Alden Smith, former longtime director of the Mountain School of Milton Academy in Vershire, has been named the next executive director of the Quechee-based Vermont Institute of Natural Science. He will begin work April 1 and succeed Charles Rattigan, who has led the institute for the last almost 10 years.
Smith will serve as chief strategist, fundraiser, educational leader and operational manager of the organization, which comprises 32 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees and volunteers. He will report to the board of trustees.
“We are delighted to welcome Alden as VINS’ new executive director and are confident that he will maintain the organization’s excellent reputation in the Upper Valley and beyond while also expanding our reach and impact,” said board chair Jack Lee.
Smith is a graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina and holds a master's degree from Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English. Prior to his tenure at the Mountain School, Smith taught high school English for five years at Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut.