Lyndon State College Professor John DeLeo, a certified Geographic Information Systems Professional, spent a week in Costa Rica in November training students and faculty at the Costa Rican School for Field Studies (SFS) in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. DeLeo and his students have been working with the SFS since 2003 to create detailed maps that will help develop an environmentally sensitive land-use plan for the region.

Lauren Schechter, Project Coordinator at PostScript, Inc., the Burlington-based marketing and public relations firm, was named as a board member to the YWCA. Schechter will work in concert with other board members to uphold the mission of the YWCA to support programs that eliminate racism, provide opportunities for growth, leadership and power for women and girls of all ages, races, cultures and creeds.

(St. Johnsbury) Wynne W. Browne of Peacham has been awarded the Diane R. Lynch Distinguished Service Award at Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC. The award is given annually to an employee who has demonstrated the loyalty, dedication, energy, drive, selflessness, good nature, humor and commitment that former human resources manager Diane Lynch exemplified in her years with the firm. The winner was announced at the firm’s annual holiday dinner, held this month at the Stoweflake Resort and Conference Center.

Chris Bernier of Waterbury Center, has joined Special Olympics Vermont as the organization's new Director of Marketing and Development.

June Heston, long-term President & CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Vermont, is leaving the organization for a position in a larger, recently merged non-profit. When she leaves on December 30, 2009, she will leave a legacy and many accomplishments. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont, which has been in operation since 1989, grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Heston served as a wish granter for the organization, personally bringing joy to many children in Vermont.

NBT Bank Regional President Matt Durkee announced that Kerri Wolynec has been hired as a commercial banking specialist. In this position, she is responsible for providing a full range of support services to the bank’s commercial banking team in Vermont. She is based at the bank’s regional office at 150 Bank Street in Burlington. “Kerri Wolynec plays a key role in coordinating the daily activities of our commercial bankers as they build our customer base in Vermont,” Durkee said.