The Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has recognized Vermont residents Meaghan Diffenderfer (pictured) and Maura O’Brian with 2025 Worksite Wellness Outstanding Contributor Awards for their extraordinary efforts to support co-worker health and wellbeing.
Diffenderfer, human resources administrative coordinator for the city of Burlington, was honored for her leadership in providing city employees with access to locally grown produce through Community Supported Agriculture farm shares; advocating for work-life balance and increased downtime; and encouraging cross-department engagement.
O’Brian, who has led the employee wellness department for the state of Vermont for 20 years, was recognized for transforming the state's wellness initiatives. Her work incorporated holistic and inclusive opportunities, including wellness screenings and vaccination clinics for thousands of state workers, challenges to promote movement, mental health care reminders, and health and wellness coaching to help employees achieve their goals.