Michael Jarvis, a Real Estate Sales Professional from Colchester has joined KW Vermont.

Mike brings many years of sales experience with him to KW Vermont. Prior to selling Real Estate, Mike was in the business of selling insurance. His dedication and strong sales background allow him to provide the highest level or service to his clients.

"Mike has been in many kinds of sales over the years and brings that experience to help his customers and clients in his real estate career,” said Karin Ericson, Team Leader at KW Vermont.

Barb Trousdale of Preferred Properties in South Burlington, was named the Vermont Realtors® (VR) 2015 Realtor® of the Year (ROTY). The ROTY Award is the association’s highest honor and recognizes a member for their civic, business and industry-related activities and achievements.

“Barb has served in many leadership capacities at the local and state level,” said Isaac Chavez, CEO for Vermont Realtors®. “She has earned a great deal of respect from her peers for her professionalism, creativity, patience, and for her ability to gather consensus.”

Brian Boardman of Coldwell Banker Hickok and Boardman Realty in Burlington, has been named the recipient of the Vermont Realtors® (VR) Good Neighbor Award.

“Each year, VR recognizes one individual who has made an extraordinary impact on their community through volunteer work,” said Isaac Chavez, CEO for Vermont Realtors®. “Brian has made an incredible difference in his community through his involvement in numerous community initiatives and non-profit organizations.”

Ledyard National Bank has announced that president and CEO, Kathryn G. Underwood, has been awarded the New Hampshire Bankers Association’s Community Banker of the Year Award for 2015.

BioTek President & CEO, Briar Alpert, has been nominated for a two-year term as ALDA’s Vice Chair – Chair Elect, and will assume the chairmanship following this term. The Analytical, Life Science & Diagnostics Association (ALDA) is the industry trade association for companies that develop and supply life science, analytical and diagnostics products and services. Briar Alpert has been a member of the ALDA Board of Directors since 2007.

SYNERGY HomeCare, the Champlain Valley’s newest non-medical homecare provider is pleased to announce the addition of Ami Randall to the organization. Ami has been an advocate for community elders since her tenure with a local continuing care retirement community beginning in 2006. With a background in senior living and marketing, her focus with SYNERGY will be the establishment of community partnerships in support of seniors needing help in the home. SYNERGY also provides assistance to persons in need of support after surgery, during cancer treatment, and post-partum.

Gov. Peter Shumlin and Corrections Commissioner Lisa Menard announced that Cheryl Ward Elovirta has been appointed Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Corrections (DOC), making the first all-female leadership team at the Department in Vermont history. Elovirta replaces Menard, who was appointed Commissioner after Andy Pallito was appointed Commissioner of Finance.

Elovirta brings nineteen years of human service and criminal justice experience, most recently serving as a Field Services Operations Manager for the Department of Corrections..

In a ceremony recently held on the center green of the hospital’s campus, Brattleboro Retreat officials, staff, and supporters gathered to dedicate a new bronze statue, created and donated by sculptor Susan Read Cronin, to outgoing President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robert E. Simpson.

The whimsical 7’ sculpture entitled “XXO” depicts an elephant writing the word “Courage” into the poured-cement patio on which the piece was installed.

Burak Anderson & Melloni, PLC is pleased to announce that G. Russ McCracken has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Mr. McCracken graduated from Columbia University School of Law, where he was a member of the editorial board of the Columbia Law Review. He most recently worked as a corporate associate at Davis Polk and Wardwell in New York City. He will continue his practice in BA&M’s Business Transactions group.

The Board of Directors of the Vermont Council on World Affairs announces the appointment of Patricia Preston to the position of Executive Director on January 1, 2016. The VCWA's current Executive Director, Dr. Gail Stevenson, will be retiring after more than six years at the helm of the organization. "Global affairs has been my passion my entire life," notes Dr. Stevenson, "and the VCWA has been a leader in bringing the world to Vermont, and Vermont to the world."