Vermont engineers Jeffrey Tucker of Barre Town and Jordan Duffy of Richmond have been named tops in their profession for 2024 by the state's professional engineering societies.

Community Bank has promoted David Schalk to commercial banking group manager in New England. In his new role, Schalk will be responsible for managing the Vermont and Massachusetts commercial lending teams.

Schalk joined Community Bank in 2021 as a relationship manager. He previously worked at People’s United Bank for 34 years as vice president of commercial real estate finance.

Alden Smith, former longtime director of the Mountain School of Milton Academy in Vershire, has been named the next executive director of the Quechee-based Vermont Institute of Natural Science. He will begin work April 1 and succeed Charles Rattigan, who has led the institute for the last almost 10 years.

Smith will serve as chief strategist, fundraiser, educational leader and operational manager of the organization, which comprises 32 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees and volunteers. He will report to the board of trustees.