunate to have grown up in Rutland County. This community helped shape the person I am today and because of that I take pride in serving for organizations trying to make a positive difference in the place I call home.
MICHAEL Ly
Favorite Part of Job? I love meeting with entrepreneurs, coaching my employees, and meeting new customers.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Erik Widmark was ran a nonprofit I had my first accounting job at. He ran every staff meeting as if we were leading the most important company in the world. He taught me three things - show up, always say thank you, and kill them with kindness.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I enjoy listening to R&B music.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Eating ethnic food while talking faith, politics and culture - in no particular order.
Favorite Social Media: Facebook.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Tony Hsieh - CEO of Zappos.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I will probably be running my next company after having sold my current one.
Career Highlights: My career is filled with starts. I got my first accounting job at 16, started my first company at 19 and started management consulting after college. I became the senior financial leader of a national consulting firm in Seattle in 2008. I started my own consulting practice in 2012 and started ReconciledIt.com in 2015, which has grown to 9 employees in just over a year.
Community Involvement: I volunteer as a leader with my church, serving there since 2012. I serve on the Board of Sara Holbrook Community Center in Burlington. I am also the treasurer of the PTO at CP Smith Elementary.
MICHAEL McCarthy
Favorite Part of Job? Helping people discover that they can save money and do something great for to make their world a healthier, safer place with renewable energy.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My mother has taught me that you can be kind and strong. She works harder than anyone I have ever seen and gets so much joy out of serving others.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I spent three years in California singing and playing guitar in Los Angeles instead of going to medical school.
Favorite Vermont Escape: I love heading out to Hathaway Point at Kilcare park where St. Albans Bay meets the open part of Lake Champlain. It's beautiful and holds many great memories.
Favorite Downtime Activity: I love playing guitar and writing songs.
Favorite Super Hero: I'm a big fan of Batman. He uses tech, hard work and his ingenuity, not some miraculous event to get his powers.
Favorite Social Media: I'm on Facebook way too much, along with my wife and daughter.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: I'd like to sit down with Elon Musk and talk about changing the way we use and create energy over some Hill Farmstead.
What is the best career advice you have received? Don't be afraid to suggest "crazy" ideas or ask "stupid" questions. I've solved a lot of tough problems that way!
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I'd like to continue to be innovating in the energy sector, not only deploying renewables but helping people transform their relationship with the energy they use.
Career Highlights: At one point my team learned that many of the projects we'd been working on were not going to be permitted. It was a huge blow with a year's effort down the tubes. We didn't quit. We shifted gears, got to work on profitable projects with a bunch of businesses, and transformed a key part of our company in the process.
Community Involvement: I've been proud to represent St. Albans in the Vermont House and Chair the St. Albans Downtown Board. I play guitar about twice a month for our band at St. Paul's United Methodist. I've been a frequent member of board and Circles of Support and Accountability at the St. Albans Restorative Justice Center. Our community has achieved a huge revitalization in the past few years, and I have loved being a part of it.
EVA McKend
Favorite Part of Job? My favorite part of working at WCAX is meeting dynamic and interesting people. I love that no day in the office is the same. It’s a privilege to interview a diverse cross section of Vermonters. In one week on our show the :30, I could be sitting down with a nationally recognized author, a local musician, a carillonist, a farmer and a candidate for president. There are few professional opportunities that offer that range. Being a journalist allows me to learn so much about the world and in turn a lot about myself.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My most inspiring mentor is my mother. She is an incredibly hard worker, aggressive, persistent, unapologetic and a fierce advocate for her one and only child. My mother never gives up and has instilled that sense of dogged and relentless determination in me
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I imagine few people know I love the outdoors. Growing up, I spent seven summers at a sleepaway camp for girls in New Hampshire. It was there that I learned to appreciate hiking, swimming, boating and nature.
Favorite Vermont Escape: There are so many places I love in Vermont but there is nothing like jumping into beautiful Lake Dunmore. It never disappoints.
Favorite Downtime Activity: My favorite downtime activity is hitting the trails. Mount Philo never fails. I really enjoy Nichols Ledge. I’ve also been fortunate to hike Mount Hunger and Mount Worcester. I’m still in training for Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield.
Favorite Super Hero: My favorite super hero is my father. He’s quiet but strong and a wonderful story teller. He even looks like a super hero with his pristinely coiffed gray afro.
Favorite Social Media: My favorite social media platforms are Facebook and Instagram. I used to enjoy tweeting live during the show Scandal but my work schedule no longer allows me to participate.
What is the best career advice you have received? The best career advice I’ve received is to be less intensely focused on what everyone else is doing because it distracts you from all of the opportunities you can take advantage of in your own professional journey.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I don’t know where I see myself in ten years but my hope is I am joyful, healthy, madly in love with life and finding purpose both personal and professionally.
Career Highlights: I’ve had so many incredible moments in my young career. When I was at Time Warner Cable News in New York, I was on the front lines of covering the immigration crisis when a number of unaccompanied minors were crossing the border, fleeing violence in Central America. One undocumented young man was able to reconnect with his family in Upstate New York and I was at the airport to witness the reunion. The now teenager had not seen his parents since he was a young child. A lot of people talk about borders, walls and immigration but to see it first hand, the devastation that failed policy has created was humbling. I will never forget seeing a teenage boy nearly fall to the floor out of joy to see his parents. It reminded me to never take anything for granted.
Community Involvement: I was fortunate to get connected with two great community organizations in Vermont. I am a mentor in the South Burlington school district and I also volunteer at the preschool program at King Street Center. Being around young people is such a joy. Children are perceptive and thoughtful. I would argue I’ve learned there is little use in trying to hide something from a child because they are wiser than many people realize. I get a lot more from those experiences than I could ever give. The real MVP’s are the teachers in the preschool program. They are such hard workers and are incredible to watch. It takes a lot of talent, love, creativity and patience to truly care for a child.
TYLER McNaney
Favorite Part of Job? I love that every day is different. I have also had many opportunities to meet a lot of interesting people who are also working on neat projects.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My Grandfather has been one of the most influential people in both my life and all of my professional endeavors. He was a brilliant machinist who I can attribute my love for design and engineering to. I am forever grateful for his guidance.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: My girlfriend and I adopted a blind dog named Ray Charles!
Favorite Vermont Escape: I enjoy Mini biking on Vermont back roads and trails. I also love to explore Vermont's great swimming holes.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Whats downtime? Honestly, I have made my hobbies my downtime, in turn my work is my downtime.
Favorite Super Hero: Ironman - Tony Stark, who wouldn't want an Ironman suit?
Favorite Social Media: Reddit is my favorite place for media. I favorite subreddit is submechanophobia. Look it up!
What is the best career advice you have received? So far the best advice has been to just keep moving forward. It’s always easier to throw in the towel, but it is so much more rewarding to use the towel to wipe off the sweat.
Career Highlights: I have enjoyed working many places in Vermont. A summer of work at Vermont Youth Conservation Camp, a counselor at Green Mountain Conservation Camp, and internship at Husky injection molding to name a few. I am also proud the be an Eagle Scout and which has taken me many places. Most of the work I have done has been within my own company. Filabot specifically has allowed me to gain multiple awards for work within recycling and in the community.
Community Involvement: I grew up participating in Boy Scouts. In Scouts is where the desire and willingness to give back were instilled. Our Scout troop participated in many volunteering events, from providing meals to the homeless to helping our local community with general projects. My Eagle Scout project was rebuilding the deck on Taft Lodge, on Mt. Mansfield, for fellow hikers and travelers.
I was also a counselor at Green Mountain Conservation Camp for a few years. At this camp, campers would be taught outdoor skills, such as hunting, camping, and other survival skills. I assisted in teaching classes, cooking meals, and repairing camp equipment.
Recently I have been able to make time to give back to the local community. I have been volunteering at the Vermont Granite Museum. This is a great place to visit to learn about the history of Vermont Granite mining.
At Filabot we donate filament to the eNable community. This group 3D prints prosthetic hands for people in need. We provide this filament free of any cost, in the USA and around the world.
KATIE Miller
Favorite Part of Job? At VSA Vermont, we talk a lot about "using the magic of the arts." I feel so fortunate to work for an organization that touches the lives of so many people across the state and meeting the people we work with, partners, participants, and volunteers is truly inspiring. I get to make magic with an incredible team every day, and who doesn't love magic?
Most Inspiring Mentor: My most inspiring mentor in my life is my husband, Stephen. When we met he was the TA in my photography class, and since then he's always encouraged me to do and be my absolute best. His creativity, work ethic, and drive are unparalleled, and since we met 10 years ago I've been inspired every day to chase my dreams and work hard just by being around him.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I am a bit of a creemee connoisseur - I try new creemee places as often as possible and have a four star rating system, down to the sprinkles. If you need a hot tip on where the best creemee is in your area, I'm your gal. I am also the undefeated backgammon champion of our household (much to my husband's dismay).
Favorite Vermont Escape: Lake Willoughby is the best kept secret in Vermont, because it's like you're in another world. Truly, with all of the beauty here, the entire state is an escape.
Favorite Downtime Activity: In my downtime, which doesn't come often, I really enjoy cooking or anything remotely creative. I also like taking my dog for a walk in the woods with my husband.
Favorite Super Hero: Is Oprah an option? I would love to sit down with her for just five minutes some day.
Favorite Social Media: Instagram, because you can tell so much with just a picture.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Vermonter: Madeleine Kunin
Non-Vermonter: Tina Fey
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I feel as though the older I get, the vaguer my answer to this becomes. I see myself still working in the non-profit world, perhaps as an Executive Director or still working in communications and fundraising.
Career Highlights: Some of my career highlights include:
-Starting and successfully running my own photography business from the ground up. I shot a lot of weddings for free and now have so many inquiries I have to turn people away. I also operate under the belief that everyone should be able to have high quality work at an affordable price, and my work outside of photography allows me to keep costs to clients at a minimum.
-Accepting a position at VSA Vermont. It's not every day that someone gets to get paid to do what they love, and I have made a career out of TWO jobs that are in my field and bring me joy every day.
-Working with a team to overcome a potentially crushing financial deficit and coming out successful, part of which involved co-creating an entirely new fundraising event at Higher Ground.
-Taking 12 teens across the country to Joplin, Missouri to help rebuild after tornadoes destroyed many of the homes and business in town. If making it there and back with all of the kids in one piece isn't an accomplishment, I don't know what is!
Community Involvement: I grew up in a "volunteering family," with a firefighter/scout leader father and a mother who was on pretty much every parent committee, Girls Scout council, and church church group available. So, being involved and giving back is in my blood.
Currently, I volunteer my time mentoring an 11 year-old girl from Milton. We have been matched for almost three years and it's one of the best parts of my week. Being with her reminds me how important it is to be in the moment, and that personal connections really do matter.
I also recently joined the Board of Directors at the Winooski Coalition for a Safe and Peaceful Community, and started volunteering at Vermont Children's Hospital. Being on the board of WCSPC has me much more invested in the youth and future of the community in which I live. I'm energized by the staff and board of the organization, and know that Winooski will continue to grow, adapt, and thrive with organizations like this one leading the way!
JASON Mosel
Favorite Part of Job? Helping employees grow within their careers.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My most inspiring mentor is Sergeant Major Ellis. He was out battalion Sergeant Major who lost his life during our second tour in Iraq. His leadership qualities and relationship with his Marines is something which I strive for everyday.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: On my off time, I enjoy gardening and utilizing the harvest for cooking and canning.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Finding hills and trails to run through. This can be all over the state as there are many different trails to run on.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Exercising and running different obstacle course races such as Tough Mudder and the Spartan Race.
Favorite Super Hero: Punisher.
Favorite Social Media: SnapChat.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Shaun T from the Beachbody program Insanity.
What is the best career advice you have received? If your title was taken away, would your employees still follow you?
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? Continuing to grow in my career through education and knowledge.
Career Highlights: During my four years in the Marines, I gained the rank of Sergeant and was deployed three times to Iraq twice and Japan once. I was awarded the following ribbons including Combat Action Ribbon, Purple Heart, and Iraq campaign Medal. During my time at Comcast, I became the lead technician for the Montpelier area within 3 years of working with the company and became supervisor after 5 years with the company.
Community Involvement:
Insanity Live Class- I am a group fitness instructor for Beachbody Live and I teach the workout Insanity from beachbody in Barre. What I charge the people that come to my classes is a donation to one of two non-profits which are the Semper Fi Fund and breast Cancer research foundation. To date, through the fitness classes we have raised $150 for breast cancer research foundation and $460 for the Semper Fi fund. I do not take any personal profit from the classes and all the proceeds go straight to the nonprofit organizations.
Restoration of cemeteries- I watched a news report about the Vermont old cemetery association. They were discussing the work that they have been doing to preserve the cemeteries throughout the state which are the final resting place to many people that built not only our state, but our country as well. I reached out to the association and was able to partner with them to help them with cemeteries in Rutland and Wallingford. This included repairing grave sites from revolutionary and civil war veterans.
Vermont Food bank- I began a partnership with the Vermont Food bank and wanted to help the organization out in many different ways as the work they do help many Vermonters who struggle with affording food. I have been able to find volunteers which have helped distribute food at their drop location in Derby Vermont. I have also brought my team down to their facility in Barre and have spent the day helping them sort food donations that have been given to the organization, and this will be the third year which our team participates in the pick for your neighbor event. The first two years we have picked and donated more than 1000 pounds of apples for the food bank and we will continue this as it is a great opportunity to help a great organization and the people of the community in which we serve.
STIRLING Peebles
Favorite Part of Job? I work for Green Mountain Self-Advocates and my favorite part of the job is becoming a better self-advocate in my community. I also work at Center for Disability and Community Inclusion’s Think College Vermont project at UVM as their Dissemination Assistant. My favorite part of the job at Think College is helping to get students with disabilities a chance to have a college experience.
Favorite Vermont Escape: My favorite Vermont escape is the Waterfront in Burlington. I can spend hours taking photographs with my new camera and IPhone 6.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: I would like to share a Vermont beverage with the United States Senator Bernie Sanders.
What is the best career advice you have received? I have gotten job advice from my mentor who happens to be one of my male co-workers. His advice to me is to be open minded, flexible and accepting feedback from co-workers.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I see myself being an Employment specialist or a job coach for young adults with disabilities. I also want to have my own production company.
Career Highlights:
Think College Dissemination Assistant
Center on Disability and Community Inclusion (CDCI)
January 2014 – Present (2 years 10 months) University of Vermont
My responsibilities include the following duties: updating social media sites, write articles, creating and editing various videos and Think College Recruitment.
Advocacy Educator
Green Mountain Self-Advocates
February 2014 – Present (2 years 9 months)Montpelier, Vermont
Planned and produce two life histories per school year, interview, edit and caption videos.
Consultant
Institute for Community Inclusion
February 2016 – Present (9 months)
Consulting with the Think Work Project. Helping them post employment related topics on their Facebook page.
Community Involvement: I Became a member of Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) and wrote the cover article for their newsletter in 2014. In August I started a closed group on Facebook called The Employment Corner. The main focus of this group is to help young adults with disabilities transition to supported employment instead of sheltered workshops. We need to work together as a team to make this a reality if possible. In 2015, I became a board member of the Vermont APSE chapter. In 2016, I Presented a workshop on “Learning to use soft skills in the workplace” at the Association of People Supporting Employment First national conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In the year of 2015, I Produced the video “The Ballad of Bernie” with Ed Paquin and other musicians. This is the link to the video on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_xZzp41h_o Last December I did a guest appearance on ORCA Media’s Vote for Vermont program with Pat McDonald. I talked about employment for people with disabilities.
This year in March I was Appointed by Governor Shumlin to be on the Governor's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities.Two months later, in May I was asked to speak on a panel about soft skills in the workplace at the annual Disability Awareness Day at the Vermont Statehouse.
MICHAEL Pieciak
Favorite Part of Job? Having the opportunity to work with the dedicated and bright employees of the Department of Financial Regulation to fulfill the Department’s duel charge of protecting Vermonters and fostering fair and efficient financial markets in our state.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My parents have always set an excellent example by treating others fairly and with respect and through their strong commitment to give back to their community.
Favorite Vermont Escape: I would say it is a tie between the Dorset quarry and Burton Island State Park.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Playing golf or enjoying a Vermont craft beer.
Favorite Social Media: Twitter – it is a great way to stay up to speed on the news of the day.
Career Highlights: Graduated cum laude from Union College with a degree in political science then received a law degree summa cum laude from the University of Miami School and served as editor-in-chief of the “Miami Law Review.” After law school practiced law in New York City at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in the Mergers and Acquisitions Group before returning to Vermont to practice law at Downs Rachlin Martin. Was appointed deputy commissioner and then commissioner of the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation by Gov. Peter Shumlin.
Community Involvement: Member of the Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees, member of the US Securities and Exchange Commission Advisory Committee on Small and Emerging Companies which focuses on improving the regulatory environment for small businesses, and serves as chairman of the corporate finance committee for state securities regulators.
WENDY Rice
Favorite Part of Job? Everyday, I am privileged to work with passionate staff committed to helping everyday Vermonters become more economically independent. The impact of the work is palpable in the straightened shoulders and proud smiles of women who overcome great personal barriers to finding gainful employment. It shows too in the girls who exhibit their vast leadership potential and the ability to dream of infinite possibility through their exploration of science, trades and outdoor recreation.
Most Inspiring Mentor: I worked with an American doctor in my Peace Corps Village who was an extraordinary mentor and humanitarian. She lived a life of great integrity and purpose and inspired those around her to always strive for excellence and to have real, meaningful impact in one's local community.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I have travelled to all fifty US states, and I've worked in four national parks in the US and internationally.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Lake Champlain is unparalleled in its beauty in early fall. The stillness of the water, the geese flying overhead, and the steady dip of a kayak or dragonboat paddle, is my little paradise.
Favorite Downtime Activity: People watching on Church Street during the Festival of Fools or the Jazz Festival. All of Vermont seems to turn out to enjoy the endless days of summer, and laughter and good music drift through the air.
Favorite Super Hero: No super hero favorite, but my heroes are people that have their own distinct creed of integrity, perseverance and conviction.
Favorite Social Media: I was slow to adopt Facebook, but I really value reconnecting with friends far and wide, and being able to access a lot of international news through my network.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Bill McKibben. He is a tour de force for climate change advocacy and galvanizing the younger generation to act, lead, and persuade.
What is the best career advice you have received? I have learned that work is love actualized. How you choose to engage your mind, heart, and hands through work, is a reflection of your core values and what you want to bring forth in the world. Thus the best advice I have received is to assess, "what's in your checkbook and what's in your calendar?" Personally and organizationally, this is a barometer for core values.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? Continuing to build strong, integrated, resilient, and vibrant communities in the Green Mountain State.
Career Highlights: I have a rich and varied career spanning 3 continents. Some of the highlights have been serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon, Africa where I was able to build a high school library and obtain 49 academic scholarships for primary school girls. During other work with USAID, I helped to created systems to decrease the trade in conflict minerals and to help small-scale miners gain tangible economic benefits from their work. As a FEMA employee, I was able to help communities envision stronger and safer communities after a disaster. And most, recently I was able to participate in the Vermont Leadership Institute which grounded me in Vermont issues and the network of changemakers across the state.
Community Involvement: Community involvement has a been a staple in my life from a very young age. As a child, I volunteered at local library and community theater, among others. As a young adult, I was committed to many volunteer opportunities in conservation, environmental stewardship, and helping people struggling with poverty. I organized many food and clothing drives, tree plantings, and Earth Day activities. I also worked to mentor and coach other students as an academic tutor, volleyball coach, and teen role model for programs such as DARE.
Into my college years, I continued my activism and volunteer work around environmental issues and others such as persons living with AIDS. After graduating college, I became a Peace Corps volunteer serving in northern Cameroon doing environmental education and agroforestry. I extended my service into a third year to work on ecotourism and national park management work. This experience catapulted me towards attending Vermont Law School who's motto is "Law for the community, law for the world."
I've carried that VLS mindset into my current community involvement work in Vermont. I serve as the acting President for the Returned Peace Corps Association. In Vermont, I have volunteered for environmental, disaster relief/emergency planning organizations, as well as those that decrease stigma around mental health issues. I am committed to Vermont issues and its people, and I look forward to continued involvement in my community.
NICK Richardson
Favorite Part of Job? Helping us figure out what comes next.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Stuart Comstock Gay, until recently head of the Vermont Community Foundation. Stu taught me how to get out of my head and follow my heart; and to try to find the fun in each day.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: In Vermont few people know that I have an identical twin brother (see photo). He lives in California.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Getting away from it all for me means riding the app gap on my bicycle. It's always a journey.
Favorite Downtime Activity: What's downtime? Honestly, hanging out with my family and watching my kids grow up here.
Favorite Social Media: Instagram- it's just the right level of investment for me; and I love seeing the world through the eyes of my network.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Who wouldn't I want to share a Vermont beverage with! Vermont is full of interesting people who love this place for a range of reasons.
What is the best career advice you have received? To try something different, and to keep my perspective open.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I see myself either leading an organization that has a meaningful role to play in the future of Vermont- and in particular how we strengthen our resilience and economy, or possible starting something new focused on building social capital.
Career Highlights: There are several- I think perhaps my favorite moment was when I was voted commencement speaker by the graduating class at Dorchester High School in Boston, where I worked for four years running a youth organizing project. That was an amazing group of students dealing with a huge set of obstacles that most of us never experience. I'm humbled to this day by their courage, fortitude, and capacity to envision a better future for themselves.
Community Involvement: Through my work on the board of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund I feel like I get to help shape and support a program that is doing so much to change our food system in ways that also strengthen communities. It's an amazing organization, a great group of folks on the Board, and I'm really proud of the work that we do, in many ways behind the scenes, to help move the food system forward.
CHARLES Romeo
Favorite Part of Job? My favorite part of my job is working in a fast-paced environment involving a broad spectrum of legal areas and playing an integral role in the government of my hometown.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I met and shook hands with two presidents (Clinton and G.W. Bush) before graduating from high school.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Spending time with my wife and son and playing golf.
Career Highlights: Since being admitted to the bar I have been fortunate to have practiced law in service to my home town and region, first as a Deputy State's Attorney for Rutland County and then as Rutland City Attorney. While in law school I served as one of Senator Patrick Leahy's law clerks on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Community Involvement: I was appointed to serve on the Rutland City Board Aldermen in 2005-2006 and after graduating from law school was elected for a full term in 2011 and again in 2013 before resigning to become City Attorney.
Currently, I serve as secretary of the Board of the Young Lawyers Division of the Vermont Bar Association; the Judicial Director for Green Mountain Boys State; a trustee of Knights of Columbus Rutland Council #232; and on the governance committee of the Rutland Young Professionals.
LUKE Stafford
Favorite Part of Job? It's easy enough to set your own personal goals and achieve them. But to set an ambitious goal that requires the collaboration of a team of creatives... that's a worthy challenge, with the ultimate rewards. When I hit big milestones that seemed unfathomable only a few years ago, that's my favorite part.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Different mentors have come into my life at the right times: Kevin Kelley, my journalism teacher at St. Mike's; Pat Howell and Mel Martin, former marketing agency owners in Brattleboro.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I'm an Eagle Scout and I can start a fire in the woods in any weather.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Anywhere where there's a foot of fresh snow and a downhill slope. The side-country off of Stowe Mountain probably takes the cake.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Spending the afternoon with a chainsaw and tractor, gathering firewood.
Favorite Social Media: Instagram for inspiration. Twitter for news and commentary. Still can't get into Snapchat.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: A Light in the Window (Burlington Beer Co.) with Jake Burton Carpenter.
What is the best career advice you have received? Hire people smarter than you, and never ever stop learning.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I'll still be at the helm of Mondo Mediaworks. I hope to have written a book or two by then.
Career Highlights: My first big break was when I landed the job as Snow Reporter at Mount Snow. (Thanks, Chris Lenois!) I was BORN to do that job. The next few years made me realize that media, specifically online video, was going to be my future. I gradually gained the confidence to start my own marketing agency and opened up my one-man shop in my living room. A year or so later, opening an office and hiring my first employee at Mondo Mediaworks was a huge leap forward. And then hitting the $1,000,000 mark in gross sales 3 years later, that was a big moment. Now, with 16 employees and big growth plans, the future looks just as exciting as the past.
Community Involvement: I volunteer on 3 different boards. As Vice Chair of the Newfane School Board, I preserve our board’s mission to ensure quality education for Newfane’s elementary schoolchildren while respecting residents’ opinions. On the SeVEDS (Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies) board, I actively develop long-term strategies to build a vibrant regional economy. And on the Latchis Corporation board,
I help manage and grow the Latchis Hotel, theater and associated business outlets in Brattleboro.
Earlier this year I was selected to participate in the Small Business Administration’s Emerging Leaders program; the program tasks business owners to build sustainable growth plans for long-term resiliency. I also maintain and manage the South Newfane/Williamsville Bulletin Board on Facebook, a resource for local news, events and, sometimes, just pretty pictures. Lastly, I’m a commentator for Vermont Public Radio, where I donate my time in lieu of payment.
JAMES Valente
Favorite Part of Job? Every day, there are complex problems to solve. If we get the answers right, we can make a real difference in the lives of our clients.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Tom Costello taught me how to be a lawyer, then how to run the business. He still helps me stay confident when things don't go as planned, and keeps me from getting too full of myself when they do.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I won the 2002 Brattleboro Union High School hot dog eating contest.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Route 2 West, through Grand Isle and the Hero islands.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Trying to teach my daughters how to ski.
Career Highlights: There's no feeling like passing the bar exam. After that, getting the opinion back in "Kennery v. State," the first significant victory I took part in, where the Supreme Court reversed a trial court judgment against our client.
Community Involvement: Most of my involvement is as the Chair of the Brattleboro Development Review Board, which determines whether proposed real estate developments comply with the town's zoning ordinances.
I also am the Chair of the Supervisory Committee of our local credit union, River Valley Credit Union, an institution which goes to extraordinarily lengths to help its members.
BRIAN Walker
Favorite Part of Job? It is a pleasure working with my fellow employee/owners while providing top quality service to our customers. I enjoy coming up with innovative technical solutions that meet schedule and budget requirements for our customer’s construction projects.
Most Inspiring Mentor: I have been fortunate to have many inspiring mentors, but if I had to pick one, it would be Kevin McCarthy, President of PC Construction. Kevin has always been available to provide advice, guidance, and encouragement while helping me grow professionally within PC. From his open management style to his contract negotiation skills, Kevin has set an example that I strive to emulate on a daily basis.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I own a 1950 Ford 8n tractor that I have been working on restoring. Hopefully, only a few more summers and I will have it done!
Favorite Vermont Escape: After a long week of traveling for work, I always look forward to coming home to beautiful Fairfax and spending time with my family.
What is the best career advice you have received? My father told me just before I started my first days with PC that to be successful I needed to “Be the first to work, the last one to leave, and work harder than anyone else.”
Career Highlights: A major highlight in my career has been the involvement in PC Construction’s recent pursuit and award of the City of Atlanta’s Water Supply Program, which at $300 million, is now the company’s largest single project. From the involvement in Business Development, Marketing, Estimating, Pre-Construction, Contract Negotiation, and into Construction Operations, this project is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Another highlight of my career has been in the development of people. I enjoy training people for specific jobs and being able to share my knowledge and experience with them as they continue to develop in their own careers.
Community Involvement: My wife and I enjoy helping children and families in our community from building musical and theatrical sets at local elementary schools to opening our home as foster parents. Most recently, we have been fortunate enough to have two sisters, ages 2 and 7, join our family for the past year. We want to be able to provide children with as many opportunities as possible to be healthy, happy, and successful.
REED Wilcox
Favorite Part of Job? Nothing is more gratifying to me, and humbling, than helping people I care about reach their goals with the trust they have placed in my hands. Over time, the relationships with my clients have evolved into friendships. It never feels like work when you get to do it with friends!
Most Inspiring Mentor: Abraham Lincoln for sure. That guy failed so many times at so many things, but he never gave up. For example, one of my favorite quotes of Lincoln's...
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.”
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: After college, I worked a Summer in Yellowstone National Park as a horse wrangler.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Warren Falls and Jay Peak are probably my favorite places to escape to. Alternatively, anywhere that has the most snow!
Favorite Downtime Activity: I really love to cook! Enchiladas are my specialty...
Favorite Super Hero: My favorite superhero is Batman, hands down. Just watch the Christopher Nolan Batman movies if you don't believe me!
Favorite Social Media: Word of Mouth haha.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: John Muir or Warren Miller.
What is the best career advice you have received? Always be honest, ethical, and do the right thing. It never goes out of style.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I see myself with the same firm, doing the same thing! I have the best job in the world!
Career Highlights: Some highlights of my career include being named the new Financial Advisor Coach for all of Vermont. I remember how tough it was getting started in the business and how much it meant having someone to be there for me. It is very humbling to have that come full circle and be able to give back.
Community Involvement: I serve as the Secretary and the chair of the Foundation Committee for The Rutland City Rotary Club.
I am a board member of The Rutland County Women's Network and Shelter as well as a board member of Rutland Young Professionals.
Every Thursday during the school year, I volunteer at The Boys and Girls Club of Rutland. I have done this for 3 or 4 years and have built up quite the posse of friends! We play Legos, tag on the playground, video games, etc. My time at the BNG club is probably the most rewarding thing I have done. They are great kids and it's a pleasure to be able to get to know them.