The Bank of Bennington has promoted Heather Kinney to vice president of deposit operations and Elizabeth Buckley to vice president of human resources.

Kinney began her career with the bank in 1999 has since progressed through various roles within the deposit operations department, most recently serving as assistant vice president. In her new position, she will continue to focus on expanding and enhancing the bank's deposit and digital products and services to meet the evolving needs of customers.

Kent Huntoon, a preschool teacher at Lund in South Burlington, heads a list of six early-childhood educators and advocates who were honored Oct. 29 by the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children.

Huntoon, who teaches in Lund’s early-childhood education program, was named VTAEYC's Early Childhood Educator of the Year in recognition of his commitment to high-quality, inclusive education for young children, as well as his leadership and dedication to building strong relationships with families.

Vermont Student Assistance Corp. has hired Jeff Kellar as director of finance and controller and promoted longtime employee Rosanne Nelson to director of information technology and project management.

Kellar, a licensed CPA and alumnus of Saint Michael’s College, comes to VSAC with a strong background in finance. His experience includes serving as controller for Vermont College of Fine Arts and as an auditor at the Office of the Vermont State Auditor.

National Life Group has appointed Yuan Eichstedt as vice president of capital management, leading capital initiatives that will enable the company’s sustainable and responsible growth.

With 25 years of experience, Eichstedt is a seasoned leader with extensive expertise in life and annuity reinsurance and mergers and acquisitions markets. Her skill set spans multiple disciplines, including M&A underwriting, actuarial science, accounting and taxation.