Vermont Business Magazine Today, Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak held a press conference to announce the appointment of Kelli Perkins, Ed.D, to serve as the next Director of the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB).
“I am proud to appoint Dr. Kelli Perkins as the next Director of the REIB,” said Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. “Our City is fortunate to have Dr. Perkins join us as we continue to deepen our commitment to racial equity, inclusion and belonging in our community and our City government. Dr. Perkins’ skill and experience will be helpful both in developing a strategic direction for REIB, and broadening our reach to engage underserved and marginalized members of our community. I am confident that she will continue the strong work stewarded by many community members, prior REIB Directors and Interim Directors, and staff who have shown great care and dedication in the evolution of this department since 2019.”
Dr. Kelli Perkins has 20 years of professional experience at the intersection of educational administration, DEI, and human resources, most recently serving as the Human Resources and Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Director for Vital Communities, an Upper Valley nonprofit. She earned her Doctor of Education from Northeastern University, as well as a Master of Science in Adult Education from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.
“It is a great honor to be selected to serve the residents of Burlington in the capacity of REIB Director,” said Dr. Kelli Perkins. “It is my goal to continue to elevate the work of this department in breaking down the power dynamics of privilege that exist in our City that we can see and embrace the humanity in all of us. Burlington can be a city where anyone can thrive and I’m ready to engage in the work ahead to make this a reality.”
“I thank Christian Berry for her service as interim Director, her work to bring stability to the department, and for leading community engagement around the mission and vision of REIB,” said Central District Councilor Melo Grant. “I appreciate Dr. Kelly Perkins for stepping into this position to continue this critical work and strengthen the department.”
“The work of the Office of REIB has never been more critical than it is now. If Burlington is to remain a resilient community in the face of attacks on DEI at the federal level, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to this work locally,” said City Council President Ben Traverse. “I am hopeful for a strong showing of support by the Council in affirming the Mayor’s appointment of Dr. Perkins.”
Dr. Perkins’ appointment will be on the City Council agenda at the September 29, 2025, meeting. Christian Berry will continue to serve as interim Director of REIB until Dr. Perkins’ official start date, Monday, October 6.
9.25.2025. BURLINGTON, Vt – Mayor
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