Photo credit: Johannes Otter
Vermont Business Magazine The Snelling Center for Government has announced the graduates of the Vermont Leadership Institute Class of 2022:
Heather Allin, Lebanon, Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living
Nicolas Anzalone, St. Johnsbury, The Achievement Network
Gaston Bathalon, Troy, Troy Selectboard and School Board
Robyn Baylor, South Burlington, Agency of Human Services
Justin Brown, Winooski, Sheehey Furlong & Behm PC
Steve Cash, Ripton, Vermont Agency of Agriculture
Alicia Cooper, Charlotte, Department of Vermont Health Access
Elizabeth Craib, Hartland, Granite United Way
Christle Davis, Groton, Family Center of Washington County
Nicole DiDomenico, Berlin, Norwich University
Chelsea Dubie, Georgia, Vermont Department of Health
Joy Dubin Grossman, South Burlington, Town of Hinesburg
Carmina Garciadealba, Springfield, HireAbility Vermont
Anna Howell, Lincoln, Mt. Abraham Unified School District
Peter Kerson, Jericho, Greensea Systems
Rebecca McGregor, St. Johnsbury, Lyndon Institute
Patrick Murray, Essex Junction, Firstlight Communications
Meghan O'Rourke, Burlington, CCTV Town Meeting TV
Margaret Pinello-White, Chelsea, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont
Adam Poulin, Essex Junction, Vermont Department of Health
Leah Rexford, South Wheelock, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital
Tom Rogers, Stowe, The Nature Conservancy
Rebecca Sameroff, Montpelier, Vermont Department of Taxes
As the culminating event in their 9-month leadership journey, the Vermont Leadership Institute (VLI) Class of 2022 celebrated their past year with Graduation at Basin Harbor in Vergennes in early June. Excited chatter filled the air as more than 90 attendees gathered to mark the occasion, a welcome sight after two years of limited guests.
Xusana Davis, Executive Director of Racial Equity for the State of Vermont, provided opening remarks, congratulating the Class of 2022 on successful completion of VLI and noting the ripple effects that their experiences and learnings will have for Vermont as a whole. USDA Director for Rural Development Sarah Waring (VLI ’09) served as the keynote speaker reflecting on the social change that is all around us and the pressing need to step up with recognition of the interconnected nature of today’s challenges. Waring challenged the Class of 2022 to lean into the complexity of the systems and surround themselves with others who do the same to create a connection of resilient leaders who think in new ways, working to overcome such entrenched silos.
Just before awarding their graduation plaques, VLI Director Jody Fried summarized the learning arc of the past year with sessions covering personal leadership reflection, complex systems, policy making, innovation, and so much more. The VLI Class of 2022 formed lasting connections and gained a variety of new tools, knowledge and frameworks to carry their work forward.
In addition, the Snelling Center was honored to recognize two former VLI graduates. The 14th Annual Excellence in Leadership Award was awarded to Rep. Sarah Copeland Hanzas (VLI ‘06). Throughout her tenure at the State House, Rep. Copeland Hanzas has navigated some of the most difficult legislative challenges and contentious debates. She is a leader among leaders who exudes calmness, conviction and clarity through her leadership. Special recognition was also given to Rep. Hal Colston (VLI ’04) for his contributions as a longtime faculty member where he supported and inspired long-lasting discussions on topics of diversity, equity and inclusion.
As the 27th cohort of the Vermont Leadership Institute, the Class of 2022 joins a professional network of over 1000 Vermont Leadership Network alumni, including more than 650 VLI graduates who are positively influencing Vermont’s future in business, public policy, education, community development and a wide range of volunteer and non-profit sector roles.
To learn more about the Vermont Leadership Institute and the Snelling Center’s other professional development programs, please visit www.snellingcenter.org or call 802-859-3090.
The Snelling Center for Government is a non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to fostering responsible and ethical civic leadership, encouraging public service by private citizens, and promoting informed citizen participation in shaping public policy in Vermont. For more information, please visit our website at www.snellingcenter.org.
July 27, 2022 – The Snelling Center for Government
