Educator and nonprofit leader Ted Lawson has been named executive director of ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, effective July 3. Lawson’s strong background in science and STEM education as well as his extensive experience leading nonprofit organizations makes him especially qualified to take the helm at this time, officials said.

Nicole Mace, former director of finance and operations for the Winooski School District, has joined the Community College of Vermont as dean of administration.

“I am thrilled to welcome Nicole to the CCV community,” said President Joyce Judy. “She is a seasoned leader with deep roots throughout the state, and she brings strong financial chops, a practical approach to problem-solving and an impressive ability to forge meaningful relationships.”

The American Red Cross of Northern New England welcomed veteran meteorologist Dan Dowling to its regional communications team. He will serve as the region’s communications manager, supporting the organization’s storytelling and public-outreach efforts throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Originally from Rochester, New York, Dowling has lived in Burlington for the past 24 years. He holds bachelor’s degrees in meteorology from Oswego State University and in mass communications from Plattsburgh State University.

Chroma Technology Corp., a leading manufacturer and OEM supplier of highly precise optical filters, has named Prisca Liberali, senior group leader at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research in Basel, Switzerland, as this year's winner of the Anne Heidenthal Prize for Fluorescence  Research. The prize is awarded annually to a young scientist who presents extraordinary research in the field of fluorescence imaging.

The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce recently honored Glenn Heitsmith and Amy Messina as the organization's 2023 member of the year and volunteer of the year, respectively.