Andrea McGill-O’Rourke calls it “serendipitous.”

She was helping her son search for a job as a social worker when she happened upon Gifford Medical Center’s Web site, www.giffordmed.org. The hospital was hiring not for a social worker but for a vice president of operations.

“Wait, that’s my job,” McGill-O’Rourke remembers saying.

A Connecticut native who once owned a second home in Vermont, McGill-O’Rourke was living and working in Maine at a job and hospital she greatly enjoyed – Blue Hill Memorial.

Monika Ursiny was presented the 2009 CEMS Outstanding Staff Member Award during a 2009 UVM CEMS Holiday Celebration held Thursday, December 17, 2009 in the Fleming Museum by Bernard “Chip” Cole, Interim Dean of the College. Ursiny was recognized for her achievements in her role as Budget Manager for the College.

“Monika is a long-time CEMS employee who has been an invaluable resource to the College,” says Bernard ‘Chip” Cole, Interim Dean of the UVM College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.

The board of directors of Opportunities Credit Union has named Cheryl Fatnassi as the CEO and President. Fatnassi has over 29 years working in financial services. She was the former Senior Vice President for IT Systems at Banknorth and had previously managed all aspects of technology and retail banking, CRA and compliance. She also has experience with capital campaigns and grant writing from prior non-profit experience.

(Burlington) Burlington attorney Robert D. Rachlin, senior director of the law firm Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC, celebrated his 50th anniversary this month with the law firm that bears his name. He was honored at the firm’s annual holiday dinner, held at the Stoweflake Resort and Conference Center.