The High Fives Foundation, a national leader in outdoor safety education and adaptive sports support, has named Essex Junction para-athlete Ryan McLaren as its 2025 M. Scott Roberds Athlete of the Year — one of the organization's highest honors.

The award is bestowed upon an adaptive athlete who embodies the spirit of adventure, resilience and community leadership defined by the legacy of the late Roberds, a passionate downhill skier who died in 2021.

Nick Charyk, a strategic communications leader with more than 15 years' experience in Vermont policy, politics and campaigns, has joined the Burlington law firm Downs Rachlin Martin as manager of government and public affairs.

Charyk’s work spans coalition building, lobbying, executive communication, earned and paid media, and narrative development. He is a graduate of Harvard University, where he majored in international relations and affairs.

John Mullett, former executive director of the National Life Group Foundation, has been appointed president and CEO of the organization. In this new role, Mullett fully manage the day-to-day operations of National Life's charitable arm while continuing to serve as the company's director of community relations.

Mullett's predecessor, Beth Rusnock, will remain on the foundation’s board while focusing on public relations and communications as the company experiences significant growth.

The Association of Vermont Credit Unions, a not-for-profit trade association representing Vermont's credit unions, has announced the promotion of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Carrie Allen to president and CEO, effective Jan. 1. She succeeds long-tenured leader Joe Bergeron, who retired at the end of 2025.