Gifford Medical Center Vice President of Operations Andrea McGill-O’Rourke Saturday earns her Ph.D. from the University of Maine at Orono after six years of study.

A Rochester resident, McGill-O’Rourke will earn her doctorate degree in education with a specialization in higher education. In addition to her work at Gifford, she is a long-time educator, currently teaching in the Health Care Management program at Champlain College.

The Vermont Arts Council is pleased to announce two outstanding contributors to Vermont’s cultural community will be honored with the Walter Cerf Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts: Arnie Malina and Altoon Sultan. Both recipients will be honored in a ceremony on June 5, 2012 at the Vermont State House in Montpelier, VT.

Patrick J. Bernal, of Manchester, has joined the law practice of Witten, Woolmington & Campbell, P.C. as a trial attorney.

Commenting on Bernal joining the firm was partner Ed Campbell, “Patrick’s background makes him an excellent addition to our firm. Patrick’s experience in litigating complex commercial matters, including insurance disputes, is a major plus for our clients.”

The eleventh annual Rose Black Nursing Excellence Awards at Central Vermont Medical Center were presented to three outstanding women who provide their patients with superior and compassionate nursing care. Dr. Percy Black, Rose Black’s son, welcomed everyone and gave thanks to today’s award recipients and all of the nurses at CVMC, on behalf of his mother and the Black family.

Sharon Miller joined the Redstone Team in April 2012 as a Property Management Assistant & Lease Administrator. Along with the experience of owning a business, she also brings with her years of experience in Property Management and Customer Service.

Senator Bill Doyle will attend a Leadership Forum at Brown University on May 10-12. The conference is presented by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and Brown University.

The topic will be: “Restoring the People’s Trust in Government.” The conference will discuss legislative leadership and the vital role it plays in defining who we are as a people and charting our course in the future. Some of the top speakers on the legislative process in the nation will be on the program as well as professors from Brown University.

Megan Skiles has joined Sp!ke Advertising as Marketing Projects Manager, serving in the areas of strategic planning, creative development and project management. Prior to joining Sp!ke, Megan was the National Coordinator for Burton Snowboards’ Chill Foundation, and she was recognized with the Governor Award for Outstanding Community Service to the State of Vermont.

Bread Loaf Corporation, the Vermont firm of architects, planners and builders, is pleased to announce that Tom Loyzelle has joined Bread Loaf Corporation as a Manager of Mechanical Electrical Plumbing Services. Tom received his Associates in Science – Architectural and Building Engineering Program from Vermont Technical College. Tom has over twenty-three years of experience in consulting engineering for mechanical systems, including all project aspects from design to construction oversight.

MMIC (Mobile Medical International Corporation) is proud to announce that employee Kimberly White, human resource manager, has been named a “community hero” by the St. Johnsbury Academy Community of Concern selection committee. She and three other honorees will be recognized at the Annual Heroes Dinner taking place at 6 p.m. on May 10, 2012 at the South Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury, VT.