Robyn Palmer, former director of an AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America program based at the Vermont Agency of Human Services, has been appointed to the newly created post of education and civic engagement coordinator in the Vermont Office of the Secretary of State. Palmer’s hiring marks a significant step in Secretary Copeland Hanzas’ civic education initiative.
“The response to our plan to reenergize civics education in Vermont has been overwhelmingly positive; it’s so heartening to have people excited about democracy,” Copeland Hanzas said. “Robyn’s passion for community building and civic engagement, as well as her incredible network across the state, brings the level of expertise the civics campaign needs.”
At VISTA, a national antipoverty program, Palmer managed hundreds of program volunteers over the years as they worked with Vermont organizations in the areas of affordable housing, public health, food security and workforce development. In her new position, Palmer will assist the secretary with creating a 2024 general election voter guide and in developing resources for a statewide K-12 civics curriculum, in addition to performing other outreach and engagement duties.
Palmer is a graduate of Temple University and holds a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Maryland. She serves as board vice chair at the Common Ground Center in Starksboro.