The Green Mountain State welcomes back hospitality veteran Gary S. Thulander to its community, as he assumes the role of President and General Manager for the venerable Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, VT, effective November 1, 2013. Thulander was selected by the Woodstock Resort Corporation Board of Directors for his extensive experience managing distinctive independent resorts in high-profile locations.

Thulander is charged with providing leadership, strategic direction and vision for the resort as well as overseeing operational and asset management.

Claude Deschamps, MD, Chair of Surgery at the Mayo Clinic, has been named president and chief executive officer of the University of Vermont Medical Group and senior associate dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, effective January 2014.

“I consider it a ‘success story’ when a student comes to see more clearly why they, and all other persons, possess intrinsic dignity and worth,” said Peter Tumulty, professor and chair of philosophy at Saint Michael's College, “when this has become so much more than just a politically-correct slogan.”

Primmer is pleased to announce that Nicole Bodoh Jacobson, who has her LL.M. in taxation from the Temple University Beasley School of Law, has joined our law firm as Of Counsel. Nicole concentrates her practice in corporate and tax law.

Rock Point Advisors, a Burlington-based investment management firm, recently welcomed Jean I. Sievert, CFA and Jason J. Frank, CFP® to their team. Jean brings over 30 years of experience conducting equity and credit research to her role as Director of Research. Most recently she served as a Senior Vice President at Putnam Investments in Boston. Jason will lead the firm's financial planning offering and manage client relationships. He previously worked as a Private Banker at Morgan Stanley.

Andrew Conte announces the successful launch of Vermont Occupational Health Consultants, LLC. Andy has been a successful part of the workplace health and safety community for more than 20 years. Based in Milton, VTOHC provides a full range of safety and health training, including OSHA training, to area businesses. In addition, VTOHC is an authorized Drug Testing Consortium, providing mobile testing, collection, and program management services to Vermont businesses. Andy can be reached at 802-88105336 or through www.vtohc.com

Richard “Dick” Mazza, operator of Mazza’s General Store and a Vermont state senator, was honored at the recent Vermont Food Industry Convention with the Vermont Grocers Association Person of the Year. Mazza began working with his father in 1954 when they opened a small market in Colchester at the ripe old age of 15. He purchased the store in 1965 and continues to own and operate the market today, some 59 years later, making him one of the lon¬gest serving grocers in Vermont.

“What matters most is to get kids in regular class and for them to have regular lives,” said Saint Michael’s Professor Mary Beth Doyle, a teacher of teachers, expert in education for students with disabilities.

At the annual Saint Michael’s College Academic Convocation on September 27th, Professor Doyle was awarded the 2013 Scholarship and Artistic Achievement Award, as selected by her faculty colleagues.

Religious studies professor, Ray Patterson, was recognized for his tireless commitment to educating the “whole person” and was awarded the 2013 Saint Michael's College Norbert A. Kuntz Service Award. Selected by his faculty colleagues, Professor Patterson received the award at the annual Academic Convocation held on campus September 27th.

“For over a decade, Ray Patterson has demonstrated his commitment to educating the whole person by integrating the academic, social, and spiritual dimensions of the student experience,” his colleagues said.

In September, John Forgit joined the Design department at The Vermont Teddy Bear Co. as the Creative Director. In this role he will be responsible for establishing, leading and directing the overarching creative strategy, guiding a team of graphic designers and copywriters. Prior to being apart of the Bear Crew, John was the Marketing Director for a Trade Show Exhibit and Kiosk/Retail design and marketing company.