FairPoint Communications, Inc, a leading provider of advanced communications services, has strengthened its sales team by promoting Lisa M. Leary to the role of the Vice President of Business Sales, covering Enterprise and Business Markets. Leary brings to FairPoint more than 20 years of telecommunications sales experience. She will lead FairPoint’s direct salesforce that provides advanced business services to companies throughout northern New England.

Two local emergency responders and a longtime professional with the Vermont Agency of Human Services have been recognized for their contributions to emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Tim Bougeois, Doug Babcock, and Bob Costantino were given special awards in Vermont at the annual Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference. Vermont’s power utilities were also recognized for their preparedness for emergency events.

Local Emergency Management Director of the Year: Doug Babcock, Cambridge

H. Kenneth Merritt, Jr., Managing Director of Merritt & Merritt & Moulton, has been selected to the 2015 New England Super Lawyers list. R.W. Eli Moulton, III, Director of Merritt & Merritt & Moulton, has also been selected to the 2015 New England Super Lawyers list. For over 25 years, Merritt & Merritt & Moulton has collaborated with growth companies, as well as the angel, venture capital and private equity investors that support them, to build and guide their businesses.

Two certified nurse midwives have joined Gifford’s Birthing Center team: Ali Swanson, who comes to Randolph from a practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Vermont native Susan Paris. Established in 1977, Gifford’s Birthing Center was the first in Vermont to offer an alternative to traditional hospital-based deliveries, and continues to be a leader in midwifery and family-centered care.

This year, The Family Place is celebrating 30 years of providing family-centered support to Upper Valley parents and children, from 1985-2015. The Family Place is also celebrating five months with a new Executive Director, Nancy Bloomfield.

Local Vermont furniture maker, Walt Stanley of Brookside Woodworking, was selected to participate in Rhode Island’s 20th Annual Fine Furnishings Show this November 6-8, 2015 at the Pawtucket Armory Arts Center. Stanley is excited and honored, as well, to have two of his pieces featured in the show marketing materials. Brookside’s participation is supported by a grant provided by the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative. The show features American made, handcrafted furniture, accessories & art.

Dr. Robert E. Simpson, Jr., president and chief executive officer of the Brattleboro Retreat, was awarded the SoVermont Leadership Award for Excellence in Economic Development 2015 at a joint meeting of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) and the Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies group (SeVEDS) held on Tuesday afternoon, October 20, at the Governor Hunt House in Vernon, VT.