Jess Robinson is Vermont’s new State Archaeologist. He is the second State Archaeologist to serve Vermont, since the General Assembly established the position in 1976. Jess replaces Giovanna Peebles, who retired after 38 years of service to the State.

“I’m excited to expand upon the strong foundation that Giovanna laid for the state’s archaeological heritage,” Robinson said. “I look forward to applying new and emerging technologies to augment the stewardship and preservation efforts that are the mission of Vermont’s Division for Historic Preservation.”

Jeff Somple, president, Mack Molding Northern Division, has assumed the presidency of all of Mack Molding, which includes five manufacturing facilities in Vermont, North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as Mack Prototype, a prototyping and low-volume manufacturing facility in Massachusetts, and Synectic, an engineering services group in Connecticut. Don Kendall will remain as CEO and chairman of the privately held Mack Group, which includes Mack Molding and Mack Technologies. Somple will report to him.

David Silverman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank is pleased to announce Jerry D. Peterson has been selected as the Bank’s new Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Loan Officer. Peterson joined the Bank on August 25th, and is responsible for leading the commercial lending team, growing and managing the commercial loan portfolio, coordinating commercial lending activities, and promoting the Bank’s commercial lending services and products throughout northern Vermont and northwestern New Hampshire.

Dr. John J. Cope has joined SVMC General Surgery and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Putnam Physician Group. For Dr. Cope, a medical career offered an ideal way to combine his interest in science with his desire to work with people in a personal way.

“I had a real pull towards biology in school,” said Dr. Cope. “Becoming a surgeon has been the perfect way for me to develop my interest in the subject while also experiencing the satisfaction of working in a field where I can care for others.”

The northern New England law firm of Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC has recently added a second patent advisor to its Intellectual Property Practice Group. Dr. Keegan M. Caldwell willassist clients and attorneys with patent preparation and prosecution, primarily in the fields of software and chemistry. He holds a doctorate in chemistry with an emphasis in physical chemistry from the George Washington University, a bachelor of science degree in biomedical science from Western Michigan University and received meritorious promotions in the United States Marine Corps.