Shirley A. Jefferson JD’86, associate dean of student affairs and diversity and associate professor of law at Vermont Law School (VLS), was honored at the 15th Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference on Saturday, Nov. 9, with the Legal Education Access and Diversity Champion Award. Jefferson was lauded by the awards committee for her “outstanding commitment and service in helping aspiring Black lawyers better understand what it takes to be successful applicants, law students, and lawyers.”

Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) is pleased to announce that Jordan Giaconia has been hired 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. VBSR’s mission is to foster a business ethic that recognizes the opportunity and responsibility of the business community to set a high standard for protecting the natural, human, and economic environments of Vermont citizens.

Kevin M Eschelbach, of Barre, has been elected president of the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The appointment was announced today by board chair Joseph L Choquette III. Eschelbach is currently a senior district executive in the northeast quadrant of Vermont for the Boys Scouts of America. He will officially join the Chamber on December 9.

Luther Larsen is the newest addition to the TCE team, and joins us as a Staff Engineer. After graduating from Vermont Technical College with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology, Luther went on to earn his Site Technician A and B licenses. A Vermont native, he brings work experience from various parts of the State in a wide range of capacities from Construction Inspector to Environmental Drilling Technician and Septic Designer Assistant.

Col David Smith, commander, 158th Fighter Wing, announced he would retire from the Vermont Air National Guard. Smith informed women and men of the Vermont Air National Guard in a statement on Thursday messaging his upcoming retirement after more than 30 years in the organization.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve in the Vermont National Guard for more than three decades. We have worked hard to continue the legacy of the Green Mountain Boys and I couldn’t be more proud of the women and men I serve alongside and the support we have received from the community.”

Mary Engisch is the new local host of NPR’s Weekend Edition on VPR, which airs from 8-10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Engsich began hosting on the weekends in October. She joined VPR in 2011 as a board operator and announcer. From 2014-2018, she also hosted a weekly arts segment and interview with local artists. In addition to hosting and creating on-air content for Weekend Edition, Engisch works on VPR's programming team producing special programming and promos.