Experienced leader, community builder and doer sets sights on plans for Hula’s future
Vermont Business Magazine Hula founders Roxanne and Russ Scully today announced the selection of Lucia Campriello, an experienced business and non-profit leader, as Hula’s next President and CEO. Lucia takes over for founding CEO, Rob Lair who has led the dynamic and multifaceted organization since its launch in 2020. Lair will continue to serve as Managing Director of the Fund at Hula as well as extending his leadership to the Ride Your Bike development project directed at addressing Burlington’s acute housing needs. Campriello joined Hula in September of 2023 as Chief Growth Officer to develop and drive strategic initiatives to extend the organization's impact.
“Lucia is exactly the right leader for this next chapter in the Hula story,” shared Russ. “Rob has done an excellent job, and we are so excited to continue working with this team on all the great projects and initiatives we have underway. Lucia’s focus on community inside and outside Hula, paired with her organizational talents make her a great fit and we are very excited for what’s to come.”
Prior to joining Hula, Campriello was Chief Engagement Officer at Let’s Grow Kids where she successfully led an ambitious fundraising campaign and helped marshal the support of over 300 Vermont business and community leaders to pass the ground-breaking child care bill, Act 76.
“Positively impacting community is everything and I’m deeply honored to support the change-makers here at Hula, while deepening connections with mission-aligned partners and South End neighbors,” said Campriello. “I am incredibly energized about the possibilities before us to diversify participation in Hula’s mission in new and dynamic ways, which of course, are boundless with collaboration and a shared vision.”
Campriello is herself a South End resident, the community in which Hula is located. She is a dedicated community volunteer serving as a Burlington School Commissioner since 2022 and on the boards of Generator and Champlain College. Her leadership extends to advocating for access to quality education from birth through post-secondary education given the profound impact education has on one's ability to enjoy lifelong success and access economic opportunity.
“I first got to know Lucia well when we were both volunteering on the neighborhood planning assembly,” shared Ben Traverse, who represents Ward-5 and is currently Burlington’s City Council President. “It is great to have a community member at the helm. Lucia cares deeply about the neighborhood and the greater City of Burlington.”
Hula is on a mission to elevate Vermont entrepreneurs and startups and create community connections from its 14-acre net-zero coworking campus, business incubator, and premier events venue on the former site of the Blodgett Oven Company along the shores of Lake Champlain.
“Lucia embodies Hula’s mission. She is a powerhouse of ideas and all-in on Vermont,” shared Alex Hernandez, Champlain College President and key partner to Hula. “Lucia’s optimistic, community-minded approach is creating new opportunities for people to live, work, learn and play in the South End.”
Over 1,200 members, including employees of 55 start-ups headquartered at Hula, make the Hula community a vibrant one. “Lucia’s genuine care and attention to building a sense of belonging was palpable upon our very first interaction.” offered Hope Elliott, Mindfulness Consultant and long-time Hula member. “I am grateful for the culture of inclusion Lucia continues to implement and what that means for Hula and the greater community.”
The Fund at Hula has invested in more than 20 Vermont-based companies that are creating new jobs for Vermonters every day. With a focus on technology startups, the community at Hula supports innovative founders and disruptive technology through mentorship, connectivity, and access to capital.
"Lucia will not only be an outstanding leader for Hula's thriving and diverse community, but she is a shining example of what it means to be a female leader in business in Burlington," shared Lauren Bass, executive director of LaunchVT. "Hula is a key partner to LaunchVT, helping us to accelerate Vermont's best startups. With Lucia at the helm, women across our entrepreneurship ecosystem, especially those building high-growth startups, have someone they can truly relate to and be inspired by."
Source: 7.30.2024. Burlington, VT – Hula. To learn more about Hula, visit: https://www.hulalakeside.com/
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