Kim Rupe, former communications and community engagement director at the Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region, has joined the nonpartisan Vermont Council on Rural Development as its first development and communications associate. In her new role, Rupe will be charged with promoting VCRD programming and successes, highlighting the work and stories of local leaders in rural communities across the state and helping lead fundraising efforts to sustain and grow the organization's programs and impact.
At her previous position, Rupe had significant roles related to workforce challenges, recruitment and economic development, and most recently had a leadership role in Rutland County’s ongoing regional marketing initiative, Real Rutland. She is a fourth-generation Vermonter who was drawn to this work after deep engagement with a VCRD community visit as a resident of Poultney following the closure of Green Mountain College.
The Vermont Council on Rural Development is dedicated to the support of the locally defined progress of Vermont's rural communities. The organization is a dynamic partnership of federal, state, local, nonprofit and private partners.