Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) Foundation has renamed its annual Vision Award for Distinguished Community Service for Sean Casey, a member of the SVHC Board of Trustees, who passed away suddenly last month.

“Sean’s passing came as a tremendous shock to all of us and to the community,” said SVHC’s President and CEO Thomas A. Dee, FACHE. “We miss his intellect, his sense of humor, and his generosity of spirit. In fact, Sean is exactly the type of person that we acknowledge for distinguished community service.”

Bryan Smith, MD, has joined the team at Gifford Health Care, providing care to patients as a hospitalist at Gifford Medical Center. An internal medicine physician, Smith has practiced hospital medicine for the better part of his career. He brings to his role at Gifford more than 20 years of experience, including most recently as clinical director of medicine at Palmerston North Hospital in New Zealand, as well as a commitment to providing the highest-quality care to all patients.

Berkshire Bank is excited to announce the 2019 Volunteer Service X-ellence Award winners. Each year, Berkshire Bank recognizes employees for their volunteerism in the community. The annual awards program celebrates company employees who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.

Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group Board of Directors has voted in Jeff LaBonte as Vice President. “Jeff has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his years here at H&B. We are pleased to have Jeff representing the Agency in this capacity,” said Scott Boardman, President.

Jeff LaBonte has been with H&B for 12 years advising clients on their commercial insurance needs. In 2015 Jeff became a partner of Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group. Jeff serves on the Alumni Board of Directors for St. Michael’s College and as a Corporator for Northfield Savings Bank.