Robert M Paolini of Waterbury, an attorney and former state legislator who previously served for two decades as executive director of the Vermont Bar Association, has been tapped to lead the organization once again following a nationwide search by the board of managers. Paolini has held the post on an interim basis since the departure of former executive director Therese Corsones last spring.
“When I took on the interim role, it was with no thought of staying permanently,” Paolini said. “However, getting back into the role reminded me of how much I enjoy this work, and how much I like working with the VBA board and the VBA staff. It brought me back into contact with our members and made me excited to be the voice of the Bar again.”
Paolini practiced law in the Montpelier-Barre area and served two terms in the Vermont House of Representatives before he became executive director of the VBA for the first time, in February 1996. He served in that role until June 2016, when he established his own lobbying and consulting business.
Association President Andrew Manitsky, who led the search committee, said the board is “thrilled” Paolini agreed to rejoin the organization.
“We had some wonderful applicants, but Bob’s experience, skills, leadership and judgment make him uniquely qualified to serve once again as executive director of the VBA,” Manitsky said. “We are so happy to welcome him back home.”