Photo Credit to Johannes Otter (not pictured: Alanna Ojibway, Raj Chawla)
Vermont Business Magazine The Snelling Center for Government has announced the graduates of the Vermont Leadership Institute Class of 2023:
Kim Anetsberger, Hyde Park, Lamoille Community House
Jae Basilière, Johnson, Vermont State University
Ellie Beckett, Williston, Vermont Department of Economic Development
Esther Charlestin-Norford, Middlebury, Addison County School District
Raj Chawla, Essex Junction, City of Essex Junction
Kellie DeCicco, Milton, The Converse Home
Travis Denton, Rutland, Vermont Department of Corrections
Will Eberle, Northfield, Recovery Vermont/ VT Association of Mental Health and Addiction Recovery
Jenny Eisenman, Shelburne, Eisenman Consulting
Amanda Kay Gustin, Barre, Vermont Historical Society
Katarina Lisaius, Bolton, Vermont Department for Children and Families
Marnie Long, Burlington, The Great Northern/ August First
Wayne Maceyka, Jr., Hinesburg, University of Vermont Office of Engagement
Megan Marineau, Montpelier, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont
Jenn Merritt, Lebanon, NH, The Aloha Foundation
Amanda Moore, Plainfield, NH, Health Care and Rehabilitation Services of Vermont
Ryan Newswanger, South Royalton, Vermont Humanities
Alanna Ojibway, Wilder, Vermont Law and Graduate School
Dr. Lindsay O’Steen, Hardwick, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital
Jacqueline Posley, Montpelier, Free Agent L3C
Jessica Savage, Burlington, Vermont Council on Rural Development
Ashley Van Zandt, Lyndonville, Catamount Arts
Abbey Willard, Hinesburg, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets
Mindy Windrow, Concord, Vermont Department of Corrections
As the culminating event in their 9-month leadership journey, the Vermont Leadership Institute (VLI) Class of 2023 celebrated their past year with Graduation at Basin Harbor in Vergennes in early June. Many friends and family members joined the cohort for a celebratory graduation luncheon. The cohort was pleased to be joined by Xusana Davis, Executive Director of Racial Equity for the State of Vermont, who had worked with them at other sessions. Xusana provided opening remarks, congratulating the Class of 2023 on successful completion of VLI and recognizing the difference they can make in Vermont.
Gus Seelig, Executive Director of Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, served as the keynote speaker, reflecting on leadership throughout history. He made connections between historical movements and the ongoing work today, and encouraged the group to keep working and keep continuing to make progress.
The VLI Class of 2023 made the ceremony their own; a couple cohort members shared beautiful speeches about their personal experiences with the program, and a few prepared and performed an amazing song, with singing and guitar music, about VLI. When everyone joined in for the chorus, singing together and swaying along, it was clear that the connections made during this journey were unique and special, and would last a lifetime.
VLI Director Jody Fried then awarded the graduation plaques to the 24 members of the Vermont Leadership Institute Class of 2023.
In addition, the Snelling Center was honored to recognize Marilyn Cargill (VLI ‘16) as the 15th Annual Excellence in Leadership Award recipient. For over 39 years, Ms. Cargill has been a tireless advocate at VSAC, where she currently serves as the Vice President of Financial Aid Services, Marketing, Research, and Public Affairs. Ms. Cargill remains dedicated to working to ensure that post-secondary education and training remain affordable for Vermont students of all ages and economic backgrounds.
As the 28th cohort of the Vermont Leadership Institute, the Class of 2023 joins a professional network of over 1000 Vermont Leadership Network alumni, including more than 675 VLI graduates who are positively influencing Vermont’s future in business, public policy, education, community development and a wide range of volunteer and non-profit sector roles.
To learn more about the Vermont Leadership Institute and the Snelling Center’s other professional development programs, please visit www.snellingcenter.org or call 802-859-3090.
The Snelling Center for Government is a non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to fostering responsible and ethical civic leadership, encouraging public service by private citizens, and promoting informed citizen participation in shaping public policy in Vermont. For more information, please visit our website at www.snellingcenter.org.
Source: June 23, 2023 – The Snelling Center for Government
