The Vermont Long-Term Disaster Recovery Group, a nonprofit organization that oversees the Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund and helps to coordinate disaster relief in the state, has elected Chris Graff as chair, Patti Komline as vice chair and four other new members to its board.
Graff, a former correspondent with The Associated Press and former vice president of communications at National Life Group, was a founding director of the VTLRG in 2011 and served as its chair for two years following Tropical Storm Irene. He replaces Samara Coble, who led the group since 2017 and will remain on the board.
Komline, manager of government relations at Downs, Rachlin, Martin and a former state representative, served as the disaster recovery director of the Stratton Foundation during the Irene recovery, providing assistance to individuals in 16 towns.
The other new members of the board are Neale Lunderville, CEO of Vermont Gas Systems, and former state Reps. Janet Ancel, Maxine Grad and Kitty Toll.
The Vermont Disaster Recovery Fund is set up to help individuals affected by disasters after they have exhausted all other sources of assistance. The fund can provide grants of up to $25,000.