Burlington College Board Chair Adam Dantzscher announced the appointment of three business leaders to the College’s Board of Trustees. The new trustees are Yves Bradley, Vice President of Commercial Brokerage at Pomerleau Real Estate; Tom Torti, President of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Megan Smith, Commissioner of Tourism and Marketing for the State of Vermont. They have been elected to 3-year terms.
“The new trustees will bring a wealth of talent and experience to our board, and by extension, Burlington College,”says Dantzscher. “I am confident that the College will benefit from their ideas and skill sets, and I look forward to working closely with the entire board and senior leadership team as we pursue the exciting opportunities ahead of us.”
Yves Bradley, Vice President of Commerical Brokerage at Pomerleau Real Estate, has brokered property sales for businesses such as the Innovation Center of Vermont, Panera Bread, the Bluebird Tavern, and El Cortijo y Cantina. In addition to his business experience, Yves has a rich history of serving on boards and commissions for organizations such as H.O.P.E. Works, the Burlington Planning Commission, the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, the South End Arts and Business Association, the Chittenden County Commercial Real Estate Association, and the Community Sailing Center.
“I believe that Burlington College has an opportunity to respond to the education needs of the State of Vermont that is unrivaled. With the ability that the College has to respond immediately to trends and needs in education within the market, they are in a unique position, which speaks volumes to their long-term future.” – Yves Bradley.
Tom has been President of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce since October of 2006. Previously, Tom served for sixteen years in senior cabinet positions within state government. He was Director of the Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs, Commissioner of Personnel; Commissioner of Buildings and General Services; Deputy Secretary of Administration; and Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources. Tom has been actively involved in this community and the region serving on the Essex Select Board; Planning Commission; Chittenden County Transportation Authority; the Maple Leaf Farms’ Board of Directors; little league and soccer boards and coaching youth sports. He currently serves on the boards of RunVermont; COTS; Hunger Free Vermont; and the Vermont Council on World Affairs; and is a member of the Friends of Northern Lake Champlain.
“I am thrilled to join the Board of Burlington College. I became acquainted with the College by taking one of its courses. I quickly realized that the quality, commitment and excitement of the students, faculty and staff was exceptional. I want to be involved with enterprises that exude these characteristics and that celebrate the uniqueness of each individual.” – Tom Torti.
Megan Smith, currently the Commissioner of Tourism and Marketing for the State of Vermont, started her career at Hyatt Hotels and also worked for Au Bon Pain. In 1995, Megan and her husband purchased The Vermont Inn in Mendon, which they owned and operated until 2007. She has also been the president of the Killington Chamber of Commerce, a small business advisor for the VTSBDC, an instructor at both the Resort Management Program at Green Mountain College Killington Campus and CCV. Megan also developed the Vermont Marble Trail, served in the State Legislature and established the Vermont Tourism Caucus.
“One of the goals I set when I joined the Shumlin administration was to work within the education community to elevate our Hospitality Business programs. I hope to use my experience in the industry to help create a unique program that will educate Vermonters in a field that will keep them here upon graduation in satisfying careers.”- Megan Smith.
This addition of board members is part of an ongoing effort by Board Chair Adam Dantzscher and President Christine Plunkett to grow the Board of Trustees. “These three individuals believe strongly in the mission and vision of Burlington College,” says President Christine Plunkett. “We couldn’t be more honored to have them join our Board.” Since President Plunkett’s appointment in June of 2012 and her subsequent appointment of a new executive council, the College has seen unprecedented growth in enrollment.
