Friends of Vermont Public Education (FVPE), a nonprofit advocating for fairness, transparency, and strong public schools across the state, announced today the appointment of Jessica DeCarolis to its Board of Directors. DeCarolis is a former classroom teacher and state education leader whose work has focused on equity, personalized learning, and systems-level reform. She served for eight years as Division Director of Student Pathways at the Vermont Agency of Education, where she oversaw flexible pathways, dual enrollment, early college, and implementation of Act 77.

Neagley & Chase Construction in South Burlington, one of northern New England's leading commercial construction firms, has named Jenna Symon as Office Manager. Symon oversees office operations, HR administration, IT coordination, and accounting support, while also assisting in marketing and fleet logistics. By providing critical project administration, she serves as the vital link between jobsites and the main office, ensuring seamless field-to-office operations and peak efficiency for every NCC project.

Following a national search, Dain LaRoche has been appointed to lead UVM’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Currently the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) and Professor of Exercise Science at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, Dr. LaRoche oversees the college’s $30 million annual research portfolio and has co-developed the college’s first interdisciplinary PhD program. LaRoche earned his Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Utah.