The Vermont Agency™ is pleased to announce that Garry Kinder of Kinder Brothers International (KBI) in Dallas, Texas awarded the prestigious “Soaring Eagle” award to firm principal, Randall Raner at the annual Soaring of the Eagles conference. After more than 50 years’ experience in leadership management for the insurance industry around the globe, KBI has recognized just 14 other field leaders with this award.

Berkshire Bank has named Laraine B. Smith vice president and wealth advisor for the Vermont Region of the Wealth Management Division. With nearly 40 years of experience, Smith will work with a variety of clients and institutions throughout Berkshire Bank’s Vermont markets, providing investment management, trust administration and asset allocation services.

Having worked in Greater Boston as a Rental Agent and later in accounting for Gibson Sotheby’s International, Molly Turner brings real estate experience to her new position. As Rental Specialist for Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty, Molly will be responsible for developing and managing the firm’s rental department representing landlords, providing tenant searches, managing lease negotiations, and supporting our Agents and Relocation Department.

Kathy Holmes, a Realtor in Colchester, VT, has joined Keller Williams Realty Green Mountain Properties. Kathy chose Vermont as the place she wanted to call home and raise her family almost 40 years ago. She has been a full-time licensed Realtor for over 30 years and has achieved top producer status numerous times over the years. She was an art major first at Dean Jr. College in Massachusetts and completed her degree at Johnson State College while ski-bumming in Stowe in the early 70's.

Mark Chaffee of Mortgage Financial, Inc. has been named one of the nation’s top 150 mortgage originators for 2012 according to mortgage industry trade magazines Scotsman Guide and Mortgage Executive.

Chaffee, who was ranked 134th in the nation, was the only Vermont mortgage professional who made the list. In 2012 Chaffee closed 385 mortgage loans for a total of $92,305,000 in closed volume.

Brian brings an extensive sales and customer service background to his new position as a Buyer’s Agent on the Eileen Townsend team.

Born and raised in northern Maine, he grew up with a very strong work ethic and family values, having worked in his family's successful multi-line car dealership from a young age until his mid-20s. Upon graduation from Husson College with Bachelors in Business Administration, he returned to Maine to continue working in the family business and then later began his career in corporate retail management.

Laura Abbott, Senior Credit Officer at Merchants Bank, announced that Cheryl Houchens has joined the bank as Loan Compliance and CRA (Community Reinvestment Act) Officer.

Houchens brings more than 20 years’ experience in banking to her new position. She will be responsible for ensuring the bank’s compliance with all loan-related state and federal regulations, and overseeing its extension of credit and investment in community development programs.

Kelley Jordick, Community Banking Division Manager at Merchants Bank, announced the appointment of Erika Baldasaro as Community Banking Manager for the College Street and North Avenue, Burlington locations.

Maple Leaf Farm is pleased to announce the addition of Jessica D. Bridge to its Board of Directors. Ms. Bridge, a graduate of UNLV, is a realtor for RE/MAX North Professionals and is President of the Winooski Community Partnership.

Guiyou Huang, Norwich University’s senior vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of faculty, has named new deans to lead two of the university’s academic colleges.

Aron Temkin, interim dean of the College of Professional Schools, will assume his position permanently effective July 1, 2013. Dr. Michael McGinnis has been hired as dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, effective July 10.