Engel and Völkers Okemo is pleased to share that Mendi Michael has joined the real estate brokerage as its newest advisor. Mendi brings two decades of experience in business operations and client relations that touches nearly every corner of southern Vermont. Most recently, she managed Michael Engineering, a Vermont-based family business founded in 1969. She also spent nine years working as a veterinary assistant and front office manager; first, at the Kedron Valley Veterinary Clinic in Woodstock, and later, at the Rutland Veterinary and Surgical Center.

Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility is pleased to announce that Jordan Giaconia will be returning to the organization as Public Policy Manager. In this role, Giaconia will support VBSR’s efforts to advance the organization’s policy goals, working closely with VBSR members.

Jordan Giaconia brings several years of experience shaping policy at the local, state, and national levels, including Campaign Representative with Sierra Club and Public Policy Manager for VBSR. Giaconia will return to the organization in early August.

Joseph E. Gortych has rejoined the northern New England law firm Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC. Joe joins the firm as Of Counsel and will practice intellectual property law from the firm’s Burlington, Vermont office.

The Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness (VCEH) announced that they have hired Martin Hahn as their first executive director. In the announcement, VCEH co-chairs Renee Weeks and Kara Casey state, “Martin has decades of experience in non-profit management and dedication to supporting Vermont’s most vulnerable residents.” Hahn’s recent experience includes leadership positions at Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Kellogg-Hubbard Library, and Downstreet Housing & Community Development.

Green Mountain United Way, in collaboration with the Working Communities Challenge – Greater Barre Area leadership team, is pleased to announce that Elaine (Eli) Toohey has joined the organization’s work as Project Director for the Working Communities Challenge – Greater Barre Area. She will lead the collaborative work of partners in Central Vermont as they “work to increase the economic mobility and overall well-being for Greater Barre Area head-of-household women experiencing financial instability, through aligned coordination of employment support.

On June 24th, 2021 the Colchester-Milton Rotary officially installed John Abry as their new president for the 2021/2022 fiscal year. He has been a member since 2004, has held many positions within the club and has been the driver of the organization's ‘Fill The Truck For The Food Shelf’ campaign.

John is a Realtor and commercial photographer and lives with his wife Alison and son Reed in Colchester.

Pritzker Military Museum & Library is proud to announce that Dr. Richard W. Schneider will be the recipient of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library’s 2021 Citizen Soldier Award. The award will be presented when Dr. Schneider is honored at the 2021 Liberty Gala, to be held on October 21. This annual event is the non-profit’s main fundraiser each year.

Each year, a group of exceptional insurance professionals are chosen by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research to compete for the National Outstanding CSR of the Year Award. To be eligible for this award, candidates must be an insurance customer service representative or have primary responsibility for insurance customer service duties.