People in the news

CCTV Center for Media & Democracy has announced the hiring of Matthew Gilson (pictured) as operations and finance director and Aubrey Moyer and MJ Rizzo as field producers.

Sandy Bigglestone, deputy commissioner of captive insurance in the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, has announced her intention to step down on Jan. 1, 2026.

Copper Leaf Financial in Williston has announced the promotion of Jackie Thibeault to wealth adviser. In this new role, she will continue to work closely with clients to help them achieve their financial goals, while taking on additional responsibilities in financial planning and relationship management.

Lachlan Francis, associate director of marketing and communications at Landmark College, has been elected chair of the Vermont Democratic Party. At age 29, he becomes one of the youngest state party chairs in the country.

Weston Martin, former director of development at Green Lantern Solar, has joined Cleantech Industry Resources in Burlington as director of operations.

The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region has named Finance and Compliance Manager Shasta Mattino as interim executive director. She will lead the organization until a permanent successor to former Executive Director Lyle Jepson is appointed.

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, a member of the Dartmouth Health Network, has appointed Dr. Estevan Garcia as its next CEO and president. He will succeed Thomas A. Dee, who will retire in early January.

Jill Mazza Olson, former executive director at the not-for-profit home health and hospital agency VNAs of Vermont, has been appointed director of Medicaid in the Department of Vermont Health Access at the Agency of Human Services.

Ken Gobbo, professor emeritus of psychology at Landmark College, has been named the 2025 winner of the Dr. Bradley E. Cox Outstanding Research on Autism in Higher Education Award by the College Autism Network.

Esther Charlestin, chair of the Vermont Commission on Women, has been elected to the National Association of Commissions for Women Board of Directors as a director-at-large and member of the Policy and Governance Committee.

Whitney Calkins, a family medicine physician at University of Vermont Medical Center and assistant professor of family medicine at UVM's Larner College of Medicine, has been named 2025 Physician of the Year by the Vermont Medical Society

Philip Soltau, a volunteer with the AARP Foundation's free tax-assistance program for low- and moderate-income families, has been honored with the 2025 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service in Vermont. This award, AARP’s highest honor, is presented annually to a volunteer who has significantly impacted their community.