Andrea Cohen will join VEC’s senior leadership team

Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) announced today that Andrea Cohen, Executive Director of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR), will be joining VEC’s senior leadership team at the end of the legislative session. Cohen will serve as Manager of Government Affairs and Member Relations. Cohen is stepping down as the executive director of VBSR at the end of May, where she has been for five years.

“I’m very excited that Andrea will be joining us. I know she will be a great addition to an already great team here at VEC,” said Dave Hallquist, CEO. “Andrea brings a tremendous amount of talent and expertise. She has a proven record of converting big ideas into practical solutions, and she knows how to build partnerships and tackle tough projects through collaboration. I’m confident that her leadership will help us continue to bring innovative energy projects and sustainable energy policies to our members.”

Cohen said, “I am delighted to be joining the VEC team. This is an exciting time for the energy industry, and I’m looking forward to helping ensure that future initiatives will provide the best possible value and service to VEC members.”

Andrea Cohen Message to VBSR April 13, 2015 Dear VBSR Members, For almost five years, I have had the privilege of serving as the executive director of this outstanding organization. I am writing to let you know that my time as VBSR E.D. will be ending as I have decided to take a position with another fine Vermont company. Leaving VBSR will not be easy by any means, but leaving during VBSR's 25th Year Anniversary, with an outstanding board and staff in place, when the organization is stronger than ever, gives me no doubt that VBSR has a great future as Vermont's beacon of social responsibility. I will remain on as VBSR's executive director through May of this year, and am particularly looking forward to helping put the finishing touches onVBSR's Annual Spring Conference: 25 Years of Changemaking in Action. If you haven't already,click hereto check out the agenda and get registered for this great day of education, networking, and inspiration. And if you're going to be in the Brattleboro areathis Wednesday, I encourage you to stop by our Networking Get-Together Hosted by Community College of Vermont and Vermont Tech at the Brooks House. With over 50 registered, I am looking forward to a great evening in SOVT!Click hereto join us onWednesday, April 15th. Finally, I want to thank each and everyone of you for being a member of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. It is because YOU have decided that business with ethics is an ideal worth standing by that this organization is celebrating 25 years of changemaking. I have no doubt that with all of you by VBSR's side, this organization will be the preeminent voice and advocate of socially responsible business practices for many, many more years to come. Thank you for all you do to make Vermont a great place to live, play, and do business, and thank you for letting me be apart of that work. Sincerely, Andrea Cohen Executive Director Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility

Cohen joined VBSR in 2006 as Public Policy Manager before becoming VBSR’s Executive Director in 2010. Prior to that, she worked at the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation managing the Vermont Solid Waste Management Program. She lives in Montpelier with her husband Matt Chapman and her teenage son.

Nationally recognized for innovative and advanced use of technology, Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is the largest locally owned electric distribution utility in Vermont, serving more than 32,000 Co-op members located in 74 towns in northern Vermont.