People in the news

WCAX-TV announced today that Matt Henson will become the news station's New York reporter based out of Plattsburgh.

“Matt has shaped our newscasts as producer and assignment editor and we are delighted he will be taking his skills to the field as a reporter,” said WCAX-TV News Director Anson Tebbetts.

Paul Frank + Collins is pleased to announce that Jeff Wutzke has joined the firm as Of Counsel to head the firm's Property & Development team, and to work with its Energy and Environmental Law team. Mr. Wutzke returns to New England after a dozen years in California and the Southwest, where his practice focused on sophisticated real estate transactions and commercial finance.

WCAX-TV has announced that Scott Waterman has been named the news station's assignment manager and special projects producer. A veteran of the WCAX-TV newsroom, Waterman has worked as a photographer and co-producer for 16 years. His story telling skills have won numerous awards including recognition from the National Press Photographers Association and the Associated Press.

Alec Newcomb, executive vice president of MyWebGrocer, joined the Greater Burlington Y's Board of Directors last week. His nomination was unanimously approved during the organization's annual meeting, held on May 20 at the Burlington Country Club.

Michael R. Tuttle, President and CEO of Merchants Bank, today announced the promotion of Geoffrey R. Hesslink to the office of Executive Vice President. Mr. Hesslink leads the Commercial, Government and Business Banking Division and is Senior Lender.

Attorney Peter D. Van Oot of the northern New England law firm of Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC has moved to the Upper Valley and will continue his land use, environmental and corporate law practice primarily from the firm's Lebanon office.

Mobile Medical International Corporation, based in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, has announced that Rick Cochran, President & CEO is a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010 Award in New England.

Professor David Johnston, who has taught philosophy and film studies at Lyndon State College since 2005, has work included in a new book, "The Philosophy of Horror," edited by Thomas Fahy (University Press of Kentucky, 2010). His essay is titled "Kitsch and Camp and Things that Go Bump in the Night; or Sontag and Adorno at the (Horror) Movies."

Susan Bartlett is happy to announce that Hadley Birkett has joined the campaign as Field Director. Her most recent experience was serving as Field Director for Harry Teague's successful run for Congress in New Mexico. It was the first time that district was won by a democrat since 1980.

The Public Library Association (PLA) has awarded Leadership Fellows scholarships for programs at the Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington and the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.

The Vermont Business Center has announced that Holly Magoon, Marketing Manager at Nikon Precision, has successfully completed the requirements of the Professional Certificate in Leadership and Management.

Ken Libertoff, a leading figure in the Vermont mental health community, will be presented a Legendary Leadership Award by Mental Health America on June 9 at its 2010 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. The honor recognizes Libertoff's lasting contributions to the mental health field and his leadership locally and nationally.