Johnson State College has appointed Jamey Ventura as the college’s new Director of Athletics and Recreation. He replaces longtime athletics director Barbara Lougee, who retired in January.

Ventura brings more than seven years of combined experience as athletics director and women’s soccer coach at Wells College in Aurora, N.Y., and Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vt. Ventura facilitated impressive growth and development of the athletic departments at both of those NCAA Division III institutions.

The Center for Research on Vermont is pleased to announce that Executive Director Emeritus and Founder of the Vermont Folklife Center, Jane C. Beck, PhD, has received the Center’s Lifetime Achievement Award, according to Director Cheryl Morse. Beck, of Ripton, VT, was inducted as the recipient of the award for her enduring contributions to research vital to the culture of the state and citizens of Vermont. She received the honor at the Center’s annual meeting on May 5, 2011, at the University of Vermont (UVM).

Richard Morin has joined the growing team at Spike Advertising as an art director. For the past eight years Richard owned and operated his own boutique design agency, RPM Design, which focused on sports, fashion, music and outdoor industries. In his new position at Spike, Richard’s duties will include developing concepts and creative for print, broadcast and online campaigns. Located in Burlington, Vermont, Spike Advertising is a compact company offering powerful solutions for clients who understand that marketing is an investment in the success of their operation.

John Bramley B.Sc., Ph.D., D.Sc., of Colchester, has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont.

Dr. Bramley, who was elected at the Board’s meeting in May, recently retired from his position as President and CEO of the Windham Foundation (2007-2011) after a lengthy career at the University of Vermont. Dr. Bramley served the university as its provost and senior vice president, dean of the college of agriculture and life sciences, and chair of the department of animal sciences.

William G. Keys Jr. joined the Saint Michael's College IT (information technology) department, with links to the marketing department, last month, as a web content management specialist, bringing his skills to the college’s development of a new website.

Bill Keys completed a master’s degree in computer science from Marist College in December 2010, and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Plattsburgh State University in December 2006.

Kim Deetjen, Principal of Interiors for TruexCullins Architecture and Interior Design is featured in the nationally accredited publication, Hospitality Design Magazine, May/June Issue. The article,The Suite Life, features the newest remodel of 22 cottages and suites at the Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa in downtown Sausalito, California.

Sara Blum completed the purchase of PostScript, Inc. from Peter Post and Tricia Post and is now President & CEO of the firm. Blum joined PostScript in 1987, most recently serving as President and Managing Partner. Blum was promoted to Vice President in 2004, assuming the agency's internal managerial role, as well as overseeing the financial aspects of the company. Through the years Blum has held almost every position in the company moving from typesetter to art director to senior art director and new media director. Blum graduated from the University of Vermont.

The Community Health Center of Burlington (CHCB) is pleased to announce the following clinical staff new hires:

Lianna Percy, PA-C is a 7th generation Vermonter who grew up in Burlington and joined CHCB in April. She graduated from UVM and completed a second B.S. in nutrition at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland and her Physician Assistant program at George Washington University. Lianna is thrilled to be back in Vermont and is looking forward to working in her home community at CHCB.

Each year, with endowed funds donated by Union Bank, Johnson State College (JSC) awards scholarships to students at JSC who show great promise of civic and business leadership and have excellent academic records, involvement in community service, and financial need. Recipients must live in one of the communities served by the bank. Awards are made both to traditional students and to part-time students enrolled in JSC’s External Degree Program.

Awards for the 2011-12 academic year were announced at the JSC Honors Convocation in May. Recipients are:

Redstone is pleased to announce the addition of Kevin Casey as the Director of our Property Management Team. Kevin Casey has always had an interest in real estate, architecture and urban planning. After graduating from the University of Buffalo in 1996 he pursued his graduate work in Urban Planning with a focus on historic preservation at The University of Buffalo School of Architecture and Urban Planning.