The Board of Directors for Lund announced today that education and public policy leader, Patricia (Tricia) Coates will serve as interim executive director for the organization. Coates will take over for Barbara Rachelson who led the organization for more than twenty years. Throughout her career, Coates has established herself as an effective advocate for policies that strengthen Vermont communities. Lund provides family support, mental health and substance use disorder treatment, adoption services and education programs to hundreds in our community through proven methods that inspire hope and create opportunity for those in need.
“We are excited to welcome Tricia as our interim leader to continue the legacy of Lund and help us chart a course for the future,” said Emily Lee, Chair of the Board of Directors for Lund. “Tricia is the right leader at this time of transition. To fulfill our mission of breaking the cycle of poverty, addiction and abuse, we need strong leadership at every level and the ongoing support of our community. I want to thank the staff and the community for their continued dedication.”
Tricia most recently served as Director of External and Governmental Affairs for the Vermont State Colleges System where she developed policies and initiatives to create greater access to educational opportunities and support sustainability efforts for the system. Coates also served for eight years as Congressman Peter Welch’s state director where she managed every facet of the Congressman’s Vermont operation. She also provided strategic counsel on education, economic and community development, agriculture, natural resources, municipal issues, civil rights, international relations, and appropriations. Prior to that, Coates was a teacher and history department chair at the Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls. Coates got her public service and policy start in the office of Senator Patrick Leahy.
“I am truly looking forward to supporting the continued success of Lund’s staff and leaders and to building on its strengths so Lund can continue to make an impact in our community,” said Coates. “So many Vermonters have Lund stories. A family member received a helping hand at the right time. The life of a cousin, a neighbor, or a friend changed direction because Lund was there to help. For others, their Lund story is about giving back — volunteering or contributing funds — because they know that it transforms lives. Whatever your Lund story, the common themes are always inspiring and I am honored to be a part of this organization.”
Tricia is active in the community volunteering for Spectrum Youth and Family Services, she served on the board of the Vermont Council on Rural Development and is a current member of the board of Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. She lives in Jericho with her husband, Michael Carrese and their two daughters, Madeleine and Maria. Coates will begin in early December. To learn more about Lund, visit https://lundvt.org/