Tara Brooks, former director of operations at Heartworks Early Education in Burlington, has been named executive director at Vermont Adult Learning, an organization that helps those 16 and older successfully transition to employment and postsecondary education.
A lifelong Vermonter from Addison County, Brooks believes in leading with kindness, humor and humility and creating a space where everyone feels safe to share their thoughts and ideas. At Heartworks, she managed a staff of 125 across six centers, ensuring the well-being of 450 children.
Brooks previously served as director of the Vergennes Recreation Department, events manager for the Vergennes Opera House, executive director of the Vergennes Partnership and director of after-school and summer services for the Addison Northwest School District. These positions involved overseeing staff, grant management, advocacy, budget management, policy development, implementing procedures expanding revenue streams, and increasing programming.
Brooks is a graduate of Charter Oak State College in Connecticut and holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southern New Hampshire University.