People in the news

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports has named Program Director Felicia Fowler as recipient of its 2025 Kellen Sams Memorial Leadership Award.

Sanborn, Head & Associates, a New Hampshire-based engineering and technical consulting firm with a Burlington, Vermont, office, announced year-end promotions for Jonathan Hillman and Derek Long, and appointed Sean Murphy, and reappointed Barret Cole and Charlie Head to its Board of Directors.

Alex Halpern (pictured), president at Freeman French Freeman, has been elected chair of the Lake Champlain Chamber Board of Directors, effective Jan. 1. He succeeds Heather Ross, director and shareholder at Sheehey, Furlong and Behm, who completed her term as chair at the end of 2025.

The High Fives Foundation, a national leader in outdoor safety education and adaptive sports support, has named Essex Junction para-athlete Ryan McLaren as its 2025 M. Scott Roberds Athlete of the Year — one of the organization's highest honors.

Nick Charyk, a strategic communications leader with more than 15 years' experience in Vermont policy, politics and campaigns, has joined the Burlington law firm Downs Rachlin Martin as manager of government and public affairs.

John Mullett, former executive director of the National Life Group Foundation, has been appointed president and CEO of the organization. In this new role, Mullett fully manage the day-to-day operations of National Life's charitable arm while continuing to serve as the company's director of community relations.

The Association of Vermont Credit Unions, a not-for-profit trade association representing Vermont's credit unions, has announced the promotion of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Carrie Allen to president and CEO, effective Jan. 1. She succeeds long-tenured leader Joe Bergeron, who retired at the end of 2025.

University of Vermont Health has appointed Dr. Stephen Leffler as CEO, formalizing a role he has held on an interim basis since October. He will continue to serve as president at University of Vermont Medical Center.

Ned Coletta, president at Casella Waste Systems since November 2023, has been promoted to CEO as part of a months-long succession plan at the Rutland-based resource management services company. Former CEO John W. Casella, who guided the company for five decades, has transitioned to executive chairman of the board.

Burlington Telecom, a local leader in high-speed fiber broadband, has announced the promotion of Controller Mike Callahan to president and general manager. He succeeds Mike Loucy, who retired on Dec. 31.

Madeline M. Motta, assistant judge at the Superior Court of Lamoille County, has been appointed to the Vermont Commission on Women, the state’s nonpartisan commission working to advance rights and opportunities for cisgender and transgender women and girls and gender-expansive people in Vermont.

Thomas Renner, city councilor and interim mayor of Winooski, has been appointed to the Board of Directors at Cathedral Square, a local nonprofit dedicated to creating affordable housing for older adults and adults with diverse needs.