Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Employer Healthcare Commissioners announced today the addition of two alternate commission members to their bargaining unit. With West Rutland’s Mike Moser and Akua Smith of Enosburg Falls joining the team, the Employer Commission’s roster is now complete as they prepare for the next round of contract discussions on healthcare benefits for public school employees.
“Akua and Mike bring a wealth of healthcare experience and a commitment to providing the best possible health outcomes for our teachers and staff,” says Mark Koenig, Chair of the Vermont Employer Commissioners. “As alternates, they will be ‘in the room where it happens’ as we prepare for the next round of contract discussions. Their current position is a stepping stone towards becoming an Employer Commissioner in the future.”
In 2018 Vermont established the Commission on Public School Employee Health Benefits to negotiate medical insurance for K-12 public school teachers and staff in the state of Vermont. Five Employer Commissioners who represent school boards are joined at the bargaining table by an equal number of Employee Commissioners selected by state education labor unions. The next round of formal negotiations between both parties is scheduled to start in April of 2024.
Michael Moser was born and raised in California and Maryland, but is no stranger to Vermont. Living in the state for 50 years now, he and his wife raised 13 children who attended the local K-12 school “Vermont public schools helped our children thrive,” says Moser. “I see my work on the commission as a chance to give back. I also love having teachers in our family.”
Moser’s interest in public education led to his involvement with his community’s local school. He began as a member of the Quarry Valley School District Board serving the towns of Procter, Poultney and West Rutland. In addition to his local district, Moser’s portfolio now includes membership on the Board of the Greater Rutland County Supervisory Union.
Working as a financial service advisor in Vermont and New York serving families and small businesses, Moser appreciates the challenge of providing quality healthcare at a reasonable cost. “I understand the importance of medical benefits,” he says. “I also realize that all parties need to work hard and listen to each other to reach the best result. There’s got to be a way to provide comprehensive health protection for teachers at a manageable expense.”
Akua Smith may be a more recent resident of Vermont, but she is well versed in the world of healthcare. Born in Brooklyn and raised in East Texas, Smith earned her undergraduate and two master’s degrees, one in health sciences and another in business administration, from the University of Texas.
Prior to starting her graduate work, Smith spent seven years in Uganda, as the executive director of a non-profit organization focused on wholistic empowerment and promoting self-sustainability, offering resources and education based projects aimed at improving the overall health, wellbeing and quality of life of the communities it served.
“My education in Texas and experience in Africa put me on a career path in the healthcare industry,” says Smith, who now works for a top healthcare company as an account executive, managing their relationships within the Vermont business community.
The mother of three boys and one girl, Smith has always made it a priority to be a highly engaged parent at her children’s schools, helping on the behalf of others as a leader in classrooms, the PTA and now the school board. Smith currently serves on the Enosburg Falls-Richford School District Board in the Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union. “My experience in public health has grounded me in my conviction that healthcare is more than treating illnesses,” she says. “preventive care and promoting healthy lifestyles are crucial to advancing wellbeing, creating a healthier society and reducing the burden of disease on healthcare systems.”
The members of the Vermont Employer Commission includes Koenig from Vergennes as Chair, along with fellow Commissioners: Adrienne Raymond from Shrewsbury; Susan Hamlin-Prescott from Cambridge; Patrick Healy of Marshfield; and Kim Farnham of New Haven.
With Moser and Smith now on board as Alternate Commissioners, the full team is ready to get down to work. April of 2024 is just around the corner.
Source: 6.20.2023. Vermont Employer Commissioners
