Caleb Lara has joined the team at The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort and Spa as executive chef. In this role, Lara will oversee the resort’s food and beverage program, which includes Junction, its signature fine dining restaurant, and the popular gathering spot The Tavern, as well as event and wedding catering and Cook’s Academy. Chef Lara will bring a new vision to The Essex culinary team focusing the dining experience on community, sense of place, and seasonality.

Justin G Sherman has joined Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP as an associate with a broad litigation practice—working primarily in the areas of business disputes, complex litigation, environmental litigation, and personal injury claims. Prior to joining the firm, Justin worked at a litigation boutique firm in New York City, where he practiced commercial litigation. In particular, he focused on high-stakes business and corporate disputes, often involving major corporate transactions.

The Chill Foundation welcomed Scott McArdle of Starksboro, Vermont and Bo Twiggs of Shelburne, Vermont as its newest board members during the organization’s board meeting in Stowe, Vermont in December. “We are very excited and grateful to have Scott and Bo join our Board,” said Alex Bornstein, Executive Director of The Chill Foundation. “Each of these individuals brings strengths and knowledge that our organization will benefit a great deal from,” Bornstein said.

DuBois & King is pleased to announce that Randall Otis, LS, has been promoted to lead the firm’s Survey Department, which provides topographic, construction layout, right-of-way, title, and geodetic survey services. He now manages the firm’s survey operations in South Burlington, Vermont, and Keene, New Hampshire.

John Bossange, Chair of the Mercy Connections Board of Directors, today announced that Dolly Fleming, the nonprofit’s Executive Director for the last seven years, will be retiring July 1 of this year. In a statement to donors, volunteers, and other members of the Board, Bossange said, "Dolly is an outstanding Executive Director who represents the spirit of Mercy Connections.

Former Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift has been appointed Executive Chair of the Board of Directors of Ultimate Medical Academy, a Tampa-based nonprofit higher education institution, effective immediately. “We are honored to have Governor Jane Swift actively lead the Board of Directors of our institution,” said former UMA Board Chairman Richard J Friedman, who will continue to serve with other current Board members.

Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP is pleased to announce that Sasha C Conroy has been named a partner. Sasha’s practice focuses on commercial transactions and corporate law, and is based in the Burlington office. She serves as a transactional and intellectual property resource to businesses of all sizes, as well as to individuals. “Sasha brings a creative, problem-solving approach, coupled with a strong attention to detail. And she enjoys fishing,” said Peter Langrock, Senior Partner.

Local Motion creates new position to help businesses improve Vermont economy & well-being through better biking and walking. Local Motion recently hired Ross Saxton to fill the newly-created Business Partnership Manager position. Saxton's focus is working with Vermont businesses and organizations to make investments-- both within and outside the business--in bike-walk infrastructure and programs that support active transportation.

By unanimous vote, the Vermont State Colleges System Board of Trustees has elected J Churchill Hindes as its chair. Hindes will lead the 15-member board, which provides governance and stewardship for the VSCS and its institutions—Castleton University, Community College of Vermont, Northern Vermont University and Vermont Technical College.

Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) has announced the appointment of Brian O’Grady to its Board of Trustees. “Brian is a highly skilled leader, and we are grateful for the experience he will bring to our organization,” said Tommy A Harmon, Jr, the board chair. “I look forward to his contributions to this dedicated and accomplished group.”