People in the news

John Ryan, director of assessment in the College of Education and Human Ecology at Ohio State University, has been appointed director of institutional research by Jane Knodell, provost and senior vice president, effective March 1.

Krystal Smith of the Hannaford Supermarket on North Ave, Burlington, bested other competitors from across the country to become the 2011 National Grocers Association “Best Bagger.” The competition, sponsored by ConAgra Foods, took place February 14, 2011 during the NGA annual convention and expo at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

Vermont Natural Resources Council Executive Director Elizabeth Courtney announced today that VNRC has made several changes to its staff responsibilities and titles.

FairPoint Communications recognized its outstanding sales leaders at the annual company wide sales gathering earlier this month.

Emily McDonald recently joined the Vermont Lake Monsters organization as the Director of Community Relations and Promotions, the New York-Penn League single-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics announced today.

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. announces that Aaron Guyette, PE has been appointed project manager in the firm’s North Ferrisburgh, Vt. office.

Luke Drabyn, 18, of Grafton and Katherine Ham, 13, of Sheffield today were named Vermont's top two youth volunteers for 2011 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.

Karen Henderson’s woven paintings express her interest in the connections between self, place, emotion and time. The seasons, atmospheres and the time of day intrigue her. “I try to recreate these natural occurrences, evoking emotions that I associate with them through the use of color, line, and texture,” Karen explains.

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company is proud to formally announce the appointment of Rick Woods as Vice President of Creamery Operations. Rick Woods will be head of cheese production and research both at our South Woodstock creamery and also at our new Windsor, VT production and affinage facility coming online in the summer of 2011.

Davis & Hodgdon Associates CPAs are happy to announce that Geoff Robertson, MBA has joined their firm.

The Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Northern Vermont held its Annual Meeting recently and elected Officers and Board members to serve the 2011 term. Stu MacDonald of Closet Crafters was elected President, Todd Leach of Leach Construction- Vice-President of Education, Brad Dousevicz of Dousevicz, Inc.- Vice-President of Financials, Todd Warren- Vice-President of Associates.

Growth is on the horizon as Gordon’s Window Décor, a local family business that has been manufacturing custom window treatments in Essex Junction for 25 years, transitions to the next generation.